Meet your guide…
Kelly Bruce
Kelly Bruce is a writer, forest therapy guide and nature connection mentor. Her career path includes journalism and communications, but her true passion is being in nature and inspiring others to get outside. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina where she works with people of all ages and abilities to explore and enhance their relationship with the natural world.
Her mission is to share the practice of forest bathing and help cultivate a deeper connection with nature, community and Self. She's thrilled to share the practice of forest bathing and nature therapy with the global community through virtual experiences and leads in-person walks throughout western North Carolina. Kelly is an Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Certified Guide as well as a Forest Therapy Trails, Spaces and Places Certification Consultant. She is Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified by the American Red Cross.
Kelly is a proud member of the ANFT-certified Forest Bathing team at Asheville Wellness Tours. In collaboration with Christa Hebal and Dr. Mattie Decker, Asheville Wellness Tours offers public walks every Friday through Sunday and private walks daily upon request year round. If you're interested in experiencing a walk with Kelly specifically, please be sure to include a note in your inquiry. We look forward to sharing the magic of the forest with you!
Forest Bathing at the North Carolina Arboretum (Asheville Area, Blue Ridge Parkway)
North Carolina Arboretum, Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC, USA
Retreat to the peaceful forest of the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville for a restorative experience that will change the way you connect with the great outdoors. Led by certified nature therapy guide, Kelly Bruce, we will embark on a journey to quiet our weary minds and awaken our senses. Explore the power of presence and (re)discover the abundant gifts of nature. Enjoy a relaxing 2.5-hour stroll in our stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Through a series of invitations, you’ll have the opportunity to be present in the moment, deepening your connection with nature and community, and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer. Inspired by Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese art of immersing oneself in a forest environment, forest bathing walks invite guests to spend time in nature in a way that invites healing for ourselves, our fraught ecosystems, and our community. It is true nature therapy! The walk culminates in a tea ceremony with snacks. Prefer a private experience? Private walks are available daily, year-round, with advance notice. Please reach out with questions or requests.
Forest Bathing Retreat at Transfiguration Preserve
Bat Cave, NC, USA
Join us at Transfiguration Preserve in Bat Cave, NC, a destination for reflection and restoration for more than a century. During this gentle, 3-hour experience, we will explore the forest and the banks of the Rocky Broad River while quieting our weary minds and awakening our senses. The experience culminates in a wild-foraged tea ceremony. This walk is led by Kelly Bruce, a certified nature and forest therapy guide/trail consultant, and nature connection mentor certified in wilderness first aid and CPR. Forest bathing originated in Japan where it is known as Shinrin Yoku. It’s not about hiking to a destination and there’s no actual bathing involved. It’s about immersing yourself in the healing qualities of nature and being fully present. Participants should be able to walk one mile on uneven terrain with a moderate grade. Dress extra warm with layers as we will be moving slowly. Please reach out if you have questions or concerns. Space is limited to 12 participants. Advance registration is required by RSVP below. Registration will close at 12 p.m. on December 7th. Welcome letter with directions will be sent after registration. Donations are not required and the amount of your gift is entirely up to you. A donation of $30 is suggested for forest bathing walks, for those who are able. Donations of $35 or more will include Conserving Carolina membership benefits.
Fireside Full Moon Forest Bathing on the French Broad River, Asheville (address and directions provided upon registration)
Asheville, NC, USA
Join us fireside to celebrate the full moon in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains! Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime during this restorative evening retreat. Enjoy a gentle, mindful stroll along the French Broad River as the sun sets and the full moon rises. Explore the power of presence and (re)discover the abundant gifts of nature. We'll end with a fireside tea ceremony including snacks. This is a unique chance to unplug in a private, peaceful setting with a series of invitations led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide providing an opportunity to connect more deeply to the environment around you. No bathing required - we are immersing ourselves in the healing qualities of nature! Quiet your weary mind and awaken your senses as we sink into the heightened awareness of this special evening experience. Together, we’ll deepen our relationship with nature, community and ourselves. The best part: there’s no right or wrong way to forest bathe; just bring an open heart, adventurous spirit and be yourself. All is welcome in the forest. This offering will sell out, so register soon!
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