Cameron County, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and Health (DOH) hosted the Armstrong Indiana Clarion Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc. (AIC) and dozens of Pennsylvanians in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) for a Recovery in Nature wellness event at Sinnemahoning State Park in Cameron County.
The event, held in conjunction with National Recovery Month, featured a recovery-focused hike and group kayaking within the nearly 2,000-acre state park.
“Together with DCNR, we are shining a light on how nature can nurture recovery. Like nature, those in recovery can grow, thrive, and flourish—just like we witnessed in Cameron County,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “The entire Recovery in Nature initiative sends a clear message that recovery is possible, and our natural resources can be part of that journey.”
DDAP funds nine regional recovery hubs across the state, each designed to embed, expand, and promote a Recovery-Oriented System of Care, which is a coordinated and person-centered network of community-based services and supports. AIC is DDAP’s Region 7 Recovery Hub which serves counties along Pennsylvania’s northern tier. These hubs build on the strengths and resiliencies of individuals, families, and communities to achieve abstinence and/or improved health, wellness, and quality of life for those who have or are at risk of developing SUD.
“Our recovery hub joins in celebrating the strength and resilience of individuals in recovery from substance use disorder,” said Mike Krafick, Region 7 Recovery Hub Director. “This event highlights the powerful connection between nature, healing, and hope, and reminds us that recovery is not only possible—it can thrive in the heart of Pennsylvania’s beautiful public lands.”
Today’s event underscores a whole-of-government approach to recovery and treatment under the Shapiro Administration and represents just the latest effort between DCNR and DDAP to help Pennsylvanians suffering from the disease of addiction. DCNR already requires all state park officers to be trained in administering naloxone and to carry a naloxone kit including a pair of gloves, two prefilled, needleless intranasal devices and a carrying case while on duty at DCNR’s state parks. Additionally, many state parks have posted signage containing help for individuals struggling with the disease of addiction, such as avenues to get naloxone, resources for finding SUD treatment, and educational tools.
Recovery in Nature runs through the remainder of September. It is designed to remind Pennsylvanians of the healing power of nature - particularly for individuals in recovery from SUD - and encourages all Pennsylvanians to enjoy trails and waterways across the Commonwealth.
“Land and water trails are always a great way to get outdoors and experience the healing power of nature,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “We are proud of the continued partnership with DDAP to take a creative, innovative, and compassionate approach to addressing this critical issue affecting so many of our loved ones.”
“Spending time in nature offers significant benefits for physical and mental well-being, and supports an individual’s recovery process,” Department of Health Deputy Secretary Muneeza Iqbal said. “Pennsylvanians can access a wealth of stunning outdoor resources, providing the perfect setting to recharge and heal all year-round.”
As part of the initiative, DDAP and DCNR have identified a corresponding trail or waterway within a state park or trail system near each regional recovery hub.
Recommended locations include:
Region 1: Philadelphia
- River Walk, Neshaminy State Park
- The river walk trail takes hikers alongside the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek. Visitors can observe scenic views of the water and the Philadelphia skyline.
Region 2: Allegheny County
- Wildflower Reserve Trail System, Raccoon Creek State Park
- More than 700 species of plants can be found along the more than four miles of trails, between a variety of habitats including oak-hickory forest, pine plantations, meadows, and riparian forest.
Region 3: Erie County
- Bluffs Edge Trail, Erie Bluffs State Park
- Traveling along the bluffs edge, there are two overlooks with views of Lake Erie along the trail.
Region 4: Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Chester, Lancaster, Delaware, and Schuylkill counties
- Mink Trail, Nockamixon State Park
- Accessed from either the parking lot off Old Ridge Road or from the parking lot on Mink Road, this hiking and equestrian trail loops along the south shore east of Church Trail through forested areas and grass fields.
Region 5: York, Adams, Franklin, Fulton, Bedford, Cumberland, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, Huntington, Mifflin, Juniata, and Blair counties
- Pond Loop Trail, Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area
- This one-mile loop trail skirts the spring-fed pond which is a popular watering hole for wildlife.
Region 6: Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, Cambria, Washington, Westmoreland, Greene, Fayette, and Somerset counties
- Lakeside Loop, Keystone State Park
- The two-mile lakeside trail is an ideal trail for the whole family to explore Keystone State Park. It circles Keystone Lake and offers views through various ecosystems. These ecosystems are perfect for wildlife enthusiasts looking to spot birds, fish, reptiles, pollinating insects, and more.
Region 8: Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, Sullivan, Centre, Union, Snyder, Montour, Columbia, and Northumberland counties
- Beaver Haven Nature Trail, Ole Bull State Park
- This nearly two-mile loop travels along many riparian wetlands and past a large beaver pond. It offers many options for shorter and longer loops and out and back hiking. It may be accessed in many locations throughout the park.
Region 9: Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Lehigh, and Northampton counties
- Lake Shore Trail, Frances Slocum State Park
- This trail begins at the Campground Road bridge or in the Big Pines Picnic Area and offers a peaceful walk along the water’s edge of the Lake Shore Trail.
Across all systems, Pennsylvania currently has more than 12,000 miles of trails that offer activities such as walking, biking, and horseback riding.
Trails are free outdoor recreation and important to health, offering:
- Walkable access motivates people to participate in physical activity and to do so more frequently;
- Trails that encourage physical activity that can improve heart health; and
- Parks and trails that can provide safe spaces for people to play and exercise, away from busy streets and commercial zones.
Individuals seeking SUD treatment or recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can be connected to local resources by visiting treatmentatlas.org or by calling the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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