Exercise in nature with Forest Fitness Walks

Adults are invited to get exercise while enjoying nature with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's spring Forest Fitness Walk series.

The brisk weekly hikes are scheduled from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Mondays beginning April 11 at the following forest preserves: Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook, April 11; Maple Grove in Downers Grove, April 18; Oldfield Oaks in Darien, April 25; Hidden Lake in Downers Grove, May 2; Meacham Grove in Bloomingdale, May 9; Greene Valley in Naperville, May 16; Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago, May 23; and Blackwell in Warrenville, June 6.

In addition, a special 10-mile Forest Fitness Walk is 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, June 13, at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville.

"Whether you join us for just one or come back each week, you'll be able to explore some of the county's most popular trails and experience the beauty of the outdoors," said program leader Dave Andrusyk, a naturalist at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center.

Hikes are for adults 18 and older and cost $4 per person per hike with advanced online registration or $6 at the walk.

"Forest Fitness Walks are a great way to combine the health benefits of walking while getting your daily dose of nature," said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Linda Painter, District 3.

The district offers more than 145 miles of trails for walking and jogging. Many take visitors through some of the county's most scenic natural areas. Trail access is always free, and most forest preserves are open daily from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset. Maps are available at on-site information kiosks, online, or by request at forest@dupageforest.org or (630) 933-7248.

"A walk in the woods improves memory, reduces stress and burns calories," said Joe Cantore, forest district president.