Mt. Zion Historic Park

Reflect & Connect: 
A Restorative Black Friday Forest Bathing Experience

Make time for self-care this holiday season, and step away from the Black Friday rush to experience the peace and beauty of nature at Mt Zion Historic Park. This is a site steeped in history, creating a naturally contemplative setting to find calm, community, and belonging with nature.

This program includes activities such as guided meditation, slow guided walking (of less than a mile on paved or unpaved, flat or gently sloped terrain), individual and group prompts to promote nature connection and belonging, as well as sustainably sourced tea provided by the guide. All activities are adaptable, welcoming you to participate in the way that feels comfortable to you. This restorative experience is open to all adults. No background or experience is needed. Simply come as you are!

Our guide for this program, Ilana Rubin, is a forest bathing and nature therapy guide trained and certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. Ilana has been guiding forest bathing since 2021 when she founded Kindred Nature to replenish resilience and wellbeing through restorative nature connection and community-building experiences. She has guided for diverse groups and organizations including the US Forest Service, the GW Office of Integrative Medicine and Health, and other NOVA Parks sites. To learn more about forest bathing, you are welcome to watch this video from Ilana at Kindred Nature, this video from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, this video from CBS Mornings.

Important participant guidelines:

• All participants must register in advance online.
• $35 per participant. All attendees are considered participants and must be 18 years of age or older and pre-registered. No prior experience is necessary. 
• You are invited to come as you are, and welcome to join us on your own or with friends or family.
• Arrive early to ensure the program starts on time.
• Dress appropriately for outdoor weather, with layers. The event will proceed rain or shine unless hazardous weather is forecasted.
• Bring a water bottle and (optional) snacks for yourself.
• Registration ends two days before the program. A refund may be provided if your space is able to be filled from a waitlist. Refunds are not provided within 72 hours of the program.
• To register and participate, all participants are required to read and agree to the terms of the Kindred Nature Participant Agreement, Release, Assumption of Risk, and Informed Consent documents. You are welcome to review the terms here. 
• Notify us of any allergies or accommodation requests in advance by emailing kindrednatureguide@gmail.com.

If you are sick or exhibiting any symptoms, please email kindrednatureguide@gmail.com to cancel and refund your registration.