MNPS Field Trip: Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing Walk in Rock Creek Park

Sponsoring Organization: Maryland Native Plant Society 

Join MNPS and natural history author Melanie Choukas-Bradley for our first Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing walk and learn about the health benefits of spending time immersed in nature. 

We will meet in the Pinehurst Branch area of Rock Creek Park for a quiet, slow walk through the floodplain forest. While we will walk beneath tall trees and see autumn wildflowers blooming, Melanie says that Shinrin-Yoku is “more about being than IDing.” 

Numerous health studies in Japan, North America and around the world have demonstrated measurable improvements in physical health and mood following sensory immersion in nature, including lowered blood pressure, lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increased immunity to disease. 

Melanie will share some simple techniques she has learned to help us connect more deeply with the beauty and wonder of Rock Creek Park and its tree canopy.  She has a lightweight portable forest bathing stool to lend to each participant for the duration of the walk. We will be sitting by Pinehurst Branch for part of the time. 

Feel free to contact Melanie mailto:mcb@melaniechoukas-bradley.com if you have any questions about the walk.

Leader:  Melanie Choukas-Bradley

FREE 

Notes: There are no restrooms at our meeting place. There are restrooms at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road, 1.3 miles south of our meeting place. Nature Center opens at 9:00 a.m. 

Please arrive on time or notify the trip leader if you are going to be late as the introduction to this walk will be important.

Cancellation Policy:  This event will take place in a light rain. However, in the event of inclement weather where safety could be jeopardized or conditions would be very unpleasant, the tour will be rescheduled.

Directions: included in registration confirmation