Ray Mims, USBG Conservation and Sustainability Horticulturist
Working with, being in, and seeing plants and nature can be beneficial in numerous ways. Join Ray for this overview tour of the USBG’s summer exhibit, Flourish: Inside and Out. Spend some time on the terrace discussing sensory plants and programs around the country that use plants in programs and curricula. Walk through the East Gallery and learn about plants for the indoors and adaptable tools, all of which should excite you to embrace nature and inspire you to flourish both inside and out! – See more at: https://www.usbg.gov/events/2016/05/21/tour-flourish-overview#sthash.Fxbpss9m.dpuf
Tag Archives: nature
Young Children and Nature
Katherine Knight, Horticultural Therapy Department Assistant, Chicago Botanic Garden
There is compelling evidence that spending time outdoors engaged in nature is critical to child development physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Some of the impacts are fairly obvious but many may surprise you. Hear the evidence advocating children’s play in green settings and how therapeutic horticulture may contribute. – See more at: https://www.usbg.gov/events/2016/05/21/lecture-children-and-nature-why-nature-critical-development#sthash.EgrT23g8.dpuf
Flourish: An Overview
Anna Mische John, USBG Gardener
Working with, being in, and seeing plants and nature can be beneficial in numerous ways. Join Anna for this overview tour of the USBG’s summer exhibit, Flourish: Inside and Out. Spend some time on the terrace discussing sensory plants and programs around the country that use plants in programs and curricula. Walk through the East Gallery and learn about plants for the indoors and adaptable tools, all of which should excite you to embrace nature and inspire you to flourish both inside and out! – See more at: https://www.usbg.gov/events/2016/05/20/tour-flourish-overview#sthash.lQMqQhHI.dpuf
Native/Invasive Identification Walk
Take a guided and educational walk through Rock Creek Park to learn about and how to identify different natives and invasive plants in the DC area.
Teacher Bio: Andrejs Brolis works for the National Parks Service to help monitor invasive plants in parks. He has spent many years identifying and tracking invasive and native plants in the greater DC area.
Flourish: An Overview
Ray Mims, USBG Conservation and Sustainability Horticulturist
Working with, being in, and seeing plants and nature can be beneficial in numerous ways. Join Ray for this overview tour of the USBG’s summer exhibit, Flourish: Inside and Out. Spend some time on the terrace discussing sensory plants and programs around the country that use plants in programs and curricula. Walk through the East Gallery and learn about plants for the indoors and adaptable tools, all of which should excite you to embrace nature and inspire you to flourish both inside and out! – See more at: https://www.usbg.gov/events/2016/05/18/tour-flourish-overview#sthash.YrSqSC9a.dpuf
Tree Tour: Forest Meditation Walk in Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
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.
