Explore the natural healing path of Shinrin-yoku, or Japanese forest bathing, on this first weekend of May. This mindful walk will invite you to use your senses to enhance your well-being. It is a beautiful way to welcome the incoming spring season and connect with nature and self.
In partnership with Polk County Conservation.
Saturday Morning Forest Therapy Experience at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
SUMMER: Take advantage of cooler morning temperatures as you enter the quiet Gardens before we open.
Enjoy complimentary admission to the gardens, included with event registration! AND enjoy the gardens a full hour before they open to the public on this cool morning walk!!
Settle into Sunday morning with nature connection + wellness! Join us for a Summer Sunday morning Shinrin-Yoku experience at Ft. Des Moines Park!
In partnership with Polk County Conservation.
To register, click the link above, go to “Adults” then to “Shinrin Yoku” and search for the August 24 Shinrin Yoku at Ft DSM Park link.
Saturday Morning Forest Therapy Experience at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
FALL: Experience the changes of autumn as the sun goes down.
Enjoy complimentary admission to the gardens, included with event registration!
Saturday Morning Forest Therapy Experience at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Saturday Morning Forest Therapy Experience at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Intertwined + Linden Tree Therapy invite mental health providers + caregivers to a half day retreat to honor the work you do in supporting others.
Our intended retreat audience is Mental Health professionals and individuals who identify as caregivers in their professional and/or personal lives. You give so much.This retreat is a gentle invitation to receive. For mental health professionals and caregivers, we will offer you a space where the weight of compassion fatigue can be eased and your inner strength renewed. Immerse yourself in the healing embrace of guided forest therapy, the soothing vibrations of sound healing, the tranquil focus of Reiki-inspired mindfulness, and the grounding power of personal reflection and shared connection. We will share a forest-based tea ceremony with light snacks to close the day.
This is your space to breathe, to be, and to rediscover the joy of self-care.
John Stoddard Cancer Center, Intertwined Nature + Forest Therapy, Polk County Conservation & Spirit Move Art Therapy are hosting a one-day Self Care retreat for cancer patients and survivors. The day will include forest bathing, art therapy, and time for Tai Chi, yoga, stretching, music, journaling, conversation on self-care and reflection time.
Register by Monday, April 21 at
under Classes and Events
or contact Gina Mandernach at 515-241-8505
SPRING: Enjoy the Gardens right up to sunset as spring ephemerals begin to bloom.
Enjoy complimentary admission to the gardens, included with event registration!
Join us on a glorious spring walk; April is a wonderful time to notice the forest waking up.
In partnership with Polk County Conservation & Unity Point.
Enjoy an active hour of snowshoeing followed by two hours of nature immersion with Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing).
If there is no snow, we will go on a winter woodland hike followed by Forest Bathing/Shinrin-yoku. This Rooted in Nature program is offered by Polk County Conservation.
A winter woodlands 1.5 wander at The Vineyard in Waukee (in partnership with Waukee Parks & Recreation).
WINTER: This crisp walk will end indoors with a warm beverage and snacks by the fire.
Enjoy complimentary admission to the gardens, included with event registration!
Tune into the quieter side of Centennial Park on June afternoon. Nature therapy can be done anywhere - in the wilderness, in your backyard, and especially in a beloved city park. Come see what Centennial Park has to offer when you explore it with your senses leading you!
In partnership with Waukee Parks & Recreation.
An autumn woodlands wander at Southwoods Park.
In partnership with West Des Moines Parks & Recreation.
Join Reiman Gardens for their first hosted forest therapy walk!
Forest therapy, inspired by Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese philosophy of "forest bathing," boosts immunity, lowers blood pressure and stress hormones, prevents and relieves stress and anxiety, and increases cognitive functioning.
Enjoy complimentary admission to the gardens and, and the Gardens to yourself for an entire hour before it’s opened up to the general public!
John Stoddard Cancer Center, Intertwined Nature + Forest Therapy, Polk County Conservation & Spirit Move Art Therapy are hosting a one-day Self Care retreat for cancer patients and survivors.
Register at www.johnstoddardcancer.org under “Classes and Events”
Explore the natural healing path of Shinrin-yoku or Japanese forest bathing with Brandy Case Haub, a certified forest therapy guide, along with art therapy facilitated by Sam Erwin, MS, MA, ATR, art therapist and spiritual director, in this immersive one-day retreat. The day will also include time for Tai Chi, yoga, stretching, music, journaling, conversation on self-care and reflection time.
Welcome the autumn season with a 2-hour guided forest bathing walk. Have you heard about forest bathing and wondered what it’s all about? Forest bathing is a research-backed wellness practice proven to lower stress, improve memory and focus, and boost positive mood feelings, helping to alleviate feelings of depression and hopelessness. Come experience forest bathing to learn about how this wellness practice offers numerous wellness benefits and a deepened connection to the natural world!
This is a free event, but registration is required.
Shinrin-yoku on Paddleboards? ABSOLUTLEY!
Combine your active adventurer self with Zen on the water and get Bliss.
Join us for a 1-hr presentation to learn about Shinrin-yoku in Japan, and forest therapy here in the U.S.. I will share photos and stories from my recent trip to Japan to experience Shinrin-yoku in the forests where the practice began 40 years ago. Learn more about this Japanese philosophy that connects nature and wellness in a unique way!
Experience a 2-hr forest bathing experience as part of Camp With PRIDE, an overnight camping event designed for LGBTQ+ families (includes guardians or youth) led by experienced naturalists.
In partnership with Polk County Conservation & West Des Moines Parks & Recreation
Start your weekend with wellness! Join us for a Saturday morning Shinrin-Yoku experience at Ft. Des Moines Park!
In partnership with Polk County Conservation.
To register, click the link above, go to “Adults” then to “Shinrin Yoku” and search for the August 24 Shinrin Yoku at Ft DSM Park link.
Spend the morning in this 3-acre, Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat right in the heart of a quiet Waukee neighborhood. Explore the ways in which you can reap the multitude of benefits of time spent in nature in your own “Backyard”!
In partnership with Waukee Parks & Recreation.
Join us for a 1-hr presentation to learn about Shinrin-yoku in Japan, and forest therapy here in the U.S.. I will share her photos and stories from my recent trip to Japan to experience Shinrin-yoku in the forests where the practice began 40 years ago. Try some Japanese tea and learn more about this Japanese philosophy that connects nature and wellness in a unique way!
Learn how to incorporate the wellness practice of Shinrin-Yoku with outdoor adventure! This 3-hour experience intertwines forest therapy and kayaking.
Beginner kayakers are welcome, and instruction will be provided.
In partnership with Polk County Conservation.
Go to the “Programs” tab, scroll to “Adults,” Find “Shinrin Yoku,” and Click the link for July 12 - Shinrin Yoku and Kayaking”
Summer has begun! Head out to McHose Park to usher in the new season, and explore the healing benefits of time spent in nature!
In partnership with Ericson Public Library.
Join Brandy with Intertwined Nature + Forest Therapy and Kristine with Linden Tree Healing & Therapy for a half day nature connection + embodiment retreat at Walnut Woods State Park.
The retreat will integrate the Japanese practices of Shinrin-yoku and Reiki, along with guided meditation, sound healing + engagement, and other solo and group connection circles.
Join us for a FREE one-hour presentation at the Ericson Public Library in Boone to learn more about the Japanese wellness philosophy of Shinrin-yoku, the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy practice of forest therapy, and see photos and hear stories from my recent trip to Japan, where I experienced Shinrin-yoku in the forests where the practice began 40 years ago.
FREE: registration is not required for this event.
For more information view the event page here.
Explore the woodlands in late spring as summer approaches. Enjoy the green everywhere in this beautiful space between spring and summer!
In partnership with Polk County Conservation.
Tune into the quieter side of Centennial Park on June afternoon. Nature therapy can be done anywhere - in the wilderness, in your backyard, and especially in a beloved city park. Come see what Centennial Park has to offer when you explore it with your senses leading you!
In partnership with Waukee Parks & Recreation.
Bring your preschool-age child & join me for an hour of exploring the sensory side of nature. This program will be an introduction to helping your child explore nature connection through their senses. Nature therapy sessions are both playful and calming for young children & adults alike. Come explore new ways to interact with the natural world in a local park setting!
In partnership with Waukee Parks & Recreation.
Join this WDM Library program and enjoy an easy 2+ hour meander around our pond, followed by a discussion and sharing of a few short readings about forest bathing!
In partnership with West Des Moines Public Library.
Tune into the quieter side of Centennial Park on this spring morning. Yes, nature therapy can be done anywhere - in the wilderness, in your backyard, and especially in a beloved city park. Come see what Centennial Park has to offer when you explore it with your senses leading you!
In partnership with Waukee Parks & Recreation.
Bring your mom out to the park and enjoy this restorative nature experience together. Explore the natural healing path of Shinrin-yoku or Japanese forest bathing on this mother’s day weekend. This mindful walk will invite you to use your senses to enhance your well-being.
In partnership with Polk County Conservation.
