Petals & Patterns: Mandalas & More w/ Kindred Nature 8/21 at 6pm

Photo Credit: Pete Alexopoulos

Let your creativity bloom in the beauty of a summer evening among the flowers and wildlife of the aquatic gardens.

Join us for an inspiring blend of mindfulness, nature connection, and nature-inspired creativity. Together, we’ll slow down and tune in to the colors, textures, and patterns around us — then create our own mandala and other earth-inspired art.

No previous art experience or skill is needed. This program invites quiet reflection, playful exploration, and a deeper connection with the living landscape. Together, we’ll craft temporary designs that honor the natural world and return gently to the earth.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh creative outlet or a way to deepen your bond with nature, this session with certified nature & forest therapy guide Ilana Rubin of Kindred Nature offers a unique, calming experience in community.

Check in outside the Visitor Center starting 15 minutes before the event. All are welcome. Space is limited—registration is required.

When

Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 6:00p. Check-in opens at 5:45pm.

Where

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave Northeast, Washington, DC 20019. Participants will meet outside the Visitor Center.

Getting There

Visitors should enter the park on Douglass St and Anacostia Ave at the green ranger tent. Street parking only available. By Metro, the park entrance is 1.0 mile from the Deanwood Metro Station and 1.3 miles from the Minnesota Ave Station, both on the Orange Line. By foot or bike, access the park via the Anacostia River Trail.

Meet Your Guide:

Ilana Rubin (she/her) brings warmth and expertise as a certified nature and forest therapy guide, a facilitator, and the founder of Kindred Nature. She believes that we are all nature, too – and that includes you! She started Kindred Nature in 2021 to offer empowering and restorative experiences with nature and community to replenish inner radiance, resilience, and belonging. With experience in human services, environmental policy, education, and coalition leadership, Ilana has led programs for NOVA Parks, US Forest Service International Programs, the GW Office of Integrative Medicine and Health, and more, and also offers private individual and group sessions.

What to Know Before You Arrive:

Weather and what to wear: We'll go ahead rain or shine, unless conditions are hazardous. Prepare yourself to be comfortable outside on varied terrain for a mix of stillness, slow walking, and gentle movement. Top tips:

• Bring a water bottle.
• Wear comfortable clothing for the day's weather.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for wet, muddy, dry, flat, or sloped terrain.

I'll provide: Small portable stools or sit mats, warm guidance, and all other event supplies.

Consider bringing/wearing any optional comfort items, such as: Snacks, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, a journal and pen, or something else.

Devices: Please put your phone/devices into “nature and wonder mode” to support your presence in the moment.

Email me at kindrednatureguide@gmail.com with any reflections, questions, allergies, or accessibility needs.

See you soon for a restorative evening!

Warmly,

Ilana Rubin (she/her/hers) Founder | Facilitator | Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide Kindred Nature | kindrednature.carrd.co

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Replenishing inner radiance, resilience, and belonging with nature and community through empowering and restorative experiences.

Contact

For questions or concerns reach out to Alivia at alivia@fokag.org.

Learn about Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (@kenaqgardens) and visit us at www.kenaqgardens.org.