Texas Parks Host Veteran Hikes to Honor Mental Health

Texas, October 1, 2025

News Summary

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department organized its third annual hikes in state parks to connect veterans to nature and mental health resources, aiming to reduce suicide among veterans. Participating parks included Cedar Hill, Purtis Creek, and Dinosaur Valley. This initiative, which expanded from 11 to 25 parks, encourages peer support and addresses feelings of isolation in veterans following military service. Partners include various veteran organizations committed to improving mental health and providing resources.

Austin — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) organized hikes in September to connect veterans to nature in honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

What happened

TPWD hosted its third annual veteran hikes across multiple state parks to bring veterans together, combine outdoor activities with a network for mental health resources, and help reduce veteran suicide. This initiative marks the third annual hike, bringing veterans together in a supportive community-driven approach across 25 state parks in Texas. The hikes focused on building peer connections, increasing access to mental health information, and creating a community setting for veterans who may feel isolated after military service.

Key details

• When: September, in observance of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
• Scale: The initiative took place across 25 state parks in Texas.
• North Texas participation: In North Texas, participating parks included Cedar Hill State Park, Purtis Creek State Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Lake Tawakoni State Park, and Cooper Lake State Park.
• Origins: The initiative was spearheaded in 2023 by Air Force veteran and TPWD military and internship coordinator Nicole Mechler, who wanted to support Texas veterans.
• Growth: The program began with 11 parks in 2023 and expanded to 25 parks due to strong participation and demand.
• Partners: Supporting organizations include the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Texas Veterans Commission, Blue Star Families, Military OneSource, and Uvalde Memorial Hospital.
• Context: According to the 2024 National Suicide Prevention Annual Report, about 6,400 veterans died by suicide in 2022.

Why it matters

The hikes aim to address veteran mental health by using nature and peer support as accessible tools. TPWD staff organized guided walks and informal conversations to encourage veterans to connect with one another and to learn about local mental health resources. Organizers emphasized that natural settings can reduce stress and provide space for informal support, while resource partners were available to share information about counseling, crisis lines, and veteran-specific services.

Program approach and participation

Activities were designed to be low-barrier and inclusive, suitable for participants with a range of physical abilities. Park events often included short hikes, opportunities to learn about local trails, and information tables staffed by partner organizations. TPWD described the events as community-driven, intended to create a sense of belonging for veterans who often feel isolated after their military service.

Expansion and future goals

Organizers said the goal is to involve as many parks as possible to reach a wider audience. The program expanded from 11 parks in its first year to 25 parks in the current year, reflecting increased veteran interest and partner engagement. By continuing to partner with veteran-focused organizations and local hospitals, organizers plan to maintain and grow the program to connect more veterans with nature and support services.

Supporting data

National data on veteran suicide are one reason partners highlighted the importance of outreach. According to the 2024 National Suicide Prevention Annual Report, about 6,400 veterans died by suicide in 2022. Organizers said sharing resources and strengthening social ties through outdoor events can be part of a broader approach to prevention.

Background

TPWD launched the veteran hikes to combine recreation and resource navigation, leveraging state park settings to remove barriers to participation. The program builds on partnerships with veteran service groups and mental health organizations to provide timely information and referrals. Organizers point to benefits from both the group aspect of the hikes and the therapeutic effects of nature.

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Dallas News
• Wikipedia: Suicide Prevention
• KSAT
• Google Search: Veteran suicide prevention
• Express News
• Google Scholar: Veteran mental health
• KENS 5
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Veteran mental health
• KLTV
• Google News: Veteran suicide awareness
• KTSM

Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.