We will deeply immerse our senses and connect with the beauty and wonder of the natural world during this day of forest bathing and botanical drawing.

Forest bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which can be loosely translated to “taking in the medicine of the forest.” We will quiet our minds and slow down following invitations and prompts to engage with the natural world in new or different ways. Opening our sense doors allows cultivating awareness and connection from that deeper place.

From this place of stillness, we will connect with and draw plants as another wonderful way of connecting with the natural world. Drawing requires close inspection and curiosity. The meditative process quiets the mind, slows one’s breathing, and opens up the senses.

The sensory process creates an experience that one does not forget easily. It makes a lasting connection between the human, the plant, and their shared environment.

Participants may want to bring a light easily carried camping chair, a yoga mat, or a light

blanket.

Materials provided:

– Small foam pads to sit more comfortably on the forest floor

– Drawing boards, graphite and colored pencils, and paper will be provided. No additional materials are needed.

Joey Heusler is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy guides and programs (ANFT). Joey’s passion is bringing people of all ages into a place of stillness, where a connection with the natural world can be made from that deeper place. She guides Forest Bathing walks in Marin County and beyond.

Molly Brown is a West Marin artist and teacher who specializes in botanical art. She earned a graduate degree from UC in Scientific Illustration and is the founder and teacher of the Bolinas School of Botanical Art since 2014. She enjoys all the beauty of West Marin and especially the plants!

Details

-We will be meeting at the Estero Trail Parking Lot/Trailhead

– Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

– Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests before 48 hours in advance will be declined. For COVID policy, see below.

– Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

– Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

– Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

– Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

– Waitlists are available when the class sells out

What to Bring

A light easily, carried camping chair, a yoga mat, or a light blanket

Day Pack

Lunch

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

About the PRNSA Field Institute

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute volunteer facilitator, or are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Send an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

Please respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

· Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

· Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID symptoms, know that you have had a close exposure, or are suffering from any flu-like or respiratory illness

· Contact the Field Institute if you will not be able to attend due to COVID. You may be eligible to receive a full or partial refund

· Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

· Masks are optional at your discretion

· Please bring your own food and water

All guidelines are subject to change pursuant to State or County Health order updates.

Thank you for your cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.