Wellness Walks Lift Spirits & Build Community

Our series of community wellness walks led by well-known mountain climber and guide Lhakpa Sherpa wrapped up with a gentle but invigorating hike at Talcott Mountain State Park on Sunday, June 28th.

All together, about 70 community members participated in the three free outings. The first two walks, held in February and March, took place at MDC’s West Hartford Reservoirs and Reservoir 6.

In a post-event survey, all respondents reported an improved mood, and 75% reported lower stress levels after the hike.

“I was talking about this hike for days afterward,” noted one participant. “It really lifted my spirits, helped me feel connected to the land and nature and other people. Lhakpa was a vibrant and engaging hike leader and speaker. I hope we can continue to meet up and do more community hiking.”

The series was sponsored by the West Hartford Prevention Partnership, and Recovery Friendly Community. Special thanks to Care at Home by JFS, McPhee Foundation, William and Alice Mortensen Foundation, RBC-Foundation USA, Red Sox Foundation, and the Rothstein Family Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford for additional support.