Sunday Earth Day Healing Hike & Silent Forest Bathing with Naturalist

We will honor national Earth Day on this Sunday afternoon. Center for Sustainable Stewardship (CSS) Volunteer, Nerissa "enerLeaf" Aquino, will provide access on this private sanctuary and Big East Fork Naturalist, Andy Sudbrock, will accompany the group on a quiet stay in the healing woods. It is an event to heal our spirits for better health and energy. We will encourage many moments of gratitude as the feelings of appreciation are known for creating a deeper sense of well-being, joy, and ease.

What is Forest Bathing (also known as Shinrin-yoku)?
Shinrin in Japanese means “forest,” and yoku means “bath.” So shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses. ... It is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Shinrin-yoku is like a natural "pill" to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit.

Here's a 2018 Time magazine article on Forest Bathing's Health benefits:
https://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/#:~:text=Shinrin%20in%20Japanese%20means%20%E2%80%9Cforest,the%20forest%20through%20our%20senses.&text=It%20is%20simply%20being%20in,yoku%20is%20like%20a%20bridge.

3:30 Meet at designated parking area as this is private property, details provided to RSVP list by Friday 4/23

4:00 [UPDATED - change of trailhead] Begin our mostly silent guided hike on Peach Orchard trail [new update] There will be a couple of very shallow wet areas such as stream crossings and soft soil down in this hollow. We will be given the opportunity to spend some quiet meandering time in an area flowing with water and spring growth like flowers, ferns, and new leafing. It is truly a nature sanctuary for all. This an invitation to allow the experience to support your own personal healing journey as well as inspire joy and gratitude.

5:30 Return to parking area

PARKING
Please park ONLY in the designated the Center for Sustainable Stewardship, CSS, parking area. Details coming but it will be within 200 yards from Farm at 5400 Big East Fork Rd driveway but do not park at this residence.

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Standard Notice/Liability Waiver (partial text)

Hold Harmless Agreement
In consideration for the permission and privilege to engage in activities on properties owned by the Center for Sustainable Stewardship (CSS), Big East Fork Farms (BEFF), and Jonathan Oppenheiemr (JO), I hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless CSS, BEFF, and JO from any suits, costs, damages, or loss while engaged in activities on property owned by CSS, BEFF, or JO...
All adult attendees will have to agree to and sign this waiver upon arrival.

Disclaimer
CSS organizers and volunteer staff are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking or recreating alone outdoors. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being.

By attending this CSS event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this event and current and former members can not be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By attending this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to the CSS event against the organizers.

Covid-19 is still out there and spreading. So, PLEASE be respectful and follow all guidelines to stay safe and keep others safe and virus free. If you feel you have it and/or may be asymptomatic, please stay home and take care of yourself. if you are virus free, let's enjoy bathing in mother nature's beautiful energies!