Lily & Lotus Wonder Wander w/ Kindred Nature 9/4 at 6pm

Photo Credit: mana5280

Unwind into wonder among blooming lilies, growing lotuses, and the vibrant wildlife of the aquatic gardens and marsh. 

On this gentle guided wander through the gardens and boardwalk trails, we’ll slow down and tune into the sights, sounds, and sensations of early summer—where turtles sun themselves, dragonflies dance, and the air hums with life.

This experience is based in nature therapy, also known as forest bathing—a restorative, research-backed practice of connecting with nature through our senses. With the support of certified nature & forest therapy guide Ilana Rubin of Kindred Nature, you’ll be invited to relax, notice, and reconnect—both with the natural world and with yourself.

We’ll move at a slow, gentle pace, with time for stillness, reflection, and optional sharing. No experience or special equipment needed—just curiosity and openness. We’ll close our time with tea and a gratitude practice in the gardens.

Check in outside the Visitor Center starting 15 minutes before the event. All are welcome. Space is limited—registration is required. 

When

Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 6:00p. Check-in opens at 5:45pm.

Where

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave Northeast, Washington, DC 20019. Participants will meet outside the Visitor Center.

Getting There

Visitors should enter the park on Douglass St and Anacostia Ave at the green ranger tent. Street parking only available. By Metro, the park entrance is 1.0 mile from the Deanwood Metro Station and 1.3 miles from the Minnesota Ave Station, both on the Orange Line. By foot or bike, access the park via the Anacostia River Trail.

Ilana Rubin (she/her) brings warmth and expertise as a certified nature and forest therapy guide, a facilitator, and the founder of Kindred Nature. She believes that we are all nature, too – and that includes you! She started Kindred Nature in 2021 to offer empowering and restorative experiences with nature and community to replenish inner radiance, resilience, and belonging. With experience in human services, environmental policy, education, and coalition leadership, Ilana has led programs for NOVA Parks, US Forest Service International Programs, the GW Office of Integrative Medicine and Health, and more, and also offers private individual and group sessions.

What to Know Before You Arrive:

Weather and what to wear: We'll go ahead rain or shine, unless conditions are hazardous. Prepare yourself to be comfortable outside on varied terrain for a mix of stillness, slow walking, and gentle movement. Top tips:

• Bring a water bottle.
• Wear comfortable clothing for the day's weather.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for wet, muddy, dry, flat, or sloped terrain.

I'll provide: Small portable stools or sit mats, warm guidance, and all other event supplies.

Consider bringing/wearing any optional comfort items, such as: Snacks, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, a journal and pen, or something else.

Devices: Please put your phone/devices into “nature and wonder mode” to support your presence in the moment.

Email me at [email protected] with any reflections, questions, allergies, or accessibility needs.

See you soon for a restorative evening!

Warmly,

Ilana Rubin (she/her/hers) Founder | Facilitator | Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide Kindred Nature | kindrednature.carrd.co

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Replenishing inner radiance, resilience, and belonging with nature and community through empowering and restorative experiences.

Contact

For questions or concerns reach out to Alivia at [email protected].

Learn about Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (@kenaqgardens) and visit us at www.kenaqgardens.org.

Host or Publisher Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens