​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 well-being through immersion in natural settings. Participants will be guided on a soothing stroll through the spring 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 nature around them. ​

Friday walks will be led by Certified Forest Therapy Guide Adria S. Zeldin.

Saturday and Sunday walks will be led by Certified Forest Therapy Guide Ana Ka'ahanui. 

Please note that the program on Saturday, October 26 will be led by Adria S. Zeldin and the program Friday, November 22 will be led by Ana Ka'ahanui.

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 canceled 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. Your guide will have an optional portable camp stool available for your comfort. Please bring insect repellent and sunscreen, as necessary.

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 GUIDES

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 ANFT certification in April 2021. She leads forest bathing walks in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Florida. Adria’s guiding practice is deeply informed by her ongoing exploration of the natural world. As a Maryland Master Naturalist (2017) and with a recent certification in Natural History Field Studies (2023), Adria brings a wealth of knowledge to the forest bathing experience. 

Prior to the pandemic, Adria was a docent at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Adria 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.