Forest Therapy Walks

The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) is launching Forest Therapy Walks in Kingston and to the surrounding communities, in hopes of encouraging area residents to reconnect with nature in a deeper, more meaningful way.

The CRCA is offering two public walks. One will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. A second will take place Saturday, Nov. 4 from 1 to 3:30 p.m., with both taking place at the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area. The cost is $20 per person.

Our Forest Therapy Walks will be guided by the CRCA’s Senior Conservation Educator, Stana Luxford Oddie who is accredited by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. Luxford Oddie has more than two decades of experience connecting people of all ages to nature.

The practice of Forest Therapy was recently founded through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides, based in California. The founders of this mindful, healing and connective practice were inspired by the Japanese practice of “Shinrin-yoku” which translates as “forest bathing.” Research has determined that spending time in nature not only strengthens the human immune response and reduces stress, but also makes us more creative, mindful, and content in our lives.