|
Have you ever taken a moment on a hike to close your eyes, feel the sun and wind on your skin, listen to the birds, and breathe in the sweet scent of the forest? Then you’ve experienced the magic of forest bathing, and you know, first-hand, the peace and restoration nature provides.
|
|
Access to green spaces in urban environments is critical for emotional well-being and mood, a truth that was emphasized by the COVID-19 pandemic.
|
|
|
Humans have rediscovered the health benefits of time-spent-in-nature over and over throughout history, as it was in Japan in the 1980’s with the practice of shinrin yoku, or ‘forest bathing’.
In response to the declining physical and mental health of Tokyo residents during the tech boom, Japan returned to the ancient Shinto and Buddhist practices of “letting nature into your body” through the 5 senses. But how is a forest “bath” different from a walk, jog, or any other outdoor recreational activity?
|
|
|
The secret is intention, or lack-there-of. We tend to move very quickly through natural spaces- to reach our fitness goals, or to get somewhere specific. These activities are great, but the rub is that we miss a lot.
|
|
|
By slowing down and experiencing nature without an agenda and with all our senses, the positive effects of spending time outside can be amplified.
You can forest bathe by yourself or with an experienced, certified guide, and with the spring season right around the corner, forest bathing classes are returning to the Arboretum.
We're also trying a new, expanded forest bathing class with a full 3 hours of forest partnership to explore.
|
|
Guided experiences consist of moving very slowly through a trail or space with a mindfulness prompt. These prompts could focus on experiencing nature visually by observing the motion of your surroundings, forest scents, any tactile sensations you might experience, or even the taste of the air.
The research is in: nature therapy like forest bathing is good for your health. Studies show that it has significant positive effects on cardiovascular health, immune function, mood stabilization, and cognition. Potent and easy.
|
|
Found Object Sculpture
Young artists will use forest treasures to create unique sculptural pieces! We will learn about the artistic process and artists who work with found objects while thinking about the beauty of nature.
March 11, 10 - 11:15am
|
|
|
|
This program will be indoors and is designed for 5 to 10 year olds.
|
|
Tree Time! Preschool Walks
Unique seasonal experiences where budding naturalists can safely explore forest plants, animals, fungi, and geological features found in the Arboretum.
Mondays 10 - 11:15am through February, and Monday and Saturdays beginning in March.
|
|
|
|
This program is fully outdoors and is designed for 2 to 5 year olds.
|
|
The spring field trip season starts this month!
Our experiential and inquiry-based field trips are designed for students in first through fifth grades.
Students learn about roots, leaves, bark, and seeds-their form, function, and adaptations that help trees survive in different environments all over the world.
|
|
|
|
Our global tree collection makes Hoyt Arboretum an ideal location for exploring in the Portland Metro area.
|
|
|
There will be many ways to join our volunteer community this spring!
|
|
COMMUNITY SCIENCE:
Budburst Virtual Training
February 15, 10 - 11am
Get involved with Budburst, a nationwide, community science-driven effort to study the impact of climate change on plants. Volunteers monitor the timing of specific events in a plant’s life cycle (full bloom, fruiting, leaf fall, etc.), record their observations, and then share their data with Budburst.
|
|
|
How to Visit Hoyt Arboretum Without a Car
|
|
Getting to Hoyt Arboretum without a car has never been easier.
Between the Washington Park MAX Station, the FREE Explore Washington Park Shuttle, and easy walking paths, you'll be saving trees and on parking/gas fees in no time!
|
|
|
|
|
|
