About this Event
Being outside is vitally important now more than ever.Let us guide you in disconnecting from the outside world and reconnecting with nature at the U.S. National Arboretum.
Join our nature and forest therapy guide in this two-hour program that encourages you to slow down and take in the National Arboretum through all your senses. Forest bathing, or shinrin yoku, is the simple practice of taking in the woods through the senses for health benefits. The benefits are immense: boosted immunity, lowered blood pressure and heart rate, improved attention and mood, and hitting the reset button on life. The Japanese have enjoyed shinrin yoku for decades as a regular public health initiative.
Our forest bathing walks consist of three ‘invitations’. Each time the guide will prompt you to reflect on a particular aspect of the natural world around you, give you time to wander and meditate throughout the garden collection, then reconvene the group to share reflections. While some people choose to walk extensively during this ‘forest bathing walk’, many others choose to sit and get to know specific areas of the collection. Each forest bathing walk will end with a modified tea ceremony — we will have small pre-packaged snacks to close the walk.
Tickets are $35 (plus processing fee, FONA Members get a discount).
Once purchased, you will receive more information on how to prepare for the event. We choose where we will hold the walk based on seasonality in the Arboretum. We'll reach out shortly before the event with final details of the walk's location.
No pets or children under 16 for this experience.
Important Notes:
If you are feeling ill, have contracted COVID-19, or believe you may have contracted COVID-19, please let us know before the event and you will receive a certificate to attend a walk at a later date. Please email [email protected] if you are concerned you cannot attend this event.
Weather Cancellations: Forest bathing walks are held in many weather conditions, including light rain or snow. If the FONA cancels the walk due to unsafe conditions or threat of inclement weather, you will be notified by email at least 6 hours before the walk and offered a certificate to attend a walk at a later date.
Low Registration Cancellations: FONA reserves the right to cancel a walk if fewer than 5 people register. In the event of a cancellation due to low participant registration, you will receive a certificate to attend a walk at a later date.
COVID Precautions: Participants and guides are required to wear masks and social distance during the event. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available to those who need it. Guides will mark spaces on the ground for participants to stand to ensure social distancing. Participants are required to sign a waiver and complete a health questionnaire upon arrival before the event begins to ensure they are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. If you are feeling ill, have contracted COVID-19, or are concerned you might have contracted COVID-19, please let us know and you will receive a certificate to attend a walk at a later date.
On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued an Executive Order requiring masks and social distancing in Federal buildings and on Federal lands. The new administration is currently developing a COVID-safety plan for the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will prioritize the health and safety of all federal employees and contractors, as well as visitors to federal facilities and land. While this safety plan is being developed, the U.S. National Arboretum will follow the advice of public health and science experts, by requiring all USNA visitors and employees to wear a mask, maintain social distance while on USNA property, and to take other related precautions recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
US National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue Northeast, Washington, United States
USD 35.00