​​In spite of a brief shower and some severe weather predictions before the Walking Lake Pepin (WLP) weekly group walk, six walkers made the hike on the Sand Point Trail on June 17.  There were a few puddles on the trail, but not enough to stop the group from making it to the sandy beach of Lake Pepin to enjoy the beauty of the lake at the end of the trail.
The trail was lush and green from recent rains. The canopy of trees and the thick trail side greenery surrounded the group with a kind of peace that only nature can offer.
A regular walking routine is known to have many benefits for health and wellness.  Heart health, improved lung function and a reduction in obesity and diabetes are some of the proven benefits of walking and all kinds of physical activity.
Recent studies have also proven that time in nature has added health benefits.  Studies suggest that time in nature lowers cortisol levels, which relieves stress, resulting in improved mental health.  Time in nature has also demonstrated improvement in memory, cognitive flexibility and attention.
A 2025 Pew Research Center report revealed that 9 of 10 U.S. adults say they are online every day. Fifteen percent of those 65 and older report they are on the internet constantly while 18 to 29 year olds (62%) are reporting being online constantly.
https://growingfamily.co.uk/exploring-nature/nature-walking-games/
Finding green space to walk in, whether at a city park, a local campground, a state park trail or along a river bank will reduce stress, improve your thinking skills and most likely bring some added happiness to the day.
All community residents are invited to join the weekly WLP group walk on Wednesday evening July 1 at 6:30 pm.  The group will take a walk in Old Frontenac and share some of the history of this special place where time has stood still.
Walkers will meet at 6:30 pm on Wells Street, which is off Garrard Ave (Goodhue County 2).  Updates and changes to the walk schedule due to weather can be found on the Walking Lake Pepin Facebook page.