Nature Rx | Mindfulness Walk

This walk will lead participants through a portion of Furnace Run Trail beginning at Everett Covered Bridge. Dr. Denise Gibson, Nature Rx advisor, will guide participants through the walk while sharing the many mental health benefits of time in nature.

What is a mindfulness walk? While we may be tempted to get our steps in or consider every walk a workout, a mindfulness walk invites you to slow your pace and employ your senses to take in the natural world around you. Mindfulness walks can take on many forms, sometimes silent or practicing breathwork. Other times, isolating one sense at a time. In these moments, you are encouraged to let go of the stresses of the day and simply enjoy the natural environment.

Accessibility note: This program takes place on a relatively flat, even trail and will be less than one mile in length. Participants are welcome to bring trekking poles or a hiking staff for added support. As noted above, mindfulness walks are intentionally slow-paced with frequent stops for discussion. It is a great option for those looking for a more accessible outdoor experience at CVNP.

Additional Event Details

Parking/Directions: Parking is available at Everett Covered Bridge, located at 2370 Everett Road, Peninsula, OH 44264. We will meet at the trailhead kiosk.

What to wear/bring: Please wear closed-toed, sturdy shoes that you do not mind getting dirty if conditions are muddy.

Weather: This is a rain or shine event, so please dress accordingly so that you are comfortable. In the case of severe weather (lightning, hail, storms, etc.) we will cancel or postpone.

Participants will be notified of any event changes via email.

This event is part of the Nature Rx program. For more details on the program, please visit www.forcvnp.org/naturerx.

About Denise D. Gibson, PhD, MSSA:

Denise Gibson earned a master’s degree in social administration from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University and a PhD in Cultural Foundations of Education from Kent State University. During her 34-year career, she worked in community mental health, private practice and medical education at NEOMED and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Denise retired in 2012 and in 2014 became a Summit County Master Gardener. Since 2024, she became an Advisor tom the Nature Rx Program at the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park where she brings horticultural experience, background in mental health, and teaching skills to provide community programming that demonstrates the benefits of spending time in nature.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park