Movement. As a society, we're always being told that we need more "movement" in our daily lives. And while it's true that adults and children will certainly benefit from moving more, wouldn't it be nice if an educational component could be added to this activity?

Outdoor Recreation was identified as a major area of programming for the Gallatin County Extension Service. And as such, we have offered several opportunities for Gallatin County residents to not only increase physical activity, but to also learn something in the process.

Since September of 2023, the Extension Service has conducted eight nature hikes at Hartig Park & Wildlife Preserve. Two of these hikes were targeted towards parents with children, three towards teens, and three towards the general public.

During the autumn hikes, participants learned how to identify trees and shrubs by leaf shape and fall color. During winter, they learned about bark characteristics of common forest trees. And during the spring hikes, most of the emphasis was on flowering trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.

In all, over 60 people participated in the nature hikes. Show of hands surveys revealed that as a result of the nature hikes:

- the majority could better identify trees, shrubs, and wildflowers;

- the majority felt safer in the woods and would likely find more opportunities to hike;

- the majority recognized that, even though the hikes were not overly strenuous, they tired too easily and should try to exercise more.