On Thursday, February 1, a group of enthusiastic women joined foresters Sara Kelso (Alger Conservation District) and Anna Ellis (Michigan State University Extension) for a guided hike on snowshoes just outside of Munising at Valley Spur. Despite the unseasonably warm temperatures, spirits were high and the trail was in great condition. The loop hiked had a lot of rolling hills and twists and turns which led us through many different forest types and was suitable for all levels of snowshoeing experience.

Spending time outside beating cabin fever in the wintertime has many proven benefits, including reducing stress and increasing wellness – which was certainly in full effect on this night! Many of the women in the group started out as strangers but left as friends. Events like this can not only empower women to explore some of our wonderful trail systems, but also arm them with knowledge and a renewed sense of wonder about our local UP forests – not to mention the great sense of community that comes from people getting outside together!

This event was part of a larger Women Owning Woodlands (WOW) initiative, which strives to support women who care about or take care of forestlands. Keep in touch with MSU Extension and the Alger Conservation District to find out about other upcoming events in the area!