Join Oceana Conservation District for a special Saturday afternoon in nature and explore the benefits of Shinrin-yoku, a relaxing Japanese wellness practice also known as “forest bathing.” Shinrin-yoku is a well-researched method for natural stress relief, and is an approach to time in nature that focuses on slowing down, awakening our senses, and offering a deep level of our attention to what is happening in the world around us. This 1.5 hour event will be led by ANFT certified forest therapy guide Katie Venechuk, who is the founder and primary program guide at In Your Element Wellness. Katie will start our afternoon with a brief introduction to the research and science behind shinrin-yoku and how it is different from a hike in the forest, and then we'll transition into a guided forest bathing experience to help you relax, awaken your senses, and notice the most subtle of details in the web of life around you. We'll end with a wild foraged tea ceremony and time to visit among the trees. 

This event is not a hike or and the total distance covered will be less than 1-mile. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing. We will have a sit pad for you to use during your experience, but feel free to bring along a blanket if you’d like! 

Space will be limited to 15 participants. The fee for the program is $15 and pre-registration is required. Registrants will be directed to a payment page after filling out the form below to confirm the reservation.