People looking to spend time outdoors in September can help support military veterans at state parks around Texas.
Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck Hikes will be held at 20 Texas State Parks, coinciding with Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
Rucks, a type of walk with a weighted backpack, are frequently used as remembrances or to raise awareness for veterans’ causes. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said community members and veterans are welcome to join a hike with or without a weighted bag.
“We want to show our support and bring awareness by letting people know that they are not alone in this fight. Nature can be healing and we want to provide that for them,” said Nichole Mechler, the military liaison for TPWD.
Veterans and active-duty military can get free entry to state parks by bringing documentation to park headquarters, but TPWD recommends visitors do this in advance, not the day of their hike.
A ruck hike will be held at Lake Tawakoni State Park at 9 a.m. on Sept. 26. Ray Roberts Lake State Park will hold theirs at 10 a.m. on Sept. 27. You can find a full list of parks holding hikes around the state on the TPWD website.