2025 Guided Walks & Workshops

Sunday, November 23, 2025

1:30-3:30pm

Jackson County Greenway, NC

Join me for a guided nature journaling walk to deepen your observation and recording skills or to learn some new ones. For two hours, we will meander along the JC Greenway to observe, reflect, and record what we notice in nature using a variety of techniques.  No previous experience with art or nature journaling required. Bring a journal or notebook, pen, pencil, and any art supplies you would like to use. Instructor will have some supplies which can be borrowed for the walk.

Best for ages 13 and above. Participants should be prepared to travel at least 2 miles comfortably.

Fee: $10

Maximum # of participants: 20

Deadline to register: Friday, November 21, 2025

To register:  https://jcprd.recdesk.com/community/program

Select "outdoor programs" in the filter section.

*All proceeds go to the Friends of Jackson County Greenways, 501-3c nonprofit.

Sunday, November 30, 2025

1:00am-12:00 noon

Jackson County Greenway, NC

I'll be guiding an introduction to Shinrin Yoku, on the JC Greenway, the first all accessible certified forest therapy trail in NC and the US.  Shinrin Yoku is a research-based practice which has demonstrated a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. These include stress reduction, improved mental well-being, physical health enhancement, and deeper connection with nature and the environment. By immersing ourselves in nature, we travel slowly, stop and observe, rest quietly, and notice things.  The pace is slow, not fast.  For two hours, I will lead participants on a sensory experience along the Greenway, concluding with a tea ceremony. Best for ages 13 and above. 

Fee: $10

Maximum # of participants: 12

Deadline to register: Friday, November 28, 2025

To register:  https://jcprd.recdesk.com/community/program

Select "outdoor programs" in the filter section.

*All proceeds go to the Friends of Jackson County Greenways, 501-3c nonprofit.

Sunday, December 21, 2025

1:30-3:30pm

Jackson County Greenway, NC

Winter Solstice walk and guided forest bathing experience on the JC Greenway. The Greenway is the first all accessible certified forest therapy trail in NC and the US.  The Winter Solstice is a time to honor the light and the dark, the beginning of winter, and the time of hibernation for nature. Shinrin Yoku is a research-based practice which has demonstrated a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. During the 2 hour guided slow walk, I will lead participants on a sensory experience, welcoming the changes of the season, and concluding with a tea ceremony. Best for ages 13 and above. 

Fee: $10

Maximum # of participants: 12

To register:  https://jcprd.recdesk.com/community/program

Select "outdoor programs" in the filter section.

*All proceeds go to the Friends of Jackson County Greenways, 501-3c nonprofit.

Deadline to register: Friday, December 19, 2025

This 4 hour nature journaling workshop is offered through Western Carolina University's Professional Growth & Enrichment Program.

Thursday, June 5: 1:00-5:00pm

WCU Picnic Shelter

To learn more and register: https://continuinged.wcu.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=1234377#courseSectionDetails_1234381

This 3 hour guided forest bathing walk on the Certified Forest Therapy Trail at Pinnacle Park, is offered through Western Carolina University's Professional Growth & Enrichment Program.

Friday, May 23: 1:00-4:00pm

To learn more and register: https://continuinged.wcu.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=1120101#courseSectionDetails_1232898

This 3 hour guided forest bathing walk on the Certifed Forest Therapy Trail at Pinnacle Park, is offered through Western Carolina University's Professional Growth & Enrichment Program.

Friday, June 6: 1:00-4:00pm

To learn more and register: https://continuinged.wcu.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=1120101#courseSectionDetails_1232898

Join me for two Guided Forest Bathing Walks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Wednesday, June 4, 2025: 9:00am-12:00noon; Mingus Creek Trail, NC

Wednesday, October 22, 2025: 1:00pm-4:00pm; Kephart Prong Trail, NC

Walks are limited to 15 participants and you will need to be a Smokies Life Member. Visit this website for more info and to register: 

https://smokieslife.org/events/

October 30, 2025: 1:00-5:00pm

An immersive nature, art, and journaling experience in Panthertown Valley.   We will start at the Salt Rock Trailhead. Our pace will be slow and follow a loop pass waterfalls and through the forest. The walk is limited to 12 people.

To register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScH45FLnHTU77f45PuzubYaa8rXwMQvKjZNn-ZI57ubXEteAw/viewform?mc_cid=9bf868e742&mc_eid=c138bb1eaf

Join me on a forest bathing walk to experience relaxation, connection, and creativity. Using found natural objects and provided art supplies; you will have the opportunity to create, sketch, and journal in a natural setting. We may also incorporate a tea ceremony into our time together.  This experience is being offered by the Glen Arbor Arts Center in Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's Thorsen Farm & Sunset Beach.

Friday, September 12: 1:00-5:00pm

To learn more and register: 

https://glenarborart.org/product/forest-bathing-expressive-arts-in-nature/

A 2 hour ONLINE Nature Journaling Workshop offered through Smokies Life.

Monday: November 10: 6:30-8:30pm

This online workshop will provide you with engaging, hands-on instruction on how to begin your exploration of nature journaling (or enhance an already established practice). Within the workshop we will spend time exploring the basics of nature journaling, learn creative ways to layout a nature journal page, practice observational drawing techniques, and use reflective prompts to deepen our awareness. At the end of the workshop, participants will have a complete nature journal entry for the day plus skills and resources to continue the practice.

For more info and to register: https://75868.blackbaudhosting.com/75868/The-Art-of-Nature-Journaling

Friday, May 30: 9:00am-11:00am

The Jackson County Greenway will soon be the newest Certified Forest Therapy Trail in the county and western North Carolina.  Come experience an introduction to Forest Bathing with this 2 hour guided walk along the greenway.

To register and learn more, visit the Friends of Jackson County Greenways website: https://www.friendsofjacksoncountygreenways.org/events