Forest therapy enhances wellbeing through gentle immersion in forests and other natural environments, including urban parks. It derives from the Japanese practice "shinrin yoku," which translates to "forest bathing." Forest therapy is a way to connect with nature, yet it is more than that. It is a way to awaken your sensing and being self, deep and nourishing parts of oneself that often don't receive a lot of attention in our fast paced, technology-driven lives. Urban Edge Forest Therapy, founded by BJ member Nancy Kopans, is Manhattan's first forest therapy provider with a guide certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. We offer public and private guided forest therapy walks in parks throughout Manhattan and the broader New York City area.

A forest therapy walk is a gentle, sensory immersion experience in nature. Our walks conclude with a light snack and tea ceremony. A forest therapy walk is not a naturalist or science-oriented walk, wilderness experience, or athletic event. Over three hours (the length of time can be reduced on request) we cover less than a mile. During that time, we engage in a series of sensory-oriented activities designed to bring greater calm and awareness. Forest therapy shares much in common with mindfulness but offers a profound nature connection and body awareness experience as well.