Inviting you back to nature, connection and community.
Intentionally Outdoors invites you on a transformative journey back to nature, where the whisper of the trees, the enchantment of birdsong, the rustle of leaves and the aroma of the earth restore your soul. Led by Gwen, a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, our guided Forest Therapy walks offer a sanctuary from the noise of everyday life. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, each session is a sensory immersion designed to reconnect you with the natural world and, ultimately, with yourself.
Our Guided Forest Therapy experiences offer a sanctuary from the noise of everyday life.
Nature
Connection
Community
Public Guided Forest Therapy Walks
Experience a mindful journey through nature unlike ever before, designed to deepen your connection with the natural world and with yourself. Walks are offered to the public several times per month.
Private Walks
Experience a personalized Forest Therapy walk tailored to your unique needs, offering a retreat into nature to help deepen your connection with the natural world and with yourself. Book a walk for yourself or gather together a group of friends, family or perhaps to celebrate a special occasion.
By stepping into nature, you step into a world of healing, transforming your mind, body, and spirit.
Forest Therapy is an evidence-based practice that supports physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. By immersing yourself in the natural world and mindfully engaging all five senses, you could experience profound health benefits that extend beyond physical wellness.
-
Forest Therapy can support mental and emotional well-being by helping to reduce depression, anxiety, stress, and mental fatigue. Additionally, it could improve mood, sleep, confidence, self-esteem, cognitive functioning, creativity, and support better relationships.
-
Engaging in Forest Therapy can help boost overall physical health by enhancing immune functioning, increasing energy, and supporting longevity.
-
Forest Therapy can deepen your connection with nature, by enhancing your sense of gratitude, generosity, and selflessness. It can support greater patience, life satisfaction, and motivation, helping you cultivate a more mindful and fulfilling life while fostering a stronger bond with the natural world.
Meet your guide;
Hi, I’m Gwen, a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. My journey with nature started as a child, running barefoot on the grass, talking to the trees and tending to our family’s farm in central Wisconsin. As life took me from the countryside to the city, I lost touch with that deep connection. Despite a busy and productive life, I struggled with depression, anxiety, and various health issues.
Discovering Forest Therapy was transformative for me. It guided me in reconnecting deeply with nature and myself through mindful, sensory experiences, rekindling the relationship I once knew. My goal with Intentionally Outdoors is to share this practice with you, helping you nurture a richer connection with the natural world and experience the healing benefits it has to offer. Each walk is an opportunity to slow down, be present, and foster a sense of balance and connection. I invite you to join me in this journey of rediscovery and wellness, wherever you are on your path.
FAQs
-
Forest Therapy, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing, involves immersing yourself in nature through all five senses. Unlike a hike or exercise, Forest Therapy focuses on nurturing your relationship with nature and yourself, fostering relaxation and rejuvenation. Each session is a sensory experience designed to reconnect you with the natural world and deepen your relationship with yourself.
-
Walks will last for the duration scheduled. For example, if you sign up for a walk from 8 am to 10 am, it will last the full 2 hours.
-
These gentle and restorative walks are designed for all activity levels and usually cover less than one mile.
-
Forest Therapy walks can occur in any natural setting where humans and nature meet, including beaches, meadows, forests, open green spaces, or even indoors with houseplants.
-
No prior experience is needed. First-time participants are warmly welcomed and encouraged to join.
-
Your guide will lead you through a series of sensory-based invitations designed to encourage mindful interactions with nature. We move at a leisurely pace with opportunities to connect and share with fellow participants. Walks typically conclude with a gathering where tea and refreshments are provided.
-
Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. It’s best to dress warmer than you would for a hike, as the pace is slow and you may get chilly. Check the weather before coming, as walks take place rain or shine.
-
You can bring a stool or sitting pad if you prefer not to sit directly on the ground. Also, water, bug protection, any additional snacks, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and check the weather to dress accordingly or bring layers. I also encourage you to leave your cell phone in your car or on do-not-disturb mode during the walk.
-
Our walks are designed for adults aged 18 and older. Please register and pay in advance, as only registered participants can join. For a more focused experience, we ask that children and pets stay at home.
-
Walks take place rain or shine, except when conditions are deemed too dangerous by your guide.
-
Nature and Forest Therapy Guides are not licensed therapists and do not diagnose or treat mental or emotional health conditions. Their role is to facilitate a nature-based experience for personal enrichment and connection.
-
Participants may voluntarily cancel their participation in any event. Refunds may be provided for voluntary cancellations under the following terms:
If a participant cancels at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time of the event, the participant will receive a full refund to their initial payment method.
If a participant cancels less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time, no refund will be provided.
If the participant cancels because they do not wish to sign or agree to the Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability Agreement, then the participant will be provided a full refund to their initial payment method regardless of the time of cancellation.
Please note that a refund can take up to 10 business days to show up on a customer’s account.
At times, Intentionally Outdoors LLC may need to cancel a scheduled event for various unforeseen reasons, including but not limited to, weather, illness, unavailability of property or licensed guide, etc. Intentionally Outdoors LLC will strive to provide as much notice as possible of any event cancellations, however, no guarantees are provided on the timing of cancellations notices.
In the event that Intentionally Outdoors LLC cancels a scheduled event, all participants scheduled to attend the event will be provided a full refund of any fees paid in advance.
Nature
Connection
Community
We acknowledge with respect and love, that in Milwaukee we are on traditional Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk and Menominee homeland along the southwest shores of Michigami, North America’s largest system of freshwater lakes, where the Milwaukee, Menominee and Kinnickinnic rivers meet and the people of Wisconsin’s sovereign Anishinaabe, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Oneida and Mohican nations remain present.