Happier Trails: Moms Find Comfort in Nature

Claire Merrick, Marketing & Public Relations Manager

Motherhood is a transformative experience that can bring incredible joy, love and fulfillment. But, even for the most resilient mothers, it can also be lonely, challenging and stressful, resulting in maternal mental health disorders like postpartum depression or anxiety. Fortunately, spending time outside can help! From reducing stress and anxiety to boosting mood and improving overall wellbeing, time spent in nature can provide moms with a much-needed respite from the demands of parenthood, helping them feel more connected to themselves, their children and the world around them.

When Hannah Esworthy-Roe became a stay-at-home mom, visiting the Metro Parks and completing the Fall Hiking Spree became something her family enjoyed together.

By the time her children Norah (5) and Ezra (3) became confident hikers, Hannah was pregnant with her third baby. She grew anxious about continuing their frequent hikes with two young kids and a newborn. That fall, they began navigating spree trails with baby Gideon strapped to Hannah’s chest. It wasn’t until her husband offered to wear Gideon that Hannah realized how important these hikes were in reclaiming the mom she had been. She made it her personal mission to complete every hike while babywearing. And although it was physically challenging, it was also rewarding. “That first year, completing the spree with two kids and a baby on my chest gave me so much confidence,” said Hannah, who struggled with postpartum anxiety. “Spending time outdoors gave me peace. Slowing down, taking deep breaths, and pausing to observe nature offered a break from the worry and anxiety of parenting.”

Personal or family history of depression can increase the risk of postpartum depression, and for that reason, Paloma continued from page 7

Newland was wary of maternal mental health disorders. As a new mom, Paloma found her struggles with postpartum anxiety could be eased by spending time outdoors. She’s since made going outside daily with her 6-month-old daughter Emma a priority.

“Going for a walk helps reset my brain when I’m having a difficult moment,” says Paloma. “It’s the one thing I do to cope. I remind myself to look up at the trees and the sky and immediately, it feels like my whole chest just opens up.”

While the Newlands live close to several Metro Parks trails, Paloma recognizes it can sometimes seem daunting to venture out with kids when you’re struggling mentally. Her advice: “If 0 minutes outdoors feels like a lifetime, you can sit outside by your door for two minutes and go back in.” She emphasizes that the aspect of stepping outside your four walls into the open air is something any mom can do, no matter what type of residence they live in. “That time will bring a new view and fresh, new air you can count on to redirect you,” she says.

Amidst the challenges of motherhood, there is hope in the healing power of nature. Whether it’s a stroll on a Spree for All trail or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the natural world, spending time outdoors can be a powerful tool for mothers looking to maintain their mental health and find balance in a new phase of life.

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month.

If you are struggling with a maternal mental health disorder, you are not alone. For support, visit postpartum.net or call the Postpartum Support International Helpline at -800-944-4773.

Celebrate 20 Years of fitness and fun for everyone

Katelyn Freil, Marketing Specialist

To Participate

Twenty years ago, Summit Metro Parks set out on a partnership to provide Spree for All, an inclusive hiking series for people of all ages and abilities.

On May , 2004, the first Spree for All kicked off at Goodyear Heights Metro Park with a health fair, entertainment and an inaugural hike to Alder Pond. Community leaders, park commissioners and partners such as United Disability Services joined the park district for this special occasion.

More than 40,000 awards have been earned in the 20 years since. Many people, including

Iva Lehman, a seasoned Summit Metro Parks staff member, have completed the spree every year. Her son Adam was just 5 years old when the two began. “We have so many memories through the years, the most cherished being last year,” she says. “Adam, then 23 years old and on his own, said he will always hike with me as the time spent together and being in the parks means everything to him.”

Learn more about this year’s spree below and join us for another year of fitness and fun for everyone!

2023 Spring Hiking Event

Multipurpose Trails

Complete FIVE hikes between May  and June 30 — on five different trails, the same trail or any combination of trails — to receive a reward. The starting point at each trailhead is the information kiosk, which has a legend with the following symbols:

Teal Pentagon = /8 mile round trip

Blue Circle = /4 mile round trip

Yellow Square = /2 mile round trip

Green Triangle =  mile round trip

Mileage markers are provided as an aid. You do not need to hike any prescribed length to receive credit. Some trails listed offer a limited section of accessible terrain. To hike the accessible portion, follow the Spree for All markers along the path.

First-year hikers earn a neck lanyard and commemorative pin. Returning hikers earn the pin. Hikes are FREE for all participants. Since the program is funded by Summit County tax dollars, out-of-county residents pay to receive their hiking rewards ($0 / first-year hikers, $5 / returning hikers).

Where To Get Your Reward

Administrative offices , 975 Treaty Line Rd., Akron 4433, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm , 828 Smith Rd., Akron 4433

Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg 44087

Summit Lake Nature Center, 4 Ira Ave., Akron 4430

BIKE & HIKE TRAIL

Barlow Road

33 Barlow Rd. Hudson 44236

FREEDOM TRAIL

Middlebury

324 Middlebury Rd. Kent 44240

PARKS

CASCADE VALLEY

Overlook Trail 354 Sackett Ave. Akron 4433

F.A. SEIBERLING

NATURE REALM

OHIO & ERIE CANAL TOWPATH TRAIL

Big Bend 337 Merriman Rd. Akron 4433

Memorial Parkway 499 Memorial Pkwy. Akron 4430

Franklin 2328 Center Rd. New Franklin 4426

GOODYEAR HEIGHTS

Pioneer Area 550 Frazier Ave. Akron 44305

LIBERTY

Clinton 2749 North St. Clinton 4426

2023 Commemorative Pin

MUNROE FALLS

Tallmadge Meadows

088 North Ave. Tallmadge 44278

SAND RUN

Wed. through Sat. 0 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday Noon to 5 p.m. Closed: Mon. & Tue.

Rewards are not mailed.

Rewards are not available after August 5, 2023.

828 Smith Rd. Akron 4433

FURNACE RUN

Brushwood Area 4955 Townsend Rd. Richfield 44286

Twinsburg Ledges Area 9999 Liberty Rd. Twinsburg 44087

Old Portage Area

300 Sand Run Pkwy. Akron 4433

# SMPspree