Forest therapy walk in Bohemia Ecological Preserve

07/27/2025 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM PT

Description

Forest therapy is based on the Japanese practice, shinrin-yoku, which can be translated as "forest bathing” or “taking in the atmosphere of the forest.” A centering and calming restorative practice, it promotes balance and restored vitality through a quality of presence and heightened sensory awareness. It’s a time to slow down and become immersed in the natural environment, connecting with self, connecting with others, and connecting with the more-than-human world. Quickly growing in popularity in the United States and internationally, there is evidence that the practice of forest therapy can help boost immunity, improve overall health, and reduce stress. Give yourself the gift of time in nature and experience the restorative benefits of this healing practice for yourself.

Walks typically last 2.5-3 hours depending on the number of participants. While this walk is not a hike, we will be traversing some rocky and steep terrain, so please prepare for a moderate difficulty level. Participants are welcome to bring a bag lunch. There will be time at the end of the experience to picnic by the creek. These walks are appropriate for adults and older teens. Please find other arrangements for small children and pets
 
Join volunteer docents Emily Wolf McMane, a certified Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) and Lindsey Dyer, outdoor educator in Bohemia Ecological Preserve!
 
Details:  
  • We will ask you to sign a waiver of liability
  • There is a porta restroom on site
  • No potable water onsite
  • We ask that you leave your pets at home
Difficulty:
This hike is suitable for all ages but will include a fairly steep hike up and hike down. There is an elevation gain of about 500 feet over a little less than a mile. 
 
What to bring: 
  • Bottle of water and snacks for you and your family
  • Sun protection and warm layers for the morning
  • Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
  • Hiking poles can be beneficial
Where we will meet: See Event Registration Confirmation in your email inbox. 
 
Additional details:
Accessibility: If you have accessibility questions, please call or email us with any questions or concerns you may have.
Cancellations:  We will make every effort to let you know ahead of time if the outing gets cancelled and we would really appreciate a message from you if you need to cancel as well. 
Will it be canceled if it rains? A light drizzle won't stop us, but we'll cancel if it's a heavy downpour. We'll email you if we cancel. You can also check back on this post; it will say "CANCELLED" if the outing is called off.
 
Do you need help registering? LandPaths is actively committed to making these outings accessible for all, regardless of historical and systemic socioeconomic inequities. Please reach out if you need assistance:
  • call Laura at 707-544-7284
  • email at laura@landpaths.org​​​​​​