ADRC trail walking group goes snowshoeing | News, sports, jobs

Matuszewski, an information and assistance specialist at ADRC, got the idea for the walking group during her home visits.

“There was a trend where people said they really miss the outdoors and they really miss doing things in the woods, but at their age they didn’t feel like they could do that anymore,” said Matuszewski. “So I wanted to put together a group so they could go out and feel comfortable and have confidence.”

Matuszewski said many seniors feel uncomfortable taking such walks alone and that having like-minded people around makes them feel more comfortable.

The walking group started in August and takes place twice a month. The first event in LaSalle Falls in Florence County attracted five people and steadily grew in popularity; About 15 people regularly participated in the last walk in October.

THE AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE Center of Florence County started a walking group in the region this summer for people 60 and older. The program offered approximately two hikes per month from August through October on a number of trails in Florence and Dickinson counties, such as LaSalle Falls, Fumee Lake, Lost Lake and Piers Gorge. The ADRC now plans to continue the hikes this winter using snowshoes (Photo courtesy of the ADRC of Florence County hiking group)

Participants had to be at least 60 years old and the oldest member of the group is 84 years old.

Being a Florence County resident was not a requirement to participate; people came from Iron Mountain, Kingsford and Niagara, Wisconsin, even as far away as Crystal Falls.

The walks ranged from 1 to 3 miles. Routes have been chosen for their beautiful scenery and low difficulty of walking.

“It’s really focused on the fitness level of the individual,” said Matuszewski. “We have some people who want to go the full three miles and get their blood pumping, and some people prefer to go a mile, take their time and really enjoy it. We want everyone to get something out of this group and feel comfortable with whatever fitness level they are.”

It’s more than just exercise for participants, Matuszewski said.

THE AGING AND DISABILITY Resource Center of Florence County started a walking group from August through October this year for seniors who still wanted to get outside but were wary of walking alone. They went to parks in Florence and Dickinson counties. Standing at one of their outings are, from left, Brock Taff, Karen Carter, Wendy Matuszewski, Sharon Chick, Cindi Scott, Roberta Anderson, Valerie Neitzel, Frances Weigelt, Amy Klemp, Shelly Lund and Marlene Secrist. (Contributed photo)

“We laugh so much – it’s sports with a social aspect,” she said. “We have people who now ride together and go out after walks and organize social events. It’s about connecting people with other people while doing something they love.”

The hikes were also not limited to Florence County, but took place throughout the area, including Fumee Lake, Lost Lake, Piers Gorge and the Dorothy Fox Trailhead, which had the largest group turnout for the hike.

The Dorothy Fox Trailhead is possibly the most scenic of the trails, Matuszewski added, with Piers Gorge also up there in terms of views.

Matuszewski said the group was fortunate that the weather largely cooperated; only one walk had to be rescheduled.

Frances Weigelt, 80, of Homestead, says she’s excited to get outside again. Weigelt didn’t miss a single event.

“The nature is absolutely breathtaking – that alone lifts my spirit, but the camaraderie with the people. I love the people I have met, it is so much fun to take these walks.” Weigelt said. “I had hiked LaSalle Falls and Piers Gorge before, but the new ones were so exciting. We are not in a hurry with the group, we take the time to look around at the plants and such; We even saw some bears at the last one.”

Weigelt said she can’t wait for winter snowshoeing to start, adding that she already has her own snowshoes ready.

The interest in continuing even with winter approaching gave Matuszewski the idea to try snowshoeing.

“We want to keep people outside and actively doing things,” said Matuszewski. “People had said they were sad to see the group end and I thought why not continue the group all winter. In winter we really need to be outside. Everyone is cooped up, so I wanted to get people outside and get some sunshine on their faces during the winter months.”

Snowshoeing events will not be scheduled far in advance due to the unpredictable winter weather. Matuszewski will call the list of interested parties about a week before an event.

No experience is necessary to participate in a snowshoe tour, as all levels are welcome. Some trails are so groomed that snowshoes may not even be necessary. Owning snowshoes is also not required, as the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center donates the use of its snowshoes. Additionally, Florence County EMS was and continues to be present at many of the events.

To register for the program or for additional information, call the Florence County ADRC at 715-528-4890, or stop by the ADRC office Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the lower level of the Florence County Courthouse, 501 Lake Ave.