Autumn Equinox Forest Bathing

About Forest Bathing

Join our nature and forest therapy guide for a special Autumn Equinox Forest Bathing session at the National Arboretum. Forest bathing, or shinrin yoku, is the simple practice of taking in the woods through the senses. The benefits are immense: boosted immunity, lowered blood pressure, and improved attention and mood.

Our forest bathing walks are around two hours long and consist of three ‘invitations’. Each time the guide will prompt you to reflect on a particular aspect of the natural world around you, give you time to wander and meditate throughout the garden collection, then reconvene the group to share reflections. While some people choose to walk extensively during this ‘forest bathing walk’, many others choose to sit and get to know specific areas of the collection. Each forest bathing walk will end with a modified tea ceremony — we will have small, pre-packaged snacks to close the walk.

Reserve Your Ticket

Tickets cost $35.

No pets or children under 16 for this experience.

Forest bathing walks fill up quickly — register soon to reserve your spot!

Important Notes

Please do not bring unregistered guests. If you are on the waitlist and have not received an email that a space has opened, unfortunately we are at capacity for this event.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Sunscreen / Sun Protection
• Comfortable footwear for walking.
• Water and snacks.

LOCATION: Enter the Arboretum through either gate: R Street (2400 R St NE) or New York Avenue (3501 New York Avenue). Meet your guide at the Asian Collections parking lot.

LATE ARRIVALS: Please plan accordingly to arrive before 9 AM, when the walk will begin.

WEATHER CANCELLATIONS: Forest bathing walks are held in many weather conditions, including light rain and snow. If FONA cancels the walk due to unsafe conditions or threat of inclement weather, you will be notified by email at least 2 hours before the walk. Please check before you head out.

LOW REGISTRATION CANCELLATIONS: FONA reserves the right to cancel a walk if fewer than 12 people register. In the event of a cancellation due to low participant registration, you will receive a full refund.

REFUND POLICY: Full refunds are provided for refund requests received up to 3 days prior to the program date. If you know you cannot make it to the event, please cancel your ticket as early as possible so we can offer up this experience to someone on the waitlist!

EVENT COMMUNICATIONS: Once you purchase a ticket, you will receive more information on how to prepare for the event. Please note that all communications about this event will come through Eventbrite. Check your spam folder if you've registered for the event but haven't received a confirmation email. Email info@fona.org with any questions.