Charlotte forest bathing group creates greenway map
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McAlpine Creek Greenway. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
After years of leading a local walking group, Chaula Jain created a Google map of local greenways using Mecklenburg County data and Google Maps.
Why it matters: The map includes useful tips for planning your next adventure on local trails, from parking locations to trailheads, plus restrooms. Putting these details in a Google Map makes them more accessible.
Context: Jain works for Mecklenburg County as a Geospatial Information Services (GIS) database administrator. She utilized the GIS data compiled by her coworker Scott Black to create this resource because Google Maps is easier for people to use, Jain tells Axios.
Yes, and: Jain and her husband, Jitendra Jain, have led a walking group called Forest Bathing, which has met every weekend for more than nine years.
- What started as a few friends meeting at local trailheads around town has turned into roughly 10-15 people every weekend. They always aim to cover roughly 5-6 miles.
- The goal is to connect with one another and enjoy an hour or two away from screens. Sometimes the group will grab coffee or breakfast after.
Zoom in: They chose the name Forest Bathing after reading a New York Times article about the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). The intention is mindful movement in nature to boost overall health and well-being.
If you go: The group meets Saturday mornings at 7:30am during the summer and at 8:30am after Daylight Saving Time ends (which is Nov. 1 this year). Forest Bathing is open to anyone, Jain tells Axios. The meetup starting point changes weekly, and if you're interested, you can reach out to Jain at [email protected].
Zoom out: The group also runs a half marathon together every year. Last year, they donated a bench to Mecklenburg County Park and Rec and plan to do so again.
What's next: Jain and her husband plan to start a group for those who prefer to walk in the evenings as well. It will be open to any age group, Jain says.
