Explore and Reconnect with Nature
Forest bathing originated as Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese practice that involves leisurely immersing oneself in a forest environment to enhance well-being. By absorbing the atmosphere of natural surroundings through all senses, it promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
Forest bathing sessions occur anywhere within the Greater Milwaukee area. Sessions are led by a guide certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) and certified in Wilderness First Aid by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
Forest bathing is not about hiking or exercise but rather about connecting deeply with nature, allowing its therapeutic benefits to calm the mind and restore balance. Captured below are local forest bathing walks and invitations that provide an introduction to my forest bathing practice.
forest bathing: introductions & invitations
What's In Motion?
Forest Bathing involves deepening our awareness and engaging our senses. This video from a late Spring 2024 forest bathing walk in Havenwoods State Forest invites you to notice - what's in motion?
Forest Therapy Invitations
During a forest therapy walk, you are guiding through a series of invitations. During this Sanctuary Woods (Franklin, WI) public walk, I invite you to wander and notice: what is the sun like in the forest?
Sit Spot Invitation
During a forest therapy walk, you may be invited to find a sit spot where you can take in your surroundings using all your senses: sound, smell, sight, taste and touch. This sit spot invitation is from Warnimont Park. First, notice just the sounds of the forest as though with closed eyes. Then, open your eyes.
Forest Bathing is transformative! I was reminded how important it is to BE with nature. I felt a deep calming comfort the rest of the night and into the next day. This type of experience supported my growth and connection with self, and my desire to heal.
Holly G - Pleasant Valley Park
Truly “being” in nature can be hard with all of our distractions and commitments constantly swimming in our heads. This experience helped me get rid of all of that noise much more quickly than I could have on my own & was energizing & relaxing at the same time.
Steph W - Piers Gorge
I'm so grateful for Anne's facilitation. She was really respectful not only to us humans but really honored mother nature in the whole process. She was thoughtful and intentional and created a very safe and inviting space for others to be open.
Rebeca - Pleasant Valley Park
Certifications
UPCOMING COMMUNITY FOREST BATHING EVENTS
3/21/2026
Spring Forest Bathing Walk
10:00am
-
12:00pm
Havenwoods State Forest 6141 N Hopkins Street Milwaukee, WI 53209
Event Details
3/21/2026
Spring Forest Bathing Walk
Step into the quiet return of spring and notice the prairies and forests of Havenwoods waking up. On this guided walk, we’ll slow down and ...
10:00am
-
12:00pm
Havenwoods State Forest 6141 N Hopkins Street Milwaukee, WI 53209
4/11/2026
Forest Awakening: A Spring Forest Bathing Walk
1:00pm
-
2:30pm
Henry Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center N2875 WI-67 Campbellsport, WI 53010
Event Details
4/11/2026
Forest Awakening: A Spring Forest Bathing Walk
Step into the quiet return of spring and notice the forest waking up. On this guided walk, we’ll slow down and pay attention to birdsong, f...
1:00pm
-
2:30pm
Henry Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center N2875 WI-67 Campbellsport, WI 53010
4/20/2026
Forest Bathing at Boerner Botanical Gardens
1:30pm
-
3:30pm
Boerner Botanical Gardens 9400 Boerner Drive Hales Corners, WI 53130
Event Details
4/20/2026
Forest Bathing at Boerner Botanical Gardens
Join us for an introduction to Forest Bathing where you fully immerse yourself in the outdoors, engaging all of your senses. This practice i...
1:30pm
-
3:30pm
Boerner Botanical Gardens 9400 Boerner Drive Hales Corners, WI 53130
6/20/2026
Summer Solstice Forest Bathing
10:00am
-
12:00pm
Havenwoods State Forest 6141 N Hopkins Street Milwaukee, WI 53209
Event Details
6/20/2026
Summer Solstice Forest Bathing
Celebrate the longest day of the year in 2026 with a peaceful community forest bathing experience! Forest bathing, or "Shinrin Yoku," is a r...
10:00am
-
12:00pm
Havenwoods State Forest 6141 N Hopkins Street Milwaukee, WI 53209
10/24/2026
Letting Go: An Autumn Forest Bathing Walk
1:00pm
-
2:30pm
Henry Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center N2875 WI-67 Campbellsport, WI 53010
Event Details
10/24/2026
Letting Go: An Autumn Forest Bathing Walk
Step into the colors and crisp air of autumn and experience the forest as it prepares for rest. On this guided walk, we’ll slow our pace an...
1:00pm
-
2:30pm
Henry Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center N2875 WI-67 Campbellsport, WI 53010
More Events
PAST COMMUNITY FOREST BATHING EVENTS
1/17/2026
Winter Guided Forest Therapy Experience
1:00pm
-
2:30pm
Henry Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center N2875 WI-67 Campbellsport, WI 53010
Event Details
1/17/2026
Winter Guided Forest Therapy Experience
Begin the year with a mindful walk through Havenwoods' crisp winter landscape. Guided by a certified nature and forest therapist, this exp...
1:00pm
-
2:30pm
Henry Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center N2875 WI-67 Campbellsport, WI 53010
1/3/2026
Welcoming the New Year: A Guided Winter Nature Walk
1:00pm
-
3:00pm
Havenwoods State Forest 6141 N Hopkins St, Milwaukee, WI 53209
Event Details
1/3/2026
Welcoming the New Year: A Guided Winter Nature Walk
Begin the year with a mindful walk through Havenwoods' crisp winter landscape. Guided by a certified nature and forest therapist, this exp...
1:00pm
-
3:00pm
Havenwoods State Forest 6141 N Hopkins St, Milwaukee, WI 53209
10/25/2025
Crimson, Gold, and Stillness: A Guided Forest Bathing Experience
10:00am
-
12:00pm
Henry Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center N2875 WI-67 Campbellsport, WI 53010
Event Details
10/25/2025
Crimson, Gold, and Stillness: A Guided Forest Bathing Experience
Step into the vibrant beauty of fall and immerse yourself in the colors, scents, and rhythms of the changing season. Guided by ANFT Forest ...
10:00am
-
12:00pm
Henry Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center N2875 WI-67 Campbellsport, WI 53010
6/20/2025
Summer Solstice Forest Therapy Experience
10:00am
-
11:30am
Havenwoods State Forest 6141 N Hopkins St, Milwaukee, WI 53209
Event Details
6/20/2025
Summer Solstice Forest Therapy Experience
Celebrate the longest day of the year with a peaceful community forest bathing experience! Forest bathing, or "Shinrin Yoku," is a relaxing ...
10:00am
-
11:30am
Havenwoods State Forest 6141 N Hopkins St, Milwaukee, WI 53209
4/19/2025
Earth Week Forest Bathing
1:00pm
-
3:00pm
Havenwoods State Forest 6141 N Hopkins St, Milwaukee, WI 53209
Event Details
4/19/2025
Earth Week Forest Bathing
Join us for a refreshing community forest bathing experience during Earth Week! Forest bathing, or "Shinrin Yoku," is a practice that involv...
1:00pm
-
3:00pm
Havenwoods State Forest 6141 N Hopkins St, Milwaukee, WI 53209
More Events
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