Lotus and Light: A Midsummer Evening of Forest Bathing

This special extended evening forest bathing experience invites you to slow down, awaken your senses, and deepen your connection with nature’s rhythms in this magical setting.

Forest bathing, or nature therapy, is a mindful and bodyful practice that welcomes gentle, sensory immersion in natural environments. Certified nature & forest therapy guide Ilana Rubin of Kindred Nature will offer gentle invitations that can help you relax, reduce stress, and reconnect deeply with the natural world — boosting mood, focus, and overall wellbeing.

Together, we’ll nurture a sense of belonging — with the landscape, with ourselves, and with each other — inspired by the lotus, the evening light, and wildlife of the aquatic gardens.

We’ll close our evening by gathering for light snacks and fresh locally-sourced tea, offering a warm-hearted space to reflect, share, and savor the evening’s calm before you head home refreshed and restored.

This is more than just a walk in nature — it’s a restorative mini retreat for your mind, body, and heart.

Investment: Suggested $40 donation (pay what you can; no one turned away for lack of funds). Your support helps sustain these enriching experiences and Kindred Nature.

Registration is required. All adults (18 and up) are welcome. Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate, nurturing experience.

Check in outside the Visitor Center starting 15 minutes before the event.

Ilana Rubin (she/her) brings warmth and expertise as a certified nature and forest therapy guide, a facilitator, and the founder of Kindred Nature. She believes that we are all nature, too – and that includes you! She started Kindred Nature in 2021 to offer empowering and restorative experiences with nature and community to replenish inner radiance, resilience, and belonging. With experience in human services, environmental policy, education, and coalition leadership, Ilana has led programs for NOVA Parks, US Forest Service International Programs, the GW Office of Integrative Medicine and Health, and more, and also offers private individual and group sessions.

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