Join Kelly Daniels, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, on a Forest Therapy Wild Edible Plant Wander.

Forest Therapy is based on Shinrin-Yoku, called "Forest Bathing" by the Japanese. Shinrin-Yoku has been integrated into the Japanese culture to reduce the stress in the schools and workplace as well as a tool to increase health and boost the immune system. There is a growing body of research that proves how spending time in nature has a positive impact on our bodies. For example, trees give off phytoncides which help our bodies fight off sickness and raises our immune system.

"I’m not going to show you the forest; I’m going to help you connect with the forest in a deeper way. We'll slow down, awaken our senses, ditch our phones, and restore our relationships with ourselves and the land. We'll do a forest therapy walk in the style of Shinrin Yoku, share our stories, and end with a tea ceremony featuring tea from foraged plants and tasty healthy treats."

- Kelly Daniels (Certified Forest Therapy Guide)

During the Wild Edible Plant Wander portion you will learn several plants as well as their medicinal and edible properties. Plants in this local area that you will begin to develop a relationship with! The overall theme is always connection with the Earth. That which sustains us. The experience is hands on as we will be immersed in Nature’s embrace for the entire time. Dress accordingly. Possibility of transplanting and harvesting to bring home.

 “I have made a satisfactory dinner of a dish of purslane which I gathered and boiled. Yet, men have come to such a pass that they starve, not for want of necessities, but for want of luxuries.” -Henry David Thoreau

Check out the Wisdom of the Wilds plant card deck! The first of a series of wilds beginning with 44 native plants of the heartland featuring historical uses and insightful magical messages from intuitive, Steffany Barton RN. Photographs taken at Blue River Forest Experience in Overland Park Kansas by Kelly Daniels, Certified Forest Therapy Guide. Artwork by Emma Trucco with Emma Trucco’s Art.

Bring a water bottle and wear shoes that can get muddy and proper clothes to be outside for a couple hours.