Join ANFT certified forest therapy guide, Katie Venechuk, to explore the relaxing practice of shinrin-yoku and the beauty of Blandford Nature Center! This monthly program begins with a brief introduction to the background and research of shirin-yoku (translated in English as "forest bathing"), how it differs from a hike in the woods, and why it's internationally recognized as an effective tool for natural stress release. From there, you'll be guided in a unique shinrin-yoku experience while exploring the beautiful forests and meadows of Blandford; helping you relax, reconnect, and experience your time in nature in a new way.
Join us for this month's program as a standalone experience, or enjoy the peace of nature as the seasons progress and receive $5 off by signing up for any three upcoming Guided shinrin-yoku: Relax & Reconnect in Nature programs at one time (making three programs just $49 for Blandford members and $64 for non-members). Come see what nature has to share with you as you slow down, find presence and enjoy the wilderness of BNC!
Instructor: Katie Venechuk, founder and program guide at In Your Element Wellness and Certified Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy
Price:
Member: $18
Non-Member: $23
If you register for any 3 sessions of this program at once, use code SHINRINYOKU23 for a $5 discount, making the full 3-part series $49 for members and $64 for non-members.
This program is intended for ages 18 and up. Pre-registration is required due to limited capacity. Online registration will remain open until 12pm the day before the event, unless it is sold out. If you are attempting to pre-register between that time and the start of the event, please contact Visitor Services at 616-735-6240 to find out if there is space available and to register over the phone. Please contact our Community Programs Coordinator, Camilla Voelker, at registrar@blandfordnaturecenter.org with further questions.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation and refunds for any of the three sessions will result in forfeiture of this discount. No registration transfers will be allowed after the discount is applied. Notice must be received at least 7 business days before the scheduled program to receive a 75% refund. Due to processing fees, full refunds are not available. There will be no refunds issued within 7 days of the program, and transferring your registration to a future class within the series, if you did not sign up for all three sessions, may not be available and is not guaranteed. All Community Programs will be held unless there is severe weather, in which case you will receive a full registration refund. Please come prepared for the elements as refunds are not available for weather-related conditions except in the case of severe weather and you have been contacted that the program has been cancelled.
All Community Programs have a registrant minimum. If the minimum is not met, you will be contacted by Blandford Nature Center and notified of your refund options.
Please Note: This program will take place mainly outdoors. In the event of severe weather, this program will be canceled, and participants will be notified of their refund options and/or a possible makeup date.
COVID-19 Information: As of January 1, 2023, face coverings are not required while participating in programs indoors or outdoors at Blandford. Blandford will continue to monitor local COVID rates and reserves the right to reinstate masking requirements for staff, general visitors, and program participants of all ages, regardless of vaccination status, if community health concerns arise. Blandford will notify program participants if this policy changes before a scheduled program takes place. Participants should not attend a program if they show any signs of infectious illness, including cough, fever, headache, runny nose, vomiting or diarrhea.