Global Running Day celebrated at Harris Nature Center June 4 with trail run/walk through forest, nature

Proceeds benefit Harris Nature Center educational programs, facilities 

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, MICH. — Harris Nature Center Foundation and Playmakers are presenting “Motivated by Nature,” a fun run/walk at Harris Nature Center on Global Running Day, Wednesday, June 4. Start time is 6 p.m. The park is located at 3998 Van Atta Rd., Okemos.

The 2.25-mile run/walk trail loops through the 100 acres of mixed forest at Harris Nature Center and Eastgate Park. One-half mile of the trail is paved; the remainder is natural.

Registration is open now and tickets are available for $30. Kids five years old and under are free. There are a limited number of t-shirts available. Details are at bit.ly/HNCF-Motivated-2025.

“Global Running Day was established to encourage people to lead a more active lifestyle — encouraging each other to get moving, together,” said Nicky Dudgeon, Harris Nature Center Foundation board member and run/walk director. “Moving our bodies and the power of unification offer many positives to our physical and mental health. These benefits are amplified doing so in nature. It was a natural to host the celebration of Global Running Day at a location surrounded by nature.”

Beyond the finish line, there will be refreshments and music under the pavilion. 

Proceeds benefit Harris Nature Center to help fund the expansion of the Nature Exploration Area and for bus scholarships that enable students in Greater Lansing to attend the park’s educational programs.

Harris Nature Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2006. Its mission is to provide a source of funding for special projects to enhance the facilities and programs of Harris Nature Center. More information is at http://hncfoundation.weebly.com/. 

Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd., Okemos, is a 48-acre park owned and operated by Meridian Township. It offers environmental activities and outdoor recreation opportunities that focus on protecting, promoting and interpreting the Red Cedar River and its surrounding ecosystems.

Amenities include a half-mile of paved trail, several miles of natural trails, the River Overlook Deck, Nature Exploration Area, and the accessible Bird Observation Deck with three commercial binocular stands. The Nature Building provides interpretive exhibits, nature murals by local artists, and displays of live, native Michigan wildlife. A pavilion is available for event rental. Meridian Township staff offers educational programs for visitors of all ages.