A forest therapy walk is a gentle sensory immersion experience in nature. To understand what a forest therapy walk is, it is helpful to understand what a forest therapy walk is not. A forest therapy walk is not:
a naturalist or science-oriented experience focusing on identifying plants and animals or understanding local geology or ecology.
a hike or other athletic experience. It is not about building up a sweat or pushing your physical limits.
a wilderness experience. Forest therapy walks usually take place near where people live.
A typical forest therapy walk:
is an opportunity to deepen your connection with nature and yourself through a series of sensory-opening activities.
takes place for about 3 hours but covers less than a mile in distance. With advance notice, the length of time and distance covered can be adjusted.
occurs on relatively flat ground, on and off walking paths.
involves a series of sensory-opening "invitations" (optional guided activities), some of which are undertaken solo and some of which are done in pairs or groups.
Other info:
What to Wear: comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring an extra layer since we will be moving slowly.
What to Bring: a rain poncho/umbrella as needed, and a sun hat and sunglasses as needed. You also may wish to bring a water bottle and snack, since a walk typically lasts 3 hours.
Sit stools and mats will be provided.
Children: People sometimes ask if they can bring children with them on a public forest therapy walk. Teens are welcome to participate in the public walks, with teens under 16 accompanied by an adult. Including younger children in the public walks may distract their accompanying adults and other participants, making them less "present" and able to engage fully in the experience. Specially tailored forest therapy walks are great for children and for families with younger children. If you are interested in scheduling one, please contact us!
Sometimes a tree tells you more than can be read in books. --C.G. Jung