SPECIAL EVENT: Forest Bathing – Mindfulness Strategies to Connect with Nature

ABOUT THE EVENT:
Forest Bathing is the Japanese practice of relaxation; known in Japan as shinrin yoku. The simple method of walking, and being calm and quiet among the trees with our dogs will be lead by Kelly Dwyer of Nature Education Opportunities. During this 90-minute program, Kelly will help us observe nature around us while breathing deeply and relaxing. This practice can help humans and canines de-stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way.

The health and wellness benefits of daily nature connections, for ourselves (and our dogs!), are well-documented and becoming a fast-growing solution to help us manage stress and overwhelm.

In this interactive program, we will explore:

• Concepts and science behind forest bathing as a stress-reduction tool.
• Practices to connect with our natural environment such as deep breathing, sensory engagement, mindful walking, and more!
• Creative ways to bring nature inside for added wellness.

Come prepared to have fun, be barefoot in the sand, grass, and forest floor and leave with new techniques to mindfully walk outside with your pup!

There will be time for swimming in the cool waters of Sagamore Creek and afterwards, we will meet up at The Ice House for a sweet treat.

ABOUT KELLY DWYER:
Kelly, the owner of Nature Education Opportunities and an award-winning environmental educator and certified NH elementary teacher, has been creating and delivering engaging programming for audiences of all ages for over 15 years.

As a certified wellness coach, Kelly also brings a deep understanding of the numerous benefits of connecting with the natural world to reduce stress, improve health and embrace a more mindful approach to life and learning.

An avid gardener and cook, she loves to spend time with her family, which includes her husband and two daughters.

For more information, visit: NatureEducationOpportunities.com.

IS THIS EVENT GOOD FOR REACTIVE DOGS?
Dogs must be on leash at this trail. The trail is mostly wide and flat with many areas to pull off trail if needed. This is a popular trail for walking dogs, but we don’t expect much traffic for our evening walk. The Ice House has a large, dog-friendly grassy area to spread out in as well. Please remember that you are also welcome to attend without your dog if you feel this would be an uncomfortable setting for them. If you have concerns or questions about if this event is right for your dog, please email woof@goldendognh.com for assistance.

TRAIL RATING:

The Little Harbor Loop Trail is rated as Level 1, Stroll. See an explanation of our Trail Rating System.

COST: Please register for this event below. Limited to 15 people.

• Members – $35/person, your special pricing will be reflected in the CART.
• Not-Yet Members – $50/person

Need to change your reservation? Please email cancel@goldendognh.com. Full refund issued if cancellation received 72 hours prior to event start time, otherwise no refund if canceled after. 

DIRECTIONS/PARKING:
The Little Harbor Trail is located at 400 Little Harbor Road, Portsmouth, NH. Watch for the small sign for the trail and a larger sign that says Creek Farm Reservation. Your GPS may try to take you past the entrance. Once you turn at the Creek Farm Reservation sign, drive almost to the end where you will see an open area and large parking lot. There is also a porta potty at this location.

The Ice House is located at 112 Wentworth Rd, Rye, NH. They have a grassy area out back with picnic tables.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE JOINING AN EVENT:
Please review our Club Guidelines, sign our Liability Waivers & Release Forms, and read our covid guidelines on our Events & Activities page.

CANCELLATIONS:
If weather or covid conditions make gathering and walking unsafe, the event will be cancelled and registered participants will receive a email cancellation notice. It will also be announced in the Event section of the Facebook Group and on this Calendar page.

QUESTIONS:
If you have questions, text/call (603) 815-2453 or email woof@goldendognh.com.