The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. – Thursday, October 9, 2025 is proclaimed Children’s Environmental Health Day in Clifton Forge, Covington, Iron Gate, and Alleghany County, Virginia in response to a request submitted by Clifton Forge resident and volunteer member of the Clifton Forge Parks & Trails Committee, Hannah Wilkerson.
As a region that prides itself on its beautiful landscape and love for outdoor recreation, safe access to nature is a key children’s environmental health issue for our area. Time spent in natural environments improves children’s physical and mental health issues: increasing physical activity, reducing symptoms of asthma and attention disorders, decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression, and increasing self-confidence.
In Clifton Forge, the Parks & Trails Committee is dedicated to creating and maintaining recreational spaces for the enjoyment of the Town and its surrounding communities. Their recent projects include an in-town Sensory Trail and a community garden on the Smith Creek Trail. They are currently fundraising to place all-abilities equipment in local playgrounds and increase access to safe outdoor spaces for local children.
The town of Clifton Forge is also seeking public comment for a new ADA accessible bathroom to be placed on the Smith Creek Trail, Sensory Trail, and Community Garden, which would make it easier for families to enjoy our beautiful public lands. Notice and comment submission box, including an artist rendering of the proposed bathroom facility at the Smith Creek Sensory Trail and Community Garden can be found here.
Finally, the Parks & Trails Committee is looking forward to the dedication of a new riverside park in town on Mound Street. The new park will honor resident Jada Celeste Callender. A sign was placed to mark the future site of the park on what would have been Jada’s 54th birthday on September 17.
The Parks and Trails Committee looks forward to celebrating Children’s Environmental Health Day with our neighbors! On Children’s Environmental Health (CEH) Day takes place on the second Thursday of October each year. It’s based on the idea that, together, we can create healthier, safer places for all children to play, live, learn, and worship. October 9th will be the tenth anniversary of CEH Day, when people come together to raise awareness, encourage actions that promote child wellness, celebrate progress in the protection of children’s environmental health, and create a strong network of child health advocates nationwide.
There are plenty of ways for individuals to get involved with CEH Day! If you’re a Clifton Forge area resident, we’re always looking for new members of the Parks and Trails Committee (follow us on Facebook @CliftonForgeParks) and donors for the All-Abilities Playground. No matter where you live, anyone can write a note to your congressional leaders about an issue close to your heart, take a walk with the kids in your life, host a stream cleanup, or read an eco-healthy book. Right now, teachers, child care providers, and librarians across the country are participating in a CEH Day art contest and book giveaway hosted by the Children’s Environmental Health Network.
CEH Day encourages individuals and organizations to raise awareness and understanding of children’s environmental health issues and to advocate for improvements in policy, regulations, and practices to best protect children from exposure to environmental hazards. By signing this proclamation Clifton Forge, Covington, Iron Gate, and Alleghany County have joined many other communities across the country that are committed to improving environmental conditions for children nationwide. Through collective action, we can help to ensure a healthy future for all.
Visit cehday.org to learn more and get involved!
