Black Friday isn't just about shopping.

Rather than clamoring among the crowd for highly discounted goods, eight Wareham residents took advantage of a free guided hike at the Great Neck Conservation Area instead.

Led by Kyla Isakson from the Wareham Land Trust, the Green Friday Walk and Talk gathered nature lovers to enjoy a peaceful 1.5-mile walk. Isakson, who hopes to make Walk and Talks a monthly event, believes the activity will give participants a chance to “mingle with other like-minded people.”

“It is very stressful to go out shopping, especially during the holiday: You are worried about spending too much money, worried about getting a perfect gift,” said Isakson. “But being able to come out on the trail can really help you clear your mind, reduce stress and calm anxiety.”

Some hikers said that they saw Green Friday as a chance to get out of the house and also explore the trails in a group, which they would not have done alone. Others believed that fresh air is always a good alternative to stuffy stores. 

“I want to avoid the crowds,” said Louise King. “It’s still nice weather to get out and enjoy nature.”

Isakson works with TerraCorps, which is dedicated to helping communities gain access to and conserve land for people and nature. She has already kicked off a monthly movie Monday at the Wareham Free Library, and is planning an Earth Day Festival for April, which she hopes will become a yearly tradition.

“I want to get people educated and interested in being in touch with the local environment,” said Isakson. “Being in nature can help you feel psychologically restored and motivate you to be more active.”