The website www.Health.gov says adults need at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, and strength-based activities at least 2 days a week. So how are YOU doing?

“Only 19 percent of Western New York adults are meeting those guidelines,” said Richard Vienne, D.O., Univera Healthcare vice president, and chief medical officer. “One-third report no physical activity in the past 30 days! We need to do better.”

Physical activity can reduce your blood pressure and improve your blood sugar. It can prevent many cancers and cut your risk for heart disease and stroke. The bottom line — “Move more, sit less,” said Vienne.

Jamestown, New York’s Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC) is a great place to spend time outdoors. Located in Jamestown, NY (about 60 miles south of Buffalo), the nature preserve includes close to 600 acres of wetland and forest ecosystems which are home to a variety of native plants, animals, and insects. Visitors enjoy hiking on the six miles of trails, which are easily navigable for people of all ages. ACNC is also home to Liberty, a non-releasable bald eagle, as well as a variety of other live animals that are cared for by ACNC staff and volunteers. Liberty and the trails are made accessible to the public, free of charge, from dawn until dusk daily.

ACNC’s trails remain open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. ACNC asks that visitors practice safe social distancing when they encounter others on the trails. ACNC’s building, which houses the additional animals as well as interactive exhibits, is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Many of ACNC’s programs have been moved online or have been rescheduled due to COVID-19. For more information visit www.auduboncnc.org.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, Jamestown, New York 14701. Trails are accessible daily from dawn till dusk. For information on the hours of the Nature Center building (when open), visit http://auduboncnc.org/contact. The use of the trails is free year-round. For information on the admission to the Nature Center building (when open) click here.