Spend time outdoors – It's good for your health!
You may have heard that spending time outside is good for you. Did you know there is plenty of scientific research to support those claims? Stepping outside in the city – even just for a short time– can have a positive effect on your mood for several hours.
A team of researchers has recently published a report that summarizes the findings of over 140 studies on the effects of greenspaces on health. A greenspace can be defined as any open space with grass, trees, or other vegetation in urban environments. The research findings show that spending time in green spaces can help you sleep better, moderate your heart rate, and reduce stress and associated illnesses. One of the lead researchers states that they “hope that this research will inspire people to get outside more and feel the health benefits for themselves.”
Here at the Intervale Center, we take seriously access to outdoor spaces and trails – all 365 days a year! Sitting and listening to birds, walking on trails, skiing or snowshoeing in the winter, and more. No matter the time of year, the Intervale is open to the public at no cost and offers spaces for outdoor recreation. Our trails wind along the Winooski River all the way to the Ethan Allen Homestead and are perfect for biking, birding, walking, jogging, and skiing.
Recent Changes to the Trail System
When you visit the Intervale and spend time on the trails, please make note of the following changes to the Intervale Center Trail System. You can also check out a map of the Intervale Center Trail System here!
Green Wayfinding Signs
Signs have been installed at trail entrances and junctions to help people know how to navigate the Intervale.
Red Blazes on Trees and Arrows in Fields
Between the green signs, we painted red blazes on trees and installed red arrows on stakes along long stretches of field to help people know that they are on the right path.
Picnic Grove at Tommy Thompson
With the help of 100+ Dealer.com volunteers and Burlington Parks and Recreation, we created a new place for picnicking and reflection for gardeners and the visiting public.
Trailhead Parking Lot Cleanup
With the help of VHB and Dealer.com we installed new split rail fencing and planted native shrubs on the parking lot berm. We also built planter boxes for perennials.
New Connector Trail
VHB helped the Land Stewardship team create a trail from the Center to the trailhead alongside Intervale Road. People can now walk to the trails without being on the road.
New East/West Trail
This new trail begins at the Picnic Grove trailhead around the Conservation Nursery fields to the Calkins Trail along the Winooski River. Thank you to Intervale Community Farm, who rerouted their electric fencing so that we could have this trail.
We hope to see you on the trails soon, enjoying the great benefits of the outdoors for your health! For additional information about activities and events taking place at the Intervale Center, visit our website.