Soak in the peace and tranquility of the Wickecheoke Creek Preserve in Hunterdon County during New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s “Forest Bathing in the Wickecheoke” program 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 11.
Led by Off the Grid yoga instructor Lauren Theis, the event will combine a “forest bathing” experience with a gentle yoga session and easy hike, suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
Forest bathing, which originated in Japan 35 years ago, is the process of soaking up the sights, smells and sounds of a natural setting to promote physiological and psychological health. “Shinrin-yoku,” according to practitioners, produces a feeling of relaxation that promotes a multitude of health benefits, from lower blood pressure to a stronger immune system.
The forest bathing program will be held at the Thompson property on Pine Hill Road, just north of Pavilica Road.
Theis will begin with a meditation and centering session, followed by a hike through the preserve’s beautiful landscapes. Yogis should bring their own mat (or a blanket or towel), along with water and suitable shoes for walking.
The fee for the program is $20 per person, and advance registration is required.
To register online, go to
njconservation.org/event/forest-bathing-in-the-wickecheoke/. For information, contact Lynch at
blynch@njconservation.org or 908-997-0725.
The forest bathing program is part of New Jersey Conservation’s “Step Into Nature” series of walks, talks and outdoor events.
Preserved in 2013, the 94-acre Thompson property includes woods, hayfields, an historic cemetery and more than a quarter-mile of frontage along the Plum Brook. It is part of the Wickecheoke Creek Preserve, a green belt of preserved open space and farmland along the stream for which it is named. With its partners, New Jersey Conservation Foundation has helped preserve about 4,000 acres in the Wickecheoke Creek region since 1984.
