Forest Bathing in the Arboretum

Please join us for a forest bathing session. We will open our senses to the trees & ecosystem, but please leave your rubber ducky at home (think experiential not literal, like sunbathing).What to bring:

• Water
• Weather appropriate clothing
• For portions of our time together, we will be stationary for up to 20-25 minutes at a time. If you prefer to not stand or sit on the forest floor, please bring a towel, mat, stool, or light chair.

Forest bathing originates in Japan, where it emerged as part of a national health program in the 1980s. Your guide, Jory Fleming, is currently undergoing training by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides. Forest bathing is currently being researched by medical schools in Japan and around the world for its beneficial physiological and psychological effects, but this session should not be considered as medical practice and your guide is not a medical practitioner.

This is a rain or shine event unless conditions are stormy. We'll update here if storms force us to cancel.

Arboretum regular open hours:
Wednesdays and Saturdays 9-12 and Thursdays (Winter 3 - dusk) (Summer 4 - 6)

Visit the botanic garden horseshoe, pollinator display gardens, and walk through 10 biomes of South Carolina along a 1/3 mile trail.

Special stops are at the longleaf pines atop a bluff of fossilized sand dunes, the boardwalk overlooking a bald cypress swamp, a grove of Atlantic white cypress in the central wetland, and the allee of ancient tulip trees in the ravine. Pause at the waterfall or other scenic stops and take in the gifts of nature, here in the middle of town.

• Pets are not permitted in this wildlife sanctuary.
• Note that pathways are natural and pass through hilly terrain.
• Restroom facilities are not available.

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Host or Publisher W. Gordon Belser Arboretum