Meet your guide…
Linda Lombardo
My wild heart was put away in a drawer on my 13th birthday.After going out to dinner with my parents, my mother spoke to me privately at home."Linda," she said, "You are 13 years old; a young woman now and young women don't climb trees."It was, perhaps, the worst birthday I've ever had.I lost sight of my wild heart after that, focusing instead on what was expected of me: college, a job, marriage and a family. Check, check, check and check. And still, something was missing. In the 1980's, the Japanese came up with the idea of Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing, because the Japanese business class was suffering from stress and dis-ease.When a friend spoke to me about something called 'forest therapy' and suggested I might consider becoming a forest therapy guide, I was intrigued. At the same time, I thought, "More spaghetti thrown against the wall. Will it stick?" It stuck.I attended a training intensive in 2017, immediately asking myself what the heck was I doing there? And then, I was led on my first forest therapy walk by M. Amos Clifford of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides & Programs. I knew I was home again. My wild heart re-awakened, never to go back to sleep.There is no age limit when it comes to climbing trees.
I am a certified forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT), and a certified Master Naturalist through Quality Parks on Long Island, NY. I was the first certified Forest Therapy guide on Long Island, NY, back in 2017 when not too many people knew what forest therapy was. I quickly built relationships with local arboretums and preserves, which recognized that what I offered was different than what they could offer to the public. I drew on years of leadership expertise, becoming the official Forest Therapy Guide for organizations like TENWOMENSTRONG, and FULL SPAN LEADERSHIP, offering programs for personal and professional empowerment along the East coast. I'm also a certified life coach through the Coaches Training Institute (2001). Partnering with the forest to support my coaching clients is wild heart experience for them and for me. Listen to my interview about forest therapy with ONE, the Organization of Nature Evolutionaries: https://www.natureevolutionaries.com/teleseminars-1/2019/9/15/forest-walk
In addition to forest bathing experiences, I offer private individual coaching and coaching walks, organizational and group walks as a straight-forward forest bathing experience or using the Four-Chambered Heart invitation, Tree Wisdom card readings, Let Nature Come to You for those who cannot get to Nature, gift certificates and I'm a wedding officiant for those who'd like a ceremony in Nature.
Bailey Arboretum
194 Bayville Rd, Locust Valley, NY 11560, USA
Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo, on a 2-hour walk at Bailey Arboretum, to reconnect with the natural world around us. Wander the trails, slow down and notice what most of the world simply walks past in the beauty of nature. We may do some grounding, explore the details in Nature, connect with the trees and water, and create some Nature art together. These walks are always slow and easy-going, not a hike. Space is limited to 12 participants. Pre-registration is required. You'll be emailed a waiver once you've registered. $35 per participant. Adults only.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
440 Montauk Hwy, Great River, NY 11739, USA
Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, on a walk at Bayard Cutting Arboretum on Saturday, July 10th from 9:30am to 11:30am, to reconnect with the natural world around us. We’ll slow down, wander and notice what most of the world simply walks past; the beauty of nature waking up to Spring. We’ll do some grounding, connect with the trees and water, and even create some nature art together. These walks are always slow and easy-going, not a hike; not a tour of plants or collections. Walk length: 120 minutes; please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for walking outdoors. Bring whatever else you require to feel comfortable. Masks are required. Organic bug spray only, please. We also practice physical distancing. Limited to 12 participants. Ages 16 and up. Fee: $40 per person. If you have an Empire Pass, parking is free. Otherwise, it's $8 per car.
Sands Point Preserve
127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY 11050, USA
Take a meditative Forest Bathing walk, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo. Based on the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, each unique walk inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. All precautions for COVID-19 will be taken, including social distancing and face masks when near others. According to Linda, “Take this time to be present, lower the stress you may be experiencing, and connect with nature, which naturally boosts your immune system.” Spaces are limited, for adults 18+, and pre-registration is required. For members, $35. For non-members, $40. Parking is included. Register online or call 516.304.5076 for contactless payment.
Planting Fields Arboretum
1395 Planting Fields Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771, USA
Come experience the benefits of winter outdoors at Planting Fields. Studies have shown that winter forest therapy can help build a strong immune system, boost your ability to fight infection, reduce stress hormones, lower your blood pressure and heart rate, and improve concentration and focus. Certified guide, Linda Lombardo, will lead a 2-hour walk throughout the grounds of Planting Fields that will promote mindfulness and connectivity with your surroundings. Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. Forest Therapy originated as Shinrin-Yoku, or 森林翼 - the Japanese characters translate to "forest and woods and taking them all in". It's not about distance or endurance. It's about slowing down and noticing. TICKETS: Members: $36 General admission: $40 Planting Fields Foundation members must log in to their account via the Planting Fields website to purchase program tickets at the member price! If you do not already have a member account profile, please read the instructions on their site.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
440 Montauk Hwy, Great River, NY 11739, USA
Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, on a walk at Bayard Cutting Arboretum on Saturday, August 7th from 9:30am to 11:30am, to reconnect with the natural world around us. We’ll slow down, wander and notice what most of the world simply walks past; the beauty of nature waking up to Spring. We’ll do some grounding, connect with the trees and water, and even create some nature art together. These walks are always slow and easy-going, not a hike; not a tour of plants or collections. Walk length: 120 minutes; please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for walking outdoors. Bring whatever else you require to feel comfortable. Masks are required. Organic bug spray only, please. We also practice physical distancing. Limited to 12 participants. Ages 16 and up. Fee: $40 per person. If you have an Empire Pass, parking is free. Otherwise, it's $8 per car.
