Oak Spring Garden Foundation and the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia are pleased to offer a two part therapeutic workshop on mindful birding. The morning workshop will dive deep in the practice of Ornitherapy (mindful birding) and the afternoon session will focus on Forest Bathing with Birds. Participants are welcome to attend both sessions or one respectively.

The lush and thoughtfully stewarded landscapes and gardens at Oak Spring Garden provide the perfect backdrop to reaping the wellness benefits that nature provides us. The practice of Forest Bathing falls in line with the mission of OSFG, which promotes the importance of plants for human wellbeing.

With origins inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, or Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy, harnesses the health and restorative benefits the natural world holds for us. This experience will be a bit different than a traditional outdoor guided walk, not focusing on sharing naturalist knowledge or identification, but instead allowing the forest and birds to intentionally guide us into to slowing our pace. Birds go hand-in-hand with Oak Spring Garden’s habitats and with a framework of guided "invitations" centering around them, we will deepen our connections to nature by engaging the senses, noticing, and awakening our experience of reciprocity with the natural world. A tea ceremony will be included to culminate the experience as we celebrate the brightening spring landscapes and OSGF. Forest Bathing with Birds can be calming, contemplative, mindful, revealing, soothing, awe inspiring, and more. Any skill-level of experience in nature is welcomed, and this is a great way to herald in the spring season and boost your wellbeing.