Attend an Accessible Nature Wellbeing Program (ANWP)
Accessible Nature Wellbeing Programs (ANWPs) are 2.5 hr standalone nature retreat programs where attendees typically participate online in mindful nature connection (forest bathing/ shinrin yoku). People can participate while indoors, outside or both so long as they have a consistent internet connection. Participants agree to use a nonjudgmental form of contemplative communication with a focus on listening deeply to others without judgment or trying to “fix” others.
In the spirit of accessibility and inclusion, participants are guided through a sequence of adaptable practices that have been shown by researchers to improve physical, emotional and/or spiritual well-being. This includes opening the senses, an embodied mindfulness exercise to support grounding and ease participants into adopting a slower pace. The final nature-connection invitation is designed to support people to enter into a creative or liminal state that can foster relaxation, perspective-taking or metaphor making. In addition to sharing, programs involve nature images, field camera captures, videos, and stories that are rooted in the flowing waters, tall trees, soft moss, and majestic moose of the EcoWisdom Forest Preserve.
“I can control my breathing better -bringing my blood pressure down. I often use nature images to bring about that feeling of pain relief.”
Upon registration, we offer each participant a tip sheet on how to best prepare for the experience to ensure comfort and maximal benefit and information on the wellbeing benefits of forest bathing. We also provide resources afterwards that can be used to support on-going engagement in mindful nature connection practices, independently or with others, in person or online. Research shows that 85% of participants have gone on to use the practices they have been taught independently.
The ANWP is a great choice for individuals, community organizations, service agencies, holistic wellbeing clinics or workplaces seeking an introduction to the practice of forest bathing to support physical and mental health, self-care, empathy, and/or community building. The ANWPs can be a component of a longer full-day program or online retreat experience.
Past ANWPs
August 13th, 2025
This in-person ANWP had participants learning about and directly experiencing the many powerful well-being benefits of accessible nature therapy in Vancouver!
The event included a 1.5 hour research presentation and a 2 hour guided nature wellbeing program. It was hosted by EcoWisdom and the Individualized Funding Resource Centre, in partnership Technology for Living and Wild About Nature. The event was made possible through generous funding from the TD Park People Grants, along with the New Horizons for Seniors grant. You can find the event poster here.
Accessible Nature Wellbeing Program Research
Want to learn more about the academic research being done on EcoWisdom programs, including the ANWP? Check out our research page here!
