Key themes for Earth Day are to preserve and protect things here on Earth. We should all take care of what we have -our most precious possession – ourselves!

One way to take great care of yourself is to exercise and that can start with creating a walking practice. Walking gets you outside, moving around and getting up close with nature. Walking as a group, either with family or friends, or a new club, provides a sense of friendship and community at the same time you are getting exercise.

The Central Washington Sun Striders walking group offers all of us an opportunity to discover interesting walking routes in the area. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting public health, fun, recreation and fellowship through non-competitive walking/hiking events. Each course has written directions and/or a map to follow. Trails are selected for scenic interest, history, and natural beauty. Visit the Sun Striders website.

It is part of a larger organization, America Volksport Association (AVA). Their purpose is to promote physical fitness through participation in events; promote the activities of the AVA and encourage and support participation in walking events. They promote and organize noncompetitive fitness activities that encourage lifelong fun, fitness and friendship for all ages and abilities. Their values support the following: 1) Health and Safety 2) Volunteering and Public Service 3) Non-Competitive and Inclusive 4) Adventure and Camaraderie 5) Environmental Stewardship 6) Transparency and Accountability.

Stop by the Central Washington Sun Striders table at Earth Day Yakima. Meet the team, learn more about interesting walks in our area, and learn how you can get involved.

Ready to Start Walking? Here are some options to consider:

  • Walking and exploring Earth Day Yakima and walk by walking around Sarg Hubbard Park. Earth Day Yakima is hosted by the Yakima Greenway foundation and what better place to come for a walk?
  • Walking the Yakima Greenway – Our Yakima Greenway offers more than 20 miles of walking paths in a system that includes the Noel Pathway (between Sarg Hubbard and Sherman parks), Jewett Pathway (between Nob Hill and Valley Mall Blvd.), and Platt Pathway (along the Naches River).
  • The Central Washington Sun Striders, http://esva.org/online  have a 5K and 10K sanctioned walk at the Greenway, as well as 5K and 10K walks at Chesterley Park and at downtown Yakima.

If you are a long-time walker or if you are new to the idea of creating a consistent walking practice consider these resources – the Central Washington Sun Striders has a full list of books. Stop by their table for a copy.

  • Yakima Health District Website:
  • Check out these books about walking at Yakima Valley Libraries. You can consult the catalogue for other titles too:
    ◦ A Walking Life : Reclaiming Our Health And Our Freedom One Step At A Time by Malchik, Antonia
    ◦ 52 Ways To Walk : The Surprising Science Of Walking For Wellness And Joy, One Week At A Time by Streets, Annabel
    ◦ A list of additional suggested titles

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