Upcoming Events

Nature + Forest Therapy at Hickory Hill Park

Recurring Event Hickory Hill Park, 1439 Bloomington St, Iowa City IA (South Entrance)

Monthly Forest Bathing at Hickory Hill Park! The 3rd Wednesday of each month. Nature and Forest Therapy (Forest Bathing) is a health and wellness practice that helps people connect with their inner self and with the natural world around them. Some might call it a form of nature meditation. We focus on slowing down and paying attention to our senses. These gentle walks include time alone and time with others in nature. Forest Bathing is a slow, sensory, relaxing practice that invites you to connect with self and the natural world by spending time outdoors and focusing on your senses. This is a two-hour, outdoor event, please dress for being outdoors, bring a water bottle, SPF, insect repellent, and anything else to help you feel comfortable being outdoors. We will walk, sit, lay down and stand. If needed you can bring something to sit on, otherwise small, foam sit-pads will be provided for sitting on the Earth. Ages 16 and older. Facilitator, Emelia Sautter, is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and Foundress of Good Medicine Nature and Forest Therapy in Cedar Rapids. Cost: $25 (Cash, check or venmo @emelia-sautter) Registration: Email Emelia at emelia@goodmedicine.earth to register and for additional questions

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Monthly Nature + Forest Therapy

Recurring Event Prairiewoods, 120 E Boyson Rd, Hiawatha, IA

Nature + Forest Therapy is a health and wellness practice that helps people connect with their inner self and with the natural world around them. Some might call it a form of nature meditation. We focus on slowing down and paying attention to our senses. These gentle walks include time alone and time with others in nature. Join Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha) and certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Emelia Sautter for a walk with the natural world. Experience Nature and Forest Therapy, also known as Forest Bathing, a sensory-focused practice that invites us to slow down and be present with self and the natural world around us. According to the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, “Forest Therapy is a practice that supports health and wellness through guided immersion in forests and other environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land. It is inspired by shinrin yoku, the Japanese practice of ‘Forest Bathing.’” Much research has been done on the healing and therapeutic benefits of Forest Therapy. Hundreds of clinical and non-clinical studies show numerous positive effects, including reductions in stress, anxiety, depression, mental fatigue, anger and pain. Improvements include better cognitive functioning, sleep, mood, confidence and creativity. Time with our nature kin also boosts our immune system, regulates blood pressure, improves relationships, increases feelings of gratitude and much more! This is a trauma informed practice, and all are welcome. This is not exercise or hiking; it is a slow, sensory walk with the land. The cost is $20, and registration is required by noon.

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Forest Bathing with the Flower Full Moon

May 11, 2025 - 6:30 PM Prairiewoods, 120 E Boyson Rd, Hiawatha, IA 52233

Celebrate Mother's Day with a health and wellness practice that helps people connect with their inner self and with the natural world around them. Some might call it a form of nature meditation. We focus on slowing down and paying attention to our senses. These gentle walks include time alone and time with others in nature. Join Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha) and certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Emelia Sautter for a walk with the natural world. Experience Nature and Forest Therapy, also known as Forest Bathing, a sensory-focused practice that invites us to slow down and be present with self and the natural world around us. According to the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, “Forest Therapy is a practice that supports health and wellness through guided immersion in forests and other environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land. It is inspired by shinrin yoku, the Japanese practice of ‘Forest Bathing.’” Much research has been done on the healing and therapeutic benefits of Forest Therapy. Hundreds of clinical and non-clinical studies show numerous positive effects, including reductions in stress, anxiety, depression, mental fatigue, anger and pain. Improvements include better cognitive functioning, sleep, mood, confidence and creativity. Time with our nature kin also boosts our immune system, regulates blood pressure, improves relationships, increases feelings of gratitude and much more! This is a trauma informed practice, and all are welcome. This is not exercise or hiking; it is a slow, sensory walk with the land.

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Forest Bathing at Cherry Hill Park

May 17, 2025 - 1:00 PM Cherry Hill Pavillion, 341 Stoney Point RD, NW, Cedar Rapids, IA

Forest Bathing is a slow, sensory, relaxing practice that invites you to connect with self and the natural world by spending time outdoors and focusing on your senses. A health and wellness practice that helps people connect with their inner self and with the natural world around them. Some might call it a form of nature meditation. We focus on slowing down and paying attention to our senses. These gentle walks include time alone and time with others in nature. This is a two-hour, outdoor event, please dress for being outdoors, bring a water bottle, SPF, insect repellent, and anything else to help you feel comfortable being outdoors. We will walk, sit, lay down and stand. If needed you can bring something to sit on, otherwise small, foam sit-pads will be provided for sitting on the Earth. Ages 16 and older. Facilitator, Emelia Sautter, is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and Foundress of Good Medicine Nature and Forest Therapy here in Cedar Rapids. Session will meet at the pavilion by the pool. For questions or comments please contact Zach Gibson at z.gibson@cedar-rapids.org or at 319-286-5768.

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Forest Bathing at Bever Park

Jun 22, 2025 - 1:00 PM Bever Park, Red Oak Pavillion, 2700 Bever Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA

Forest Bathing is a slow, sensory, relaxing practice that invites you to connect with self and the natural world by spending time outdoors and focusing on your senses. A health and wellness practice that helps people connect with their inner self and with the natural world around them. Some might call it a form of nature meditation. We focus on slowing down and paying attention to our senses. These gentle walks include time alone and time with others in nature. This is a two-hour, outdoor event, please dress for being outdoors, bring a water bottle, SPF, insect repellent, and anything else to help you feel comfortable being outdoors. We will walk, sit, lay down and stand. If needed you can bring something to sit on, otherwise small, foam sit-pads will be provided for sitting on the Earth. Ages 16 and older. Facilitator, Emelia Sautter, is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and Foundress of Good Medicine Nature and Forest Therapy here in Cedar Rapids. For questions or comments please contact Zach Gibson at z.gibson@cedar-rapids.org or at 319-286-5768.

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