Local organization encourages families to get out on the trails
Jackson - Hike it Baby, a national organization that encourages women and families to get out into nature and be active as soon as possible after the birthing process, launched a branch in Jackson in June 2015. Hike it Baby hosts free hikes for families to help minimize the effects of postpartum depression in new mothers (and fathers), create a network of like-minded individuals, help families discover new parts of their cities, and teach children an appreciation for nature from birth and beyond. The organization was founded by Shanti Hodges in 2013 in Portland, Oregon. It has since grown branches in over 135 cities with over 43,000 members in 3 countries from Anchorage to Austin to Asheville and now to Jackson.
Local organization encourages families to get out on the trails
Jackson - Hike it Baby, a national organization that encourages women and families to get out into nature and be active as soon as possible after the birthing process, launched a branch in Jackson in June 2015. Hike it Baby hosts free hikes for families to help minimize the effects of postpartum depression in new mothers (and fathers), create a network of like-minded individuals, help families discover new parts of their cities, and teach children an appreciation for nature from birth and beyond. The organization was founded by Shanti Hodges in 2013 in Portland, Oregon. It has since grown branches in over 135 cities with over 43,000 members in 3 countries from Anchorage to Austin to Asheville and now to Jackson.
Danna Nims, a mother from Jackson, was introduced to Hike it Baby when looking for hiking trails in her community. “I love that Hike it Baby has given me the opportunity to meet new families while enjoying the great outdoors and learning more about my community”.
Additionally, Hike it Baby offers various challenges to its members 5 times per year. The first challenge was launched on November 1, 2014, and encouraged members to hike 30 miles in 30 days. 350 families logged nearly 10,000 miles during this event. The next challenge begins September 1, 2015. Prizes are awarded for those that attempt the challenges. There is still time to register!
Currently, Hike it Baby Jackson hosts one to three hikes per week. In the future, the Jackson branch hopes to have more of a variety of hikes and times available, from coffee walks to urban strolls to child-led walks to adult paced hikes, our goal is to get children outside.
For more information, please visit www.hikeitbaby.com. Interested in joining in on a Hike it Baby hike? Please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/hikeitbabyjacksonmi/