Northern Michigan University’s Conservation Crew invites students and community members alike to lace up their boots and hit the trails for Hike October, a month-long mental health campaign that turns every mile hiked into real dollar donations.

The Conservation Crew has kept this long-running tradition moving in the right direction, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. The campaign has earned multiple student community service awards for the funds raised and donated over the years.

“All the miles get translated into money that’s donated to mental health research and wilderness conservation,” said Anna Tousley, co-leader of the NMU Conservation Crew.

Beyond fundraising, the group emphasizes adventure and connection. They intentionally seek out trails “less hiked,” hoping to discover hidden gems of the Upper Peninsula while encouraging participants to find peace and purpose outdoors.

Using the iHike.org app, participants can track their miles and see their progress add up in real time. While hikers are welcome to log their miles independently, the crew invites anyone looking to meet new people, explore new paths and contribute to a greater cause to join their group outings.

“We started this because some of the money goes to wilderness conservation trails, and that’s one of the main missions of our club—conservation,” Tousley said.

Two good causes, one hike.

Students who prefer solo adventures can email their total miles to the organization, and the group will make sure they are counted toward the total donations.

For information on upcoming group hikes, reach out via Instagram @nmuconservationcrew. The team is looking to expand their adventures this year with new themed hikes—like mushroom hunting—so keep your eyes peeled for what is next on the trail.