Why the Bonita Estero Rail Trail is Essential Medicine for Our Community
by Julie Roppe-Stern, MSW, LICSW
Naples Daily News, June 27th, 2026
As a mental health therapist, the very first thing I teach my clients is the true meaning of self-care. True self-care is not merely about getting a massage or a pedicure; it is vastly more profound. The World Health Organization defines health as “a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” In my practice, I emphasize the inseparable “mind-body” connection: what affects the body inevitably impacts the mind, and vice versa.
I introduce clients to self-care through foundational tools like diaphragmatic breathing to calm the central nervous system. Once mastered, we expand into healthy coping mechanisms, visualization, grounding techniques, and mindfulness—the practice of anchoring ourselves in the present moment using all five senses. We also focus on nutrition to fuel the brain, sleep hygiene, hobbies, and the vital roles that social connection and physical movement play in our lives.
The data supporting these practices is overwhelming. Research consistently shows that moving our bodies—especially in green spaces—is one of the most effective ways to manage stress, alleviate mental health symptoms, and even slow the progression of cognitive decline. Regular physical activity also reduces the risk of a wide range of diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. Furthermore, rhythmic activities like walking, running, and cycling act as a form of Bilateral Stimulation. Frequently utilized in therapeutic trauma work, this alternating left-right movement helps the brain process stress and emotional trauma, acting as a natural reset for an overloaded nervous system.
It is this profound intersection of mental health and community infrastructure that drives my advocacy outside of the office. As a therapist, community member, and a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) member, I am proud to be a “Friend of BERT (Bonita Estero Rail Trail)”—and this August 18, Bonita Springs voters have the chance to make it real. The proposed BERT trail is exactly what our community needs to put these holistic health principles into practice. This paved, 12-foot-wide path will feature a gentle grade and low-barrier entry points. Rail to Trails like BERT are intentionally designed to be universally accessible, welcoming everyone from young children and the elderly to individuals with disabilities.
Meandering across rivers, creeks, and lakeside borders, the trail will offer dedicated natural areas equipped with benches and restrooms, providing the perfect backdrop for mindfulness and relaxation—while helping preserve this green space as a protected corridor for generations to come. BERT will safely connect neighborhoods and businesses, away from cars and busy roads, while fostering a deep sense of social engagement—a critical buffer against the modern epidemic of isolation.
The Bonita Estero Rail Trail is more than just a path; it is an investment in our collective well-being—a safe place where residents of every age and ability can walk, move, gather, and reconnect with nature close to home. That is exactly the kind of everyday medicine our community needs.
