Lansing Journal reader Michael Hersom sent in this video idea: "Nature walks throughout the various parks or forest preserves to promote being outdoors as a healthy exercise." Since walks are a regular part of this reporter's routine, this suggestion was right in my wheelhouse.

But how to make a walking video that's interesting to watch? This video includes a different clip of appropriately upbeat music for each walking trail highlighted — feel free to walk along to the beat with us, Peloton-style. Plus, we included some random facts about the trails for those researching their own walk options:

0:00 - Introduction
Though Lansing neighborhoods and business corridors are a great walking option, this week's video focuses on spaces specifically designed for walking.

1:39 - Thorn Creek Trail
Reasons to walk the Thorn Creek Trail:
• The trail is dog-friendly, though no dog waste stations are provided.
• Wildlife sightings include turtles and deer in this video. I have also seen a coyote, chipmunks, snakes, and horses from A Ranch 394, which is located on Glenwood-Lansing Road.
• Fellow walkers really care about the path and often bring garbage bags on their walks and pick up the litter they see.
• Distance: 1.55 miles from 186th Street to Eagle Academy on Glenwood-Lansing Road

7:15 – Pennsy Greenway, heading north
Reasons to walk the Pennsy Greenway:
• The Pennsy Greenway is a “rail trail” built on the former Penn Central Railway. The full trail extends from Crown Point, Indiana, to Chicago, Illinois.
• To learn more about LCPL Philip Martini (whose memorial is seen in the video), read Jamison Kooi’s article: Semper Fi: A story of three Lansing marines and their legacy of loyalty - https://thelansingjournal.com/2019/11...
• The Lansing section of the Pennsy Greenway is dog-friendly, with several dog waste stations along the path.
• The path crosses several major roads in Lansing; all are well marked.
• Distance: 1.55 miles from Winterhoff Park to Potts Park.

11:03 – Erfert Park
Reasons to walk the Erfert Park walking path:
• At 17.4 acres, per the Lan-Oak Park District website, Erfert Park is Lansing’s second largest park.
• It’s a family-friendly walking space, with a playground, picnic areas, and open spaces for play.
• The path is dog-friendly, with two dog waste stations provided.
• The sledding hill and fishing pond are amenities that no other Lansing park has.
• Distance: The main loop of the walking path is .44 miles. Adding the distance from the Burnham to the main loop makes it about .5 miles.

12:48 – Lan-Oak Park perimeter
Reasons to walk around Lan-Oak Park, even though it’s not an official walking path:
• It’s Melanie’s favorite park because she grew up on Escanaba and used to play at Lan-Oak all summer long.
• Lan-Oak Park is Lansing’s oldest and largest park, offering 20 acres of green space.
• It’s a family-friendly walking option, with playgrounds, ball fields, sand volleyball courts, picnic areas, and more.
• Distance: The perimeter of Lan-Oak Park is .75 miles.

14:55 – Pennsy Greenway, heading south
Reasons to walk the Pennsy Greenway:
• In Lansing, the Pennsy Greenway runs alongside many parks and green spaces, including Winterhoff Park and Potts Park as seen in the earlier clip, and Clock Tower Plaza and the skate park as seen in this clip.
• Much of the path is well shaded by mature trees and bushes.
• Distance: .70 miles from Ridge Road to the Indiana border.

16:32 – Thanks for walking with us

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