Slow down, awaken your senses, and connect with nature as you experience a forest bathing walk in Hillwood’s gardens and grounds.

Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (which translates to “absorbing the forest atmosphere”), forest bathing is a research-based activity designed to promote health and wellbeing through immersions in natural settings. Participants will be guided on a soothing stroll through the fall gardens at a slow pace. They will be invited to participate in gentle activities designed to engage their senses and tune into the sounds, smells, textures, and sights of the nature around them.

The September 24 program will be led by Certified Forest Therapy Guide Ana Ka'ahanui. 
The September 30 program will be led by Certified Forest Therapy Guide Adria S. Zeldin.

This program is limited to fifteen participants and must have a minimum of five participants. This program is recommended for those 18 years of age and older. Payment is required in advance and is non-refundable, unless the program is cancelled due to severe weather.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

This program is outdoors. Participants are expected to walk through garden pathways and uneven ground and should dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and feel free to bring a water bottle for hydration. Consider bringing a yoga mat, cushion, towel, blanket or portable camp stool for your comfort and bring insect repellent and sunscreen, as necessary.

Click here to see how Hillwood is following the latest health and safety guidance.

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN

This program will proceed in rain and will only be cancelled in the event of severe weather, such as lightning. Hillwood will notify participants by 8 a.m. the morning of the program of a cancellation due to severe weather. In the event the workshop is canceled, all participants will be refunded.

ABOUT THE GUIDE

Ana Leilani Ka’ahanui is co-founder of the D.C. metro area nonprofit Capital Nature. Her organization’s mission is to connect the people and visitors of the D.C. area to the abundance of nature in the region. Ana leads the marketing and promotion efforts of Capital Nature through their website and social media channels. She is a certified forest bathing guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs and is devoted to sharing the practice, needed now more than ever. Ana is also a Virginia Master Naturalist and committed to connecting people to nature through citizen science and other biodiversity initiatives such as the global City Nature Challenge. She enjoys engaging others in citizen science by leading nature walks and teaching about the app iNaturalist.

Adria S. Zeldin is a certified forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. She received her certification in April 2021 and has led forest bathing walks in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Florida. She currently guides forest bathing walks at the Audubon Naturalist Society in Chevy Chase, Maryland, at Locust Grove in Bethesda, Maryland with Montgomery Parks, and at the Grassy Waters Preserve in West Palm Beach, Florida. She has guided walks virtually (during Covid-19) as well as in person.  

Adria is a Maryland Master Naturalist and received her Master Naturalist certificate in 2017. Adria has completed many of the Natural History Field Studies classes at the Audubon Naturalist Society, and has volunteered at ANS since 2007. Prior to the pandemic, Adria was a docent at the U.S. Botanic Garden. She enjoys birding and exploring nature in the DC metro area as well as in Florida, where she spends winters. Prior to her retirement in 2017, Adria worked as an employment attorney in government and private practice for over 30 years.