Everybody Walk Across PA - Spring 2026 Week 1 Newsletter

Thank you for registering for Penn State Extension's 2026 spring Everybody Walk Across Pennsylvania program. This session will run for eight weeks, from April 6th to June 1st. We hope this program helps you incorporate more physical activity into your daily life and develop habits that lower your risk of chronic diseases.

Overview 

Every week, each participant's goal should be to walk 10 miles or to do the equivalent through their preferred exercise. If you are unable to reach this goal, don't worry! Do the best you can. Any amount of exercise is better than no exercise.

How to Record Miles 

• If you are participating as an individual (in other words, not as part of any team), keep track of your miles on the Individual Mileage Log. Begin tracking your miles on April 6th and report your weekly mileage using the link in the email you will receive every Monday beginning April 13th.    
• If you are participating as part of a team, track your mileage on the Individual Mileage Log. Begin tracking your miles on April 6th and report your weekly mileage to your team captain.      

How to Report Miles 

Team captains and individuals participating will report their team's (or, for individuals, their own) first week mileage using the reporting link in the email sent on April 13th. Please note that miles should be reported weekly, up to and including the week ending May 31st (to be reported on June 1st).

Team Captains 

To help you track your team members' mileage, use the Team Captain Log. We do not need to know who is on your team, nor do we need individual participants' mileage. Instead, we just need you to report the team's total mileage for the week.  

Also, remind your team members that to receive weekly newsletters, they must be registered for the program with a valid email address. If a team member is not registered but still wishes to receive the newsletter, you can forward the newsletter to this team member.        

Have fun! Remember, this is not a competition; it is intended as a fun way to get more exercise, track your progress, and improve your health.  

Most of us need some support, encouragement, and motivation to keep going! You've already taken the first step by signing up to participate in Everybody Walk Across Pennsylvania. For the next eight weeks, this program will offer you support and accountability. Take this time to develop a plan to sustain your new healthy habits, so that after this spring program ends, you can continue making progress toward a healthier lifestyle.

But Wait, There's More 

This spring, you will receive an email every week. The email will include survey links to mileage tracking and photo scavenger hunt surveys, as well as a link to our weekly newsletters, which will now be accessible on our website. Several weekly newsletters will include a section from the Penn State Cancer Institute, providing healthy lifestyle tips and resources. Each week, Penn State Extension Master Gardener Coordinator Mary Ann Ryan will also share gardening advice geared specifically to Pennsylvania gardeners, and Extension educators will offer a new healthy recipe for home cooks to try.

Master Gardener Tip: Meadows

What are meadows? This term is used to describe an area that is filled with herbaceous plant material, consisting of grasses and flowering perennials. Depending on where the meadow is located, the plant material may be different. For instance, a dry, sunny spot will have a different variety of plants than a low, moist spot.

Meadows are a great alternative to lawns, especially if the plants are native. Turfgrass provides little support to the declining population of pollinating insects. Transitioning to native herbaceous plants will help support and improve the number of pollinators.

Meadows also filter water, trap sediment, and provide food and shelter for wildlife, including the pollinators. They are a hub of activity. Start with a small area. Plant a few native perennials and continue to increase that area each year. It won’t take long before your native garden becomes a meadow! To learn more about meadows and plant choices, read the article Meadows and Prairies: Wildlife-Friendly Alternatives to Lawn

Recipe of the Week   

• Whole Wheat Pasta with Lemon Kale Chicken. This simple and hearty pasta recipe is a great way to make use of leafy greens like kale.

Resource Highlights

• Our Everybody Walk Across Pennsylvania Program Information website is where you can find the team captain and individual walker logs, as well as a tool to calculate exercise equivalents.
• Walking 101: Take steps to improve your health by walking for exercise. This guide is packed with tips on everything from walking effectively to buying the right walking shoes.
• Walk by Faith: This program is designed for people interested in implementing and/or leading a healthy eating and physical activity program within their organization. Once trained, Walk by Faith leaders will be better prepared to help participants maintain a healthy weight and reduce their risk of cancer.
• Move for Mental Health: Do you live or work in Franklin County, Pennsylvania? If so, Healthy Franklin County offers free programs, resources, and tools to help you increase physical activity and support your overall well-being. Click the link above to find out more. 
• Also for those who live or work in Franklin County, Pennsylvania: Healthy Franklin County incentives registration is open through April 17, 2026. Healthy Franklin County Incentives Registration Spring 2026 – Fill out form

Upcoming Events

• Let's Cook at Home: Charcuterie Boards. Learn how to make a charcuterie board for a fun meal or appetizer with friends and family.
• Let's Cook at Home: Mediterranean. Take a tasty trip to the Mediterranean in this virtual cooking class! Watch and learn as we prepare an authentic Mediterranean meal.
• Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia. Learn during this webinar the basics of Alzheimer's and dementia.
• 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's. Learn during this informative virtual event to recognize the common signs of Alzheimer's Disease.