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   Through collaborative efforts, the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) partnered with Deep Portage Learning Center and Boreal Bliss Yoga Retreats to create a public walking trail that offers an opportunity to connect with Cass County’s rich natural landscapes to practice mindfulness. 

   Research demonstrates that both physical activity and exposure to nature can significantly enhance emotional wellbeing, while reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Mental wellbeing was identified as one of the top two public health priorities in the most recent Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan for Cass County. 

   Local policy preserves the over 6,000 acres Deep Portage is home to, keeping it free to visit. Deep Portage Learning Center welcomes thousands of visitors annually, including over 100 school groups. Through partnership engagement, a publicly accessible walking trail was designed. 

   By strategically placing interpretive signage, visitors are invited to participate in emotional regulation activities in safe and intentional spaces along the path. This mindfulness trail increases opportunities for active living, educates on the health benefits of nature, and normalizes the value of emotional health, thereby reducing the potential for stigma. 

   The construction and design of this trail was further made possible through the dedication of Deep Portage staff members and the contributions of the Longville Area Community Foundation and the Longville Area Women of Today. By building on the correlation between physical activity, nature-based mindfulness, and mental wellbeing, we can contribute to reducing the risk for chronic diseases, like high blood pressure and heart disease, while significantly improving people’s quality of life.

   “My partner Amanda Imes and I have been working on this mindfulness trail for over a year with Deep Portage Learning Center and Cass County SHIP. To hike with my family on a Saturday in the woods and experience it was so cool. My husband did the first sign’s short grounding practice and said, ‘you know, wow, that actually works.’ Exposing my kids to another form of mindfulness like this was top notch. The whole family was better from our intentional time spent in the woods,” said Bryana Cook, co-owner of Boreal Bliss Yoga Retreats. To learn more about how the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership can partner with your organization, please contact Selena Roque at (218) 547-6843 or [email protected]

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