Registration required: http://caseytrees.org/event/tree-tour-forest-meditation-walk-in-kenilworth-park/

Join Casey Trees and author/naturalist Melanie Choukas-Bradley for the second in our series of “shinrin-yoku” or forest bathing walks—walks which will take us to all four quadrants of Washington, D.C. during 2016. We will meet at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for a mindfulness walk under the trees growing near the marsh and water gardens — a magical realm where dragonflies and butterflies hover above fragrant flowering plants, turtles bask and bald eagles and ospreys patrol the waters for fish.

Numerous health studies in North America and around the world have demonstrated measurable improvements in physical health and mood following sensory immersion in nature, including lowered blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Melanie will share some simple techniques she has learned to help us connect more deeply with the beauty and wonder of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and the Washington, D.C. tree canopy that Casey Trees and our volunteers have been working to restore, enhance and protect for 15 years.

Stay tuned for more forest meditation walks later this year!

Instructors

Melanie Choukas-Bradley— naturalist and author of City of Trees and A Year in Rock Creek Park

Registration

Advance registration is required; space is limited.

Who Should Attend?

This tour is ideal for anyone who would like to learn about the health benefits of spending time in nature.

Come Prepared

This event will take place rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather where safety could be jeopardized, the tour will be rescheduled.

To ensure you enjoy your experience with us:

• Dress for the event and weather. Be prepared for rain if forecast.
• Wear layers and comfortable hiking boots or shoes that can get muddy.
• Apply sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Bring water and snacks.

Getting There

The closest Metorail station is Deanwood (Orange Line) which is a 20 minute walk from Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. The Metrobus stop is near the  intersection of Eastern and Olive Street NE (served by the W4 and V8) or the Deanwood Metro station (served by the V8 and W4). There is also free parking available in the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens lot, which is the meeting spot for the walk.

Site Information

We will be walking very slowly and covering a short distance during our 3 hour forest bathing walk. We will provide light portable canvas chairs that you are welcomed to carry for the sitting portions of the walk. There are restrooms on site.