First Day of Spring: Forest Therapy

Celebrate the first day of spring and experience the seasonal awakening with a forest bathing walk. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, Forest Therapy is a research-based holistic practice which uses immersion in natural environments to enhance health and wellness. Your experience will include a two-hour program, where we will be traveling less than a mile, responding to different invitations to experience aspects of natural world.

Your guide, Kristine Villatoro, a certified trained Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) will guide you through sensory invitations to help you slow down, awaken your senses, and reconnect with nature. Forest Therapy, or shinrin yoku, is the simple practice of taking in the woods through the senses for health benefits. The benefits are immense: boosted immunity, lowered blood pressure and heart rate, improved attention and mood, and hitting the reset button on life.

This program is reserved for ages 15 and up. Although we will be sitting by a fire, be sure to dress for the weather with extra layers of clothing or a lap blanket. Activities will be leisurely, and temperatures can feel cooler when seated or moving slowly. Although we will have some extras, please bring a chair with you. Meet at the Lupton Access Picnic Shelter. Click here for the limited registration. 

**Throughout the program, all program participants including park staff, volunteers, and park visitors will be asked to maintain appropriate social distancing of at least 6 feet. Face coverings are requested for all visitors in all facilities and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible.

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