This year, Stillwater Hospice, through its Peggy F. Murphy Community Grief Center, introduced a unique way to support those grieving the loss of a loved one: Griefwalks. In partnership with ACRES Land Trust, these guided hikes allow individuals to process their emotions while exploring some of the area’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
The collaboration between Stillwater Hospice and ACRES began in May 2024, and it’s a partnership that benefits the community in profound ways. While Stillwater Hospice offers expert grief support services free of charge, ACRES provides free access to trails that many participants may not have known about. Together, they create an additional tool for healing—one that’s rooted in the calming and restorative powers of nature.
The idea for Griefwalks was inspired by Vicki Eber, Therapeutic Program Coordinator at Stillwater Hospice. Drawing from her own personal journey and experience with nature’s healing impact, Vicki saw an opportunity to offer grief support in a setting beyond the traditional. “Being in nature can be a powerful way to cope with loss,” says Vicki. “I knew that combining hiking with our grief programs would give participants another way to find peace.”
Participants have expressed immense gratitude for the program, many finding solace in the shared experience and the discovery of new trails. “Moods noticeably shift from the start to the end of the hike,” says Vicki. “People tend to open up and engage more after the walk, making new connections and sharing stories about their loved ones.”
The partnership between Stillwater Hospice and ACRES highlights the power of nonprofits working together in service to our community. These organizations, with the support of generous individuals, corporations, and foundations, ensure that anyone who has experienced a loss can access the program, regardless of their financial situation. Hospice involvement is not required to participate, making this a welcoming space for all adults who have experienced loss. For more information about Griefwalks and other grief support services, visit Stillwater Hospice’s Grief Programming. Space is limited, and RSVPs open two months in advance of each hike.