During this retreat at The Morton Arboretum for LGBTQ+ community and their allies, join other nature lovers for a day of reflection, mindfulness, and connection.
Research shows that time spent among the trees has clear benefits for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Step outside the pressures of daily life, come home to yourself, and nurture your well-being with three nature-focused sessions:
- Practice shinrin-yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest, during a mindful walk with a certified forest therapy guide.
- Deepen your connection to the natural world by exploring nature through the lens of queer ecology.
- Use journaling and sketching as a means to slow down and draw closer to nature through self-reflection.
Come as you are; it’s all welcome in the forest.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum. Lunch and refreshments included.
Instructors: Jessica Rodriguez, certified forest therapy guide; Jenna John, artist and ecologist; nateo carreño, horticulturist and community organizer
Age: 16 and older
Course number: WELL400
Jessica Rodriguez, certified forest therapy guide
Jessica Rodriguez is a certified forest bathing guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and has been guiding since March 2022. They hold a BA in environmental studies and sociology and currently also work as a horticulturist. Their passion lies in opening the doors between people and nature to connect and heal together. They can be found on Instagram and Facebook @reciprocalforestbathing.
Jenna John, artist and ecologist
Jenna John is an interdisciplinary artist and ecologist from Michigan. Her passion for Midwestern ecology brought her to Chicago after graduating from the University of Michigan with a BS in ecology and evolutionary biology, a BFA in art and design, and a minor in science, technology, and society.
Alongside conservation work in Chicago, Jenna pursues research-derived creative projects that integrate ecological investigations with art, critical theory, environmental history, queer ecology, and public engagement. In doing so, Jenna is cultivating a lifelong creative practice and philosophy that interrogates human-nature relationships in order to transform conversations in face of the Anthropocene.
nateo carreño, horticulturist and community organizer
nateo carreño’s community disciplines are in soil remediation, plants, and nature. With those disciplines, they tend to the relational filaments between soil, nature, people, and queerness that a commitment to western and imperial ideologies has historically degraded.
What to Know
A needs-based rate of $65 is available for those who would not otherwise be able to attend or those participating in the Museums for All Program. Please email education@mortonarb.org to request this pricing.
This program is held mostly outdoors, weather permitting. Dress for the weather and bring layers.
Nongendered restrooms are available.
Light morning refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Bring a notebook, something to write with, and a blanket or pad to sit on.
Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. The first session begins promptly at 9:00 a.m.
Program Schedule
Saturday, October 28, 2023, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Founder’s Room, Thornhill Education Center
