Treat yourself to a walk in the woods.
Do you need more than a short vacation from the bustle of fast-paced life? The constant daily flurry may cause you to forget how to slow down, enjoy precious moments, and quiet your running mind.
Forest bathing is a restorative, joyful practice that is scientifically proven to enhance wellness, reduce stress, improve concentration, boost your immune system, sharpen senses and deepen your relationship with nature. It will help you remember how to view, with child-like wonder, the beauty of each moment.
Enjoy the forest and see it change throughout the year. You will walk along trails of Hickory Hill Park in a slow, relaxed way that helps you learn to still your mind and enjoy the present moment. Each class has a different focus, intermixing playful, exploratory activities during the delightful stroll. Lessons about plants, birds, insects and the ecological health of forests will be woven into each walk.
You should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain. Dress appropriately for the weather and for sitting in the woods. Small sitting mats will be provided. Please bring items for your comfort: water bottle, insect repellent, hat, long pants, walking stick, full-length mat or portable chair. If desired, bring materials for sketching or writing. We recommend walking without electronic devices.
Please register soon: Classes are limited to 15 people and are expected to fill quickly.
Dates and Focus
Saturdays: 9:30 am - 11:30 am.
May 4: Mindfulness
Practice top mindfulness activities that can help you be more present.
May 25: The Six Senses
Cultivate presence and deepen your appreciation of the forest by engaging all your senses.
Jun 29: Foraging Wild Edibles
Identify and munch berries and greens while learning top tips for preparing your forest bounty.
Jul 27: Animal Moves
Playfully move like a bear, fox, bunny and other animals to enjoy the forest through their eyes.
Aug 31: Plant Connection
Sit with a plant and open all your senses to discover messages it may provide.
Sep 28: Art and Creativity
Inspire and grow your creativity by building tiny structures, writing or drawing.
Oct 19: Dreams and Journeys
Meditate in the woods with a specific intention and listen to guidance from the land.
Register for the Entire Series
Register for all 7 classes
Fee for all classes: $115
Save $3.50 per class.
Register for Individual Classes
Fee for individual classes: $20
Register at the Iowa City Parks and Recreation website.
May 4: Mindfulness
May 25: The Six Senses
Jun 29: Foraging Wild Edibles
Jul 27: Animal Moves
Aug 31: Plant Connection
Sep 28: Art and Creativity
Oct 19: Dreams and Journeys
Location
We meet at the parking lot off Bloomington Street on the south side of Hickory Hill Park.
Guide
Walks are guided by Fred Meyer, master gardener, master conservationist, master woodland manager and permaculture designer at Backyard Abundance.
Hosted by Backyard Abundance in collaboration with the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department.
