Hungry Mother State Park is a sanctuary for nature lovers.

In a time when stress and anxiety often dominate our lives, the need for reconnecting with nature has never been more crucial. Recognizing this, Hungry Mother State Park teamed up with Mount Rogers Community Services for Wellness in Nature, a series of programs designed to help people find solace in the great outdoors.

Fridays at noon

Every Friday through November, visitors and community members are invited to the park between 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for the opportunity to connect with nature by getting creative, taking a walk or meditating. The weekly programs are led by park rangers and Mount Rogers staff and are meant for all ages and skill levels. To join a program, meet at the Discovery Center on the Friday of your choice at noon.

1. Art in Nature: Offered on the first and third Fridays of each month.

Art has long been recognized as a powerful tool for promoting wellness. Not only can it give you a creative outlet for self-expression but it can also help you process emotions and relax, improve your self-confidence, increase mindfulness and create new social connections.

Art in Nature incorporates nature into various creative outlets. Each program features a different craft or project that will help you get to know the park and highlights fun art-related activities you can do outside or with different elements of nature.

2. Out in Nature: Offered on the second and fourth Fridays of each month.

Walking outside, particularly in natural environments such as parks, forests or along scenic trails, can have numerous positive effects on mental health. It can help enhance your mood, improve cognitive function, increase vitamin D levels and reduce your stress levels.

During Out in Nature, you’ll join other participants for an hour of exploration around the park and will have the chance to learn about the flora and fauna. All ages and fitness levels are invited to Out in Nature.

3. Meditation in Nature: Offered on March 29, May 31, Aug. 30 and Nov. 11.

Meditation is a practice that has been used for centuries to promote mental well-being and cultivate inner peace. It involves training the mind to focus and redirect thoughts, leading to a state of heightened awareness and relaxation. Meditation has several benefits; it can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, enhance self-awareness and help manage pain.

Whether you're a beginner or have experience meditating, you are invited to Meditation in Nature. This special fifth Friday Wellness in Nature program will help you connect with fellow nature lovers, get in tune with all five of your senses and practice mindfulness.

It's easy to feel relaxed at Hungry Mother State Park.

To learn more about Wellness in Nature, click here. If you have any questions, please contact the park by calling 276-781-7400 or emailing HungryMother@dcr.virginia.gov.

To start planning your trip to the park, click here.