Lake Katherine Launches 'Beat The Winter Blues' Campaign

With up to six percent of Americans suffering from seasonal depression, Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanical Gardens have launched their ‘Beat The Winter Blues’ campaign.

As the non-profit park’s annual festival, Winterfest, approaches (February 7) Lake Katherine is encouraging people to venture outside to enjoy just 30 minutes of fresh air and natural light a day.

Lake Katherine’s army of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram followers are being encouraged to join the campaign by sharing happy snaps of their outdoor pursuits with the hashtags #BluesBusting and #MyLakeKatherine.

“Being active in nature is a great happiness booster and stress reliever,” says Lake Katherine’s operations manager Gareth Blakesley. “As long as you dress appropriately and are vigilant in making sure you feel comfortable, short bouts of walking, running, snowshoeing or skiing can greatly improve your sense of wellbeing.

“Winterfest comes at a time when most people are trying to hunker down for winter but at Lake Katherine we believe the best way to get through winter is to embrace the season and get outside. Nature is perennial and as a consequence Lake Katherine is open year round.

“Light or brisk exercise can release feel-good endorphins and observing wildlife can prompt feelings of contentment and happiness. Spotting diving ducks in the Cal Sag Channel, buffleheads ruffling their feathers on the lake or majestic bald eagles swooping by could be the ultimate mood booster.”

Winterfest, Lake Katherine’s annual festival, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7 between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Attractions include animals from the Big Run Wolf Ranch, hayrides, crafts, face-painting, snowshoeing and an ice rescue display. Entry costs $5 a ticket with no fee for children three and under.