11/11/23 Shelburne Farms

Description

Experience the fall season and connect to nature. Slowly walk and pause beneath the canopy of the forest. Enjoy the beauty of the land, the warmth of the sun, and the gentle cool breeze. Give yourself this time to slow down and be guided through a series of sensory invitations. A locally foraged tea will be served.

What is forest bathing?

Forest Bathing is a research-based practice for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. The decades old practice originated in Japan and is known as shinrin-yoku, which literally translates to “taking in the forest.” or “forest bathing”. Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition. Your Nature & Forest Therapy Guide builds on those benefits and looks beyond to what happens when people remember that we are a part of nature and are intrinsically connected to all other beings in fundamental ways.

About the Instructor

Duncan grew up on the beautiful shores of Lake Champlain in rural Vermont where his deep connection to Nature was formed. After receiving Nature & Forest Therapy Guide Certification from the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, he began his official practice in New York City by guiding the first Forest Bathing groups through the Loch Trail in Central Park. After creating NYC’s first Shinrin-Yoku trail on Randall’s Island, he moved back to Vermont where he now hosts walks throughout the state through his outfit, Nature Connection Guide.

Duncan Murdoch

CERTIFIED NATURE & FOREST THERAPY GUIDE Duncan is a Certified Nature & Forest Therapy guide living and working in Vermont. He grew up on the shores of Lake Champlain where his deep connection to Nature was formed. Following his passion for art, he moved to NYC where he lived and worked as a professional actor for 14 years. Nature called him to become a horticulturist so he transitioned to become a NYC parks department gardener which lead him to a life of nature (re) connection. After receiving his Nature & Forest Therapy Guide Certification from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) in 2015, he began his practice in New York City guiding the first forest bathing groups in Central Park. He then moved back to his home state in Vermont in 2015 and began his work with the Intervale Center growing and planting native trees where he now serves as the Land Stewardship Coordinator. As a wellness practitioner, he is part of the UVM Integrative Health Practitioner Network and frequently conducts forest bathing experiences throughout Vermont and the world, in-person and online with his organization, Nature Connection Guide.