“Get Your Tail on the Trail” has been awarded the 2020 Shaping How We Invest For Tomorrow) Award for its efforts to advance and promote nature’s public-health benefits.

A free community health initiative, “Get Your Tail on the Trail” has been recognized for its engagement of communities in eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey, the employees of the St. Luke’s University Health Network and partnering organizations.

The program promotes accessible physical activity outdoors throughout regional trails. Advancing nature as a social determinant of health embodies the mission of Shaping How We Invest For Tomorrow.

In 2013, Ken Szydlow, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at St. Luke’s University Health Network, and Elissa Garofalo, Executive Director of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, launched “Get Your Tail on the Trail.”

Its purpose was to support both organizations’ shared goals of fitness, improved health outcomes and community engagement. The geographical and historical alignment of the St. Luke’s Network and the 165-mile Delaware & Lehigh trail corridor, which runs from Bristol to Wilkes-Barre, made the partnership a natural fit.

“Lack of physical health is an ongoing issue across the country that needs an incentive program to help motivate community members, children, employees and corporations to engage in physical activity while obtaining the benefits of exercising in nature,” Szydlow said. “Over the years, ‘Get Your Tail on the Trail’ has proved itself to be a valuable catalyst for community fitness and fellowship.”

The initial goal was to have 250 participants in the program. Almost seven years later, there are more than 8,600 participants logging approximately 5 million miles.

“‘Get Your Tail on the Trail’ has effectively connected the regional residents to its amazing backyard full of natural and historic outdoor resources. The end result is a healthier, more active community and this wonderful national recognition,” said Garofalo.

The official award ceremony will take place Oct.15 and be livestreamed.