Adult Opportunities

LGBTQ+ Forest Therapy Walk

Experience the healing and wellness-promoting effects of shinrin-yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest.

Content Detail

In this forest therapy walk for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, join other nature lovers for a mindful walk with a certified forest therapy guide on the grounds of The Morton Arboretum.

On this walk, you will experience a series of guided invitations to slow down, open the senses, and cultivate an embodied relationship between yourself and the natural world. The class concludes with a tea ceremony with tea made from edible plants foraged along the trail.

There’s no right or wrong way to come home to ourselves. Come as you are; all are welcome in the forest.

This program meets in person at the Arboretum.

View all forest therapy offerings.

Instructor: Jessica Rodriguez, certified forest therapy guide, Reciprocal Forest Bathing

Age: 16 and older

Course number: WELL116

Instructor

Jessica Rodriguez, certified forest therapy guide and owner, Reciprocal Forest Bathing

Jessica Rodriguez is a certified nature and forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and has been guiding since March 2022. They are focused on creating a sense of wholeness by cultivating meaningful experiences with people through nature. Rodriguez holds a BA in sociology and environmental studies and currently works as the coalition building manager at the Brushwood Center, a health, nature and arts center in Lake County. Learn more about their nature wellness practice at Reciprocal Forest Bathing.

What to Know

This program is held entirely outdoors, rain or shine.

Check the forecast and dress for the weather. Extra layers for moving slowly in cold weather are recommended.

Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes appropriate for outdoor winter activities.

Walks are at a slow, gentle pace with frequent stops.

A mat to sit on is optional.

Nongendered restrooms are available at the Visitor Center. Portable restrooms and gendered restrooms are available at the walk location.

Access Cost

An access cost is available to students, participants in the Museums for All program, and others who would benefit from a reduced price to participate. Please select “Access” ticket pricing when registering.

If the access cost is a barrier to participating, if you are interested in registering a group, or if you have other questions about the program, please email education@mortonarb.org.

Program Schedule

Saturday, February 15, 2025, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Thornhill Picnic Shelter (Parking Lot 21), West Side

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