At the start of a new year, one resolution that most people make is to be healthier and/or to exercise more. I thought this might be a great time to remind people that in most communities, you can find like-minded people who make sticking to an exercise routine easier. One group here in Southwest Atlanta is the Nature Gurlz, a group of women who meet at the Cascade Nature Preserve and spend some time in motion under a full canopy of trees. Cecelia Houston-Torrence is the founder, and Sue Ross is their communications director. They join us to talk about how the club came into being.
Houston-Tourrence explains that she has no idea why she started the group, but it was during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Everyone was at home, and she began walking in her yard. Her neighbors, Sonja Young and Donna Watts-Nunn, would walk with her, keeping healthy distances between them. The group of walkers grew, and they walked down to the Cascade Nature Preserve.
Ross shares that the preserve was established under Mayor Maynard Jackson. Most of the Nature Gurlz walkers participate at least three days out of the week. They meet every weekday morning at 9AM. Everyone walks at their own pace, with walkers who are concerned about their balance walking the parking lot. Houston-Torrence goes on to share that everyone walks where they want. Some walkers use walking poles because the nature preserve has clear paths, but nature, including roots, down branches are all around.
I ask how they deal with nature; there are deer, fox, snakes, and other wildlife. Ross explains that they enjoy nature, especially running across deer. I’ve seen photos of snakes, but they appreciate all of the wildlife.
The Nature Gurlz have expanded to include Nature Gentz and Nature Kidz. Beyond health and fitness, these women of influence receive visits from political candidates advocated for better security at the preserve and host a few parties for their members.
For folks looking to join the Nature Gurlz, they meet Monday - Friday at 9AM.