Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Give yourself the gift of a midweek recharge through nature therapy. Join certified nature and forest therapy guide Ilana Rubin of Kindred Nature for a peaceful morning mini-retreat away from the usual routine. This weekday practice offers a special opportunity to reset and refresh when the gardens are at their most serene.  

About Nature Therapy

Nature therapy, also known as forest therapy or forest bathing, draws inspiration from the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku. Through mindful and sensory nature connection invitations, we create space to slow down and reconnect—with nature, with ourselves, and with each other. This practice helps us rediscover our sense of belonging within the natural world and our community. Research shows that nature therapy naturally reduces stress, restores focus, boosts creativity and mood, and supports immune health.

Your Experience

During our morning together, you'll be invited to:

• Recharge your mind and body in the spring woodland
• Relax into guided mindfulness practices
• Return to your senses through sensory nature connection invitations
• Enjoy slow, peaceful walking in nature
• Reflect and share in a warm community-of-the-moment
• Close with tea and light snacks in the gardens

Each program offers a unique journey, co-created by the season, the location, the wildlife, and our group. We may walk about a mile or less at a relaxing pace, on a mix of terrain that can include both paved and unpaved paths. Every invitation is adaptable to your comfort level—no experience or special skills needed. Whether you're new to mindful nature connection practices or have joined us before, you're warmly welcomed to this experience.

Meet Your Guide

Ilana Rubin brings warmth and expertise as a certified nature and forest therapy guide and as the founder of Kindred Nature. Trained and certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, Ilana established Kindred Nature in 2021 to replenish inner radiance, resilience, and belonging with nature and community through empowering and restorative experiences. She has guided many rejuvenating nature connection programs at NOVA Parks sites, as well as for diverse clients including the US Forest Service, the GW Office of Integrative Medicine and Health, families, couples, and individuals. Visit Kindred Nature to learn more.

Program Details

• Registration: $35 per participant (ages 18 and older). All attendees are considered participants. Advance online registration required.
• Welcome: All adults are warmly invited - no previous experience or background needed!
• Meeting Point: Meet at the Visitor Center of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.
• Bring: Water bottle, comfortable weather-appropriate clothing, and shoes for outdoors.
• Weather: Program runs rain or shine unless conditions are hazardous.
• Arrival: Please come 10-15 minutes early to be ready to begin our journey together.
• Special Requests: For dietary allergies or accommodation needs, please contact kindrednatureguide@gmail.com.
• A refund is provided only if your space is filled by an individual on the waitlist. Refunds are not provided within 72 hours of the program.