Summer Sweetness: Forest Bathing + S'mores

Certified nature and forest therapy guide Tamara Murray of Nature Connection Santa Barbara will offer invitations to connect with your surroundings in this close-by-but-away-from-it-all nature park. Take in summer’s energy and notice how it shows up in you and all the other beings in nature. Nature connection experiences are inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku, which translates to "forest bathing" and is linked with health and well-being. (No actual bathing involved!)

• Two-hour nature connection mini-retreat with a certified forest bathing guide
• Closing (iced) tea and community conversation
• Marshmallow roast and s'mores supplies

Unlike a hike or a naturalist walk, we'll give our bodies and brains a break by simply using our senses to connect with nature.

• About the practice: After introductions, you'll learn more about the origins of nature connection and its physical and mental health benefits
• Connect with nature using our senses: I'll offer a variety of invitations for you to slow down, tap into your senses, and experience this beautiful place
• Moments of sharing and listening: We'll have moments where we'll come together and are invited to share what we're noticing
• Tea circle + marshmallow roast: We'll close with (iced) tea and the opportunity to chat as a community, then roast marshmallows over the BBQ for s'mores
• Welcoming space: I'm a firm believer that everyone belongs in nature; I create a welcoming space for people from all walks of life and outdoor experience levels
• Want to know more? Check out these answers to FAQs

• Anyone who could use a nature reset
• No outdoor experience required
• This experience is intended for adults
• Come solo or bring a friend
• Please leave your doggos at home for this experience

• Elevation is mostly flat with some gentle inclines; ground is paved path, uneven packed dirt, and grass
• Up to 1 mile of walking, plus periods of standing or sitting
• Restrooms are available
• You may be invited to sit on a rock, log or on the ground
• There is ample parking in the off-street parking lot

Tamara Murray is the founder of Nature Connection Santa Barbara. She is certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, holds an active Wilderness First Aid certification, and is part of the Outdoorist Oath community, dedicated to planet, inclusion and adventure. She believes that everyone belongs in nature because we ARE nature.

Ticket sales are final and non-refundable. I take everyone's safety very seriously and will monitor for conditions like extreme heat or fire danger. I reserve the right to cancel or modify the event for safety reasons. In the event of a cancellation, I will offer a full refund.

In the case of extreme fire danger, like a red flag warning, the City of Santa Barbara will alert us in advance and we will be required to change location within the city of Santa Barbara. Part of being connected with nature is understanding the present conditions and knowing what is suitable. Thank you in advance for your understanding!

Host or Publisher Santa Barbara Nature Connection Walks