Community Outreach on Gentle Trails Program Proves Successful

Since January, Joan O’Connor has been busy spreading the word about Greenbelt’s Gentle Trails Program. Her primary focus has been on outreach to organizations that serve an older adult population, such as councils on aging, senior centers, and assisted living facilities. She has also targeted dozens of libraries and community organizations. To date, Joan has distributed more than 1,500 copies of Greenbelt’s “At Your Own Pace” trail guide and hosted four educational walks on Allyn Cox Reservation in Essex.

“There are so many positive health benefits associated with getting older adults out walking in nature,” says Joan, Volunteer Program Assistant at Greenbelt. “In addition to physical exercise, they’re also socializing, building community, and learning about Greenbelt’s conservation efforts. The overall response to the program has been extremely positive.”

The Gentle Trails Program was launched last year and consists of a curated collection of 21 Greenbelt properties that are well-suited to those seeking leisurely strolls and breathtaking views. The trails featured in the program are short and gently graded, offering visitors easy access to scenic landscapes and viewing platforms. In addition to older adults, they are perfect for families with young children.

OspreyCam Connection

While out distributing information about the Gentle Trails Program earlier this summer, Joan unexpectedly ran into some super fans of Greenbelt’s OspreyCam at the Georgetown Council on Aging. “When I walked in, they had the cam up on their computer monitor and said members often stopped by to ask about Annie and Squam,” she says, referring to the Osprey featured on the cam who are nesting on a platform in Gloucester. “Sometimes the staff even share the cam on the big screen in the activity room.”

Building on this initial Osprey connection, the activity coordinator at the Georgetown Council on Aging asked if Greenbelt would be interested in offering an educational talk on the subject to its members. Dave Rimmer, Director of Stewardship, who leads the Osprey Program, was happy to oblige and will be presenting at the organization this August.