Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Archive

Take Back the Hike highlighted scourge of domestic violence

Advertisement

KENT—Surrounded by the quiet beauty of fall’s changing colors, Project SAGE and Kent Land Trust recently co-hosted the second annual Take Back the Hike event.

The Oct. 19 event welcomed 24 participants to Kent Land Trust’s Skiff Mountain trails for a day of empowerment, community, and advocacy.

Participants of Oct. 19 “Take Back the Hike” pose at Harrison’s overlook on Kent Land Trust’s Skiff Mountain trail. The hike was organized by Project SAGE in partnership with Kent Land Trust and the Kent Park and Recreation Commission to bring awareness to the continuing scourge of domestic violence. Photo contributed

The event, organized in partnership between Project SAGE, the Kent Land Trust and Kent Park and Recreation, aimed to bring awareness to the persistence of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as the therapeutic and healing power of nature. 

Hikers gathered at Skiff Mountain South Preserve to embark on a three-mile hike across Skiff Mountain to the Harrison overlook, embracing both the beauty of the outdoors and the strength found in community action.

Advertisement

Take Back the Hike is inspired by the broader Take Back the Night movement, which advocates for survivors of abuse and violence.

This year’s event marked another milestone in strengthening the connection between environmental conservation and social justice, highlighting the right of everyone to access safety both at home and in natural spaces.

The Kent Land Trust played a pivotal role in providing access to the trails and organizing the hike.

“Our mission is not only to preserve the land but also to make it a place where all members of the community can feel safe and supported,” said Michael Hallows, chairman of the Kent Land Trust Board of Directors.

“It was an honor to hike with my community on such a beautiful day and support victims of domestic violence,” said Matt Busse, Kent Park and Recreation director.

Among the attendees was State Representative Maria Horn (D-64th), who joined local residents and supporters in emphasizing the importance of maintaining safe and accessible outdoor spaces for solace and well-being.

Participants make their way under sunny skies along the Kent Land Trust’s Skiff Mountain Trail Oct. 19. The hike, which drew attention to the problem of domestic violence, was organized by Project SAGE in partnership with Kent Land Trust and the Kent Park and Recreation Commission. Photo contributed

“We are thrilled by the turnout and grateful to have State Representative Maria Horn and Bergen Battiston from the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence with us today,” said Virginia Gold, director of client services of Project SAGE.

“The support from both state leaders and the local community reflects a shared commitment to protecting both the environment and the people who live within it,” she said.

Participants gathered at the Harrison overlook where they asked questions and Project SAGE provided information about the resources available to survivors of domestic violence.

Participants also brought donations of toiletries and other necessities for the Project SAGE shelter.

“The partnership between Project SAGE and Kent Land Trust has created an event that resonates deeply with the values of community, safety and conservation.“ said Melissa Cherniske, program manager of the Kent Land Trust.

“We are already planning next year’s Take Back the Hike and are excited to continue building on this meaningful tradition,” she said.

For more information on Project SAGE, click here. To learn more about the Kent Land Trust, click here.

Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe

Sign up to receive email updates including a “Dispatch Digest” each week.

*

Upcoming Events

You May Also Like

Sports

KENT—South Kent School invites families to its Hockey Community Day Friday, Nov. 22, for an afternoon of hockey and fun.  There will be two...

News From Nearby Towns

CORNWALL—Gourmet dining experiences, getaways and local adventures are up for bid at the annual Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) Auction for the Environment on Saturday, Nov....

Local

KENT—St. Andrew’s Church is seeking donations of unused baubles for its upcoming annual Christmas Bazaar.  Estate, second-hand and costume jewelry, along with genuine or...

Featured

KENT—Kent got an A-plus for creativity on Halloween as Main Street thronged with hundreds of apparitions from one-eyed, one-horned flying purple people eaters, to...

Featured

KENT—Inevitably, with any holiday comes waste. Christmas is now the major time for producing trash in the American calendar. An estimated one million tons of waste...

Local

KENT—The Kent Historical Society will present “Remembering Connecticut’s Doughboys” at its annual meeting Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. at Kent Town Hall, Kent...

Business

TORRINGTON—The United Way of Northwest Connecticut has announced the incorporation of Stock the Shelves into its suite of community support programs. The goal of...

Local

KENT—ImaginInk, a peer-led creative writing group for kids, will meet in the Junior Room of the Kent Memorial Library Saturday, Nov. 16, from 2...