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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 28, 2015
Contact: Maia Turek, 989-225-8573
#MiShoeYear – a movement for more movement
DNR, partners offer events, virtual experiences, reasons to get active outside
 Fitness resolutions come and go each year, but spending quality time with friends and family is no fad – and taking that family time out for a walk can make it a powerful fitness pledge.
The Department of Natural Resources encourages Michigan residents to resolve to make 2016 #MiShoeYear and to put on their shoes, skis or skates to go outside and move.
“Whether you are taking the first step toward fitness ever, or the first step in a long time, New Year’s is when a lot of people kick off healthier lifestyle routines,” said Maia Turek, statewide recreation programmer for the DNR. “When you declare #MiShoeYear, it’s more than just a workout. It’s an adventure! Explore new trails, see new vistas, get to know Michigan while you get fit.”
Shoe Year’s hikes are being offered at state parks from Jan. 1 through 9:
Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County)
Jan. 1, 11 a.m.
Maybury State Park (Wayne County)
Jan. 2, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Rockport State Recreation Area (Alpena County)
Jan. 2, Noon-3 pm.
Ludington State Park (Mason County)
Jan. 2, 6-8 p.m. Lantern lit event
Cadillac Pathway (Wexford County)
Jan. 3, 1-3 p.m.
Straits State Park (Mackinac County)
Jan. 9, 4-7 p.m.
Van Riper State Park (Marquette County)
Jan 9, 7-9 p.m.
 Snowshoes will be available to rent at most locations. Check out the full January calendar of events at www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar to find a nearby Shoe Year's Hike event.
For those who can’t fit those dates into their schedule, Epic Races is offering a virtual 5k event for anyone who wants some great gear and accountability for their resolution. Register to participate and a portion of the proceeds will support fitness programs and reforestation efforts in state parks.
Interested in seeing how fun and easy winter outdoor fitness can be? Watch a video filmed at Muskegon State Park to get tips from Cari Draft with EcoTrek Fitness. The video is part of the “Active Living Through Parks” series, showcasing different forms of outdoor fitness and their benefits through a partnership between the DNR, mParks (Michigan Recreation and Park Association) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
“Michigan has some of the country's best parks, with endless ways to stay active and spend time with family and community,” said Ann Conklin, chief operating officer for mParks. “They’re a convenient and affordable place to get moving and build healthy, active habits.”
To help with healthy meals to go along with these active adventures, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has compiled nutritious recipes using Michigan-grown produce. The recipes, and other information about promoting a healthy, active lifestyle, are available at michigan.gov/puremichiganfit.
All "Shoe Year's Hike" events are free; however, a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
Michigan's Shoe Year's Hikes are part of the national First Day Hike event, which encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year with a guided outdoor exploration.
/Note to editors: Accompanying resources -- including photos, a #MiShoeYear campaign logo and an infographic on the benefits of outdoor recreation -- are available below for download. A suggested photo caption follows.
Recipe cards for healthy recipes made with Michigan-grown produce are available for download at www.michigan.gov/documents/puremichiganfit/Michigan_Fruits_and_Vegetables_494172_7.zip.
Snowshoeing, Snowshoeing group, Cross-country skiing and Lantern-lit skiing: Resolve to make 2016 #MiShoeYear by putting on your shoes, skis or skates to get outside and move. Michigan state parks offer Shoe Year's Hikes and other winter activities to help kick off your fresh-air fitness routine./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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