Experience the healing power of nature

MAY 4, 2023 – With Mental Health Month now underway for May, it's a great time to focus on the benefits of spending time in nature. And one of the most effective ways to do that is through the practice of Forest Bathing. At Ken Reid Conservation Area, visitors can experience the healing power of nature firsthand.

Kristie Virgoe, Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands at Kawartha Conservation, is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide who has been leading Forest Bathing walks at Ken Reid for several years. According to Virgoe, the practice of Forest Bathing involves "immersing oneself in nature in a mindful way, using all of our senses to connect with the natural world and to bring ourselves into the present moment."

During a Forest Bathing walk, participants are encouraged to slow down, breathe deeply, and tune into the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. "It's not about hiking or exercise," Virgoe explains. "It's about being present in the moment and experiencing the forest in a way that helps us to connect with ourselves and with nature."

Research has shown that spending time in nature can have numerous mental health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood and focus, and boosting overall well-being. And Forest Bathing, in particular, has been found to be an effective way to improve both mental and physical health.

According to Virgoe, "Forest Bathing can help to reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels in the body. It can also improve mood and focus by increasing the production of serotonin and dopamine, which are the 'feel-good' hormones in our brains."

At Ken Reid Conservation Area, visitors can experience the beauty and healing power of nature firsthand. With more than 250 acres of forests, wetlands, and meadows, there's no shortage of natural beauty to explore. And with Kristie Virgoe's guidance, visitors can learn to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with the natural world in a way that can have profound mental and emotional benefits.

Upcoming forest therapy walks at Ken Reid will take place on Saturday, May 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. and Friday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Registration is required and the cost is $10 per person, with all proceeds being donated to the Kawartha Chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Visit www.kawarthaconservation.com and go to the Calendar at the bottom of the homepage to see all of the upcoming events.

So this Mental Health Month, why not take a step back from the stresses of daily life and immerse yourself in the healing power of nature? Whether you're new to Forest Bathing or a seasoned pro, Ken Reid Conservation Area is the perfect place to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world. As Kristie Virgoe says, "Nature is our greatest healer, and Forest Bathing is a wonderful way to connect with it."