Part of the Series: Birding for Wellness For the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club

Trip Leader: Holly Merker

Free to all members and non-members

Celebrate Earth Day by deepening your connection with the forest, and birds around you. With origins inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, or Forest Bathing, harnesses the health and restorative benefits the natural world holds for us. Birds intertwine with all habitats, and through a framework of guided “invitations” centering around them, we can deepen our connections to nature by engaging the senses, noticing, and awakening our experience of reciprocity with the natural world.

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. A tea celebration among the group will be included in the experience as we celebrate earth day, birds, and the natural world around us.

Led by Holly Merker, certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and certified Forest Therapy Practitioner, Wellness Counselor, Mindful Birding specialist, and professional birding guide. Holly is a DVOC Fellow and Life Member who is excited to share this new approach to wellness with the club.

Limited to 12 people; contact leader to reserve your spot at ornitherapy@gmail.com
Specific details on what to bring, preparing for weather, what to expect will be shared via email from Holly upon sign up.

Pacing: This program has been developed for most all mobility levels. In tradition with Forest Bathing principals, this will be a slow-paced experience on unpaved trails, some with elevation, and will include gathering time where we’ll sit and sometimes stand, for short periods of time.
More details will be provided upon sign-up.