Nature Therapy Walk: A Shinrin-yoku Experience (October)

Nature Therapy Walks are a unique, immersive, slow-paced experience with proven health benefits. Inspired by the Japanese practice of forest bathing and led by a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, you will explore the land of the Preserve and awaken your senses to its sounds, beings, textures, and beauty. This experience is different than a hike or naturalist walk. You will be invited to move slowly, wander, pause, observe and reflect. The emphasis is on unplugging, calming the mind, and engaging with the natural world. Many studies have shown that this type of experience in nature reduces stress, lowers cortisol levels and blood pressure, increases energy, enhances sleep, increases natural killer disease-fighting cells, and provides an overall sense of well-being.

Led by Sharon Lohse

Sharon Lohse is a Master’s prepared psychiatric nurse with a certificate in horticultural therapy, mindfulness and a certificate in Forest Therapy. My love of plants, trees, flowers and people are the roots of her business, “Mindful in Nature.” She has been a certified guide since January of 2019 and very much enjoys bringing people and plants together. She has transformed her yard into a horticultural masterpiece, winning the Garden of Distinction Award in the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society’s annual garden contest. In the process, she discovered how happy people felt after walking her garden trail, which led Sharon to Delaware Valley University. Here she learned about Horticulture as a science and how to incorporate nature and plants into the lives of special populations in order to improve their health and spirits.  

“The forest is the therapist. The guide opens the doors.” – M. Amos Clifford

Pre-registration for this program is required by Thursday, October 21, 2021.