Mindfulness and Well-being Series: Nature and Forest Therapy at Grandfather Mountain

Join Mattie Decker, a certified forest therapy guide, for a relaxing 2 to 2.5-hour stroll through the forest at Grandfather Mountain. Through a series of invitations, you will have the opportunity to focus on being present in the moment, deepening your connection with nature and community and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer.

“Forest Bathing” is a walk in nature during which your guide will share mindfulness practices and invitations designed to connect you more deeply to your inner landscapes as well as the world around you. Inspired by shinrin-yoku (forest-bath) the Japanese art of immersing oneself in a forest environment, forest bathing walks invite guests to spend time in nature in a way that invites healing for us, as well as our fraught ecosystems, and our community.

Program Itinerary
10 a.m. – Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. We begin with an introduction to Forest Bathing, the watershed and history of the ancestral lands of the walk.
10:30 – 12 p.m. – We will experience the forest and trails on the mountain, with a variety of “invitations” to explore our relationship with the forest and “more than human world” of nature.
12 p.m. – Lunch
12:30 p.m. – Return to Wilson Center
1 p.m. – We will end with a tea ceremony with tea made from plants of Grandfather Mountain.

Tickets
This event costs $40 for general admission and $34 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Registration opens on this page on June 22, at 10 a.m. Limited to 12 participants.

What’s included?
Your program cost includes admission into the park, field instruction and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees.

Tips are not accepted for field courses. However, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program.

General Clothing List
Much of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment and footwear are very important.

Equipment:

• Daypack with enough room to carry extra clothing, water, lunch, camera, etc.
• Water Bottle
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Sturdy hiking boots or closed-toed shoes are required
• Binoculars

Refunds/Cancellations
Grandfather Mountain events generally sell out and have a waiting list associated with the event. If you cannot attend the field course that you are registered for, please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration, please call 828-833-6332 or email judi@grandfather.com.

We ask that individuals who are sick with any illness to stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants, our staff, and the field course instructors – refunds will be granted to these individuals.