Being cooped up throughout the winter isn’t exactly healthy, especially for those prone to mental illness.
Fortunately, area residents have ample natural beauty to enjoy – at any time of year – right in their own backyard.
And for those for whom outdoor exploration is of particular importance, a recently-launched initiative makes that even easier.
“We’ve very excited to be part of the PaRx program,” said Brenna Bartley, manager of education and outreach with Conservation Halton, of how local physicians can now prescribe fully-funded visits to conservation parks as part of mental health care. “We know that’s how people use our parks in any case, but sometimes when someone’s feeling really low it’s hard to make those choices on your own.
“You need to have a physician help you make those choices that are healthy for your mental health. It’s putting an official stamp on something that we already know, that getting out in nature is good for your mental health.”
As always, CH has no shortage of picturesque lands to experience when the snow hits.
Noted Bartley, “Hilton Falls is lovely because there’s often a fire by the falls and the chance to feed the chickadees. And Crawford Lake has snowshoe rentals, which are quite popular.”
Beyond that base offering at most area parks, a wide variety of programming awaits at Mountsberg – highlighted by CH’s signature Winterlit.
A unique blend of natural beauty and unique creativity, the evening event takes visitors on a two-kilometre hike filled with artistic installations made of recycled and upcycled materials.
Everything from sap pales to old signage have been repurposed in the now five-year experience that’s been recognized with two Sustainable Tourism awards.
“As a conservation authority, we’re trying to walk the talk in terms of sustainable behaviours,” said Bartley, noting that a new ‘Tree of Life’ exhibit has been added to the mix thanks to Milton District High School’s tiny homes initiative. “It’s for people who want to enjoy nature while at the same time seeing something unique.”
Winterlit runs nightly from Dec. 29 to Jan. 7 (except for Jan. 2) and Friday through Sunday from Jan. 12 to Feb. 17. The event gets a special boost on New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day – with Enchanted Evenings offering artist performances, live music and a licenced glow bar.
Click here for tickets or more information.
“It (winter) can be a tougher time to get people out, unless there’s beautiful snow, but those days can be few and far between. Winterlit is great as it’s not reliant on snow… it’s still a beautiful night out,” said Bartley.
Mountsberg visitors can also get up close and personal with the park’s owls on Fridays, enjoy a Starry Hike Night and try their hand on beeswax candle making on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the winter.
There’s also horse-drawn wagon rides – weather permitting – until Feb. 17, and all park visitors receive branded ornament to commemorate their experience.
“We’re always updating and improving our programs while focusing on sustainability,” said Bartley.
Visit conservationhalton.ca/events/ for a complete look at park programs and schedules.