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A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
Kansas City, Mo. – A hammock hike is about a stroll in the woods and then a relaxed pause to take in the sights, sounds, and smells with greater focus on nature. Health experts believe nature has healing powers for mind and body. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer free guided Hammock Hikes from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, and from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. The sessions are part of the Nature Rx series being led by Lisa Richter, MDC naturalist.
Participants will learn how to choose a good spot to tie up a hammock and secure it safely. Then Richter will discuss how to use the body’s various senses to heighten awareness of nature around you to gain health benefits such as reducing stress. MDC can provide hammocks and participants can also bring blankets for relaxing on the ground.
“This prescription is two-fold,” Richter said. “The instruction helps you to be mentally prepared to get the most out of your nature time, and to get out in nature with a focus each time.”
The Hammock Hikes are open to participants ages 18 and older. COVID-19 safety precautions will be observed. Registration is required. To register for the May 14 hike, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4wW. To register for the May 17 hike, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4wm.
