Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will host 26 events at more than 20 state parks throughout September to give veterans and their families opportunities for outdoor recreation, camaraderie and access to veteran resources during National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
The annual “ruck hikes” will begin Saturday at McKinney Falls State Park southeast of Austin and continue at participating parks across Texas on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month.
Nicole Mechler, a veteran and Texas Parks and Wildlife’s military liaison, said the agency started the annual hikes about four years ago to connect veterans and their families with nature while raising awareness about suicide prevention.
“Every year we’ve been hosting throughout the month of September because September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month,” Mechler said.
Two parks in the San Antonio area will participate: Government Canyon State Natural Area near Helotes and Guadalupe River State Park near Spring Branch.
Mechler said each participating park will also work with local veterans organizations to provide information and resources to attendees.
“We’re not just hosting these events to bring people out to the parks, but each park is also partnering and networking with their local veteran organizations to come on site and provide resources as well,” she said.
The events aim to use outdoor activities and connections with fellow veterans to support participants and link them with available services.
