My name is Margaret. I am a nature lover, avid journaler, occasional poet, and amatuer photographer. I take people on guided nature experiences in the spirit of Japanese “forest bathing.” Together we go in a slow and mindful way to connect with our senses and our environment. When I’m not out in nature, I work for the public schools supporting all students pursue their pathway of purpose.

The Rocky Mountains called to me when I was 10 years old. In 1978, my grandparents took this little girl from dry, hot Texas to Rocky Mountain National Park for a summer vacation. I had never seen mountains. I had never FELT the natural world the way I did on that trip. I was forever altered by the tingly feeling in my chest when I stood by a flowing mountain stream, saw the dappled light of aspens on my skin, and felt the cool dry air all around me. It took me another 20 years, but I finally made my home in Colorado.

Walking slowly and keenly observing the natural world have been pillars of my mental health practice for a decade. Life got hard for me about ten years ago. I needed to make big changes but felt lost. Again nature called and I found my way to the water’s edge. I live near a reservoir and for 10 years I have walked the path along the water and through the trees several times a week, in all weather, in all seasons. I have been soothed, healed and inspired as I’ve sauntered among the yucca, cottonwoods, sunflowers and prairie grasses. I didn’t know I needed to go on 1,000 long, slow walks, but that’s exactly what I needed. Nature knew.

Forest Therapy Guide

In 2024 I completed my Forest Therapy Guide certification with The Forest Therapy School. Walking outside, in nature, observing every step of the way, truly transformed my life. My desire is to share with others the peace and renewal that nature offers us, even for just a moment.