Residents get active before Thanksgiving festivities

ALAMOGORDO — About 70 residents enjoyed a warm afternoon of walking in the Desert Foothills Park while participating in the annual Turkey Time Walk on Monday. 

In its fourth year, the Turkey Time Walk encouraged residents to take a one mile walk around the Desert Foothills Park loop while enjoying booths and activities along the way.

"We want to ask people to kick the holiday off right by being active," said Otero County Health Promotion Specialist Maureen Schmittle. "The kids are out of school this week so we want to show them they can be active, be outdoors and experience the beautiful New Mexico weather. We're also encouraging them to recognize the need for family time to be fit and healthy time." 

The event was put on by the Department of Health - Otero County Health Promotion, the Alamogordo Family Recreation Center, Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest, Otero County Boys and Girls Club, Lincoln National Forest and Take It Outdoors - New Mexico!

Along the trail, participants were able to stop at educational booths from archaeologists with the Lincoln National Forest, Island of Misfit Morphs, Eat Well Otero and the National Wild Turkey Federation. 

"We want people to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors," Schmittle said. "We live in New Mexico, so we can enjoy the outdoors year round. I think that's important for us to instill in youth and get them comfortable with being outdoors more often." 

The next Turkey Time Walk will be hosted in Tularosa on Tuesday at 2 p.m. Starting at James Vigil Park, 705 St Francis Drive, participants will take a leisurely one mile walk through historic Tularosa then enjoy a fun afternoon at the park. 

For more information on the Tularosa Turkey Time Walk, call Chris at 585-4580 or email Maureen at maureen.schmittle@state.nm.us.