SPECIAL INVITATION - De-Stress with Forest Therapy

When: Sunday, March 10
Time: 10:00AM-12:30PM
Where: Dumbarton Oaks Conservancy

You are invited to a free Forest Bathing walk at Dumbarton Oaks Parks Conservancy, guided by Amos Clifford, Founder/CEO of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), and several of ANFT’s leadership team. Amos studied the Shinrin-Yoku practice for many years among some of the top scientists, researchers, and natural resource professionals in Japan before founding ANFT in 2012.

What is forest bathing?
Forest therapy guides people outside in a gentle and relaxed way and is a method for re-introducing people to the forest and other natural environments. Forest bathing is a form of forest therapy wherein people are gently guided through nature. The experience is facilitated by a skilled guide, who is trained to work in partnership with the land. Guides teach that the forest is the therapist; the guide opens the doors.

Forest bathing will not only leave you feeling relaxed - research has linked the experience to reduced blood pressure, increased immunity, stress reduction, and other health related benefits linked to a reduction in chronic disease.

Below are some links to more information about the practice:

• Time magazine- Forest Bathing benefits

• NPR - Retreat to Nature can Boost Immunity and Mood

• US News - The Guardian - Forest Bathing

We hope you can join us! Please RSVP so that we will have an idea of the number of folks attending.

DIRECTIONS TO DUMBARTON OAKS PARKS CONSERVANCY
Dumbarton Oaks Parks Conservancy is located at the base of Lover’s Lane, off of R St between Avon Place and 31st St, NW. It is at the base of Montrose Park and adjacent to Rock Creek Park.
The best way to get directions there is to enter “Lover’s Lane” into Google Maps or Waze.
If you enter Dumbarton Oaks into your GPS, you will likely be taken to the wrong place. Dumbarton Oaks Parks Conservancy is distinct from Dumbarton Oaks House, Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, and Dumbarton Oaks Mansion.

WHERE TO MEET
Please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early to park and make your way to the trailhead. Lover’s Lane is marked with a sign that says Dumbarton Oaks Parks Conservancy. When you get to Lover’s Lane, walk down the paved path. At the base of the path you will see a stone gate with a sign for Dumbarton Oaks. This is the trailhead where we will meet.
If you are late, we invite you to find us in the park -- please join the group quietly.

PARKING
There is limited street parking available on R Street. You can also rideshare (both Uber and Lyft apps recognize Lover’s Lane), bike, or take the D6 bus, which will drop you off at Q Street and Wisconsin Avenue. From there it is a 0.3 mile walk to Lover’s Lane.

PREPARING FOR THE FOREST THERAPY WALK
Please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early to park and make your way to the trailhead. We will start the walk promptly at 10 AM. If you are late, we invite you to find us in the park -- please join the group quietly.

WHAT TO BRING
We will forest bathe in all kinds of weather, including rain, cold, and snow, so make sure to dress appropriately! The key to enjoying a winter walk is to make sure you’re dry and toasty warm.

• A raincoat or poncho in case of rain.

• Forest bathing is not a heat-generating activity. Dress more warmly than you think you need to; you can always take off layers.

• A blanket or mat to sit on.

• You’ll be most comfortable in waterproof shoes or boots. If you don’t have waterproof boots, put a plastic bag over your socks, then put on your shoes/boots. This will help your feet to stay dry.

• If it’s cold, we recommend purchasing hand warmers. These are available at CVS for $1 per pair (usually located by the register).