Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sylvotherapy?

Sylvotherapy—also known as forest therapy or tree therapy—is the practice of spending intentional time among trees to support physical, mental, and emotional health. While it may sound poetic, this nature-based therapy is backed by growing scientific evidence.

Studies, particularly from Japan (where it’s known as Shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing”), have shown that time spent in forest environments can:

• Lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety

• Improve cardiovascular health, by lowering blood pressure and heart rate

• Boost immune function, increasing natural killer (NK) cell activity

• Enhance mood and focus, supporting mental clarity and emotional balance

Researchers believe that breathing in phytoncides—the antimicrobial compounds released by trees—plays a key role in these benefits, along with the calming visual and auditory stimuli of natural settings.

Sylvotherapy isn’t about intense hiking or exercise; it’s about slowing down, being present, and consciously connecting with the natural world. Activities can include mindful walking, breathing exercises, meditative sitting, or even lightly touching or “hugging” trees to engage the senses and deepen awareness.

How to prepare for your Sylvotherapy session-

• Make sure you are hydrated.  It is important to drink water and stay hydrated normally, but going into the forest where humidity levels can be higher than normal you may sweat more.  Bring a full bottle of water with you. Please avoid plastic bottles if possible.

• During the session we will not be moving quickly through the forest, but it will be important to wear footwear that will protect your feet, but can easily be removed to get your feet onto the bare earth.  Ultimately wear whatever you are comfortable with, just keep in mind that there are bugs, sticks, rocks, and plants that may irritate your feet while walking barefoot.

• Each participant will receive a safety whistle for emergencies, and an optional foraging pouch to collect items and plants to use during the session.  For night sessions, a rechargeable glow stick will be provided as well for safety.  This is a dark sky preserve so please do not bring any bright flashlights and cover the light with a red tint lense if you do bring one. Small low lumen flashlights are ideal.

• You are encouraged to bring any bug sprays or sunscreens if you feel the need, however, please try to use unscented ones.  We will be using our sense of smell quite often during the session and do not want to interfere with heavily scented oils and lotions.  Using natural bug repellents such as cedar oils or tea tree oils is encouraged.

• Please do not bring headphones or speakers. You can bring a towel or mat to sit on, or nothing if you would prefer to sit on the forest floor.  Wear whatever clothes you will be comfortable in for the weather, just keep in mind you will be in the forest.