We look forward to welcoming the first 15 individuals who register to attend.

When

Saturday, June 21, 2025  at 10 AM

Rain Date of July 12 , 2025 at 10 AM

Where

Burgoyne Woods, St. Catharines. 70 Edgedale Rd, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3P4. Park behind the dog park and meet near the pavilion.

Costs

  OASW Members: Free
  Non-Members: $15

Event Description

Forest Therapy: What is it?

Basic concepts:The forest is the therapist; I will be a guide. We will use our five senses to experience our surroundings. I liken this practice to mindful meditation but with an inverse relationship. Forest therapy encourages you with prompts to open your senses and to notice what is around you. There are no prescriptive exercises, no tasks and no directions other than to get out of your head, rest and notice, not process and not analyze. We will go off on our own, quietly, slowly, to sit or lean or wander and then regroup and share what we noticed.

Scientific evidence informs us that the aromas, colours, textures, sounds and sights from the forest offer healing properties that take us back to our evolutionary roots. We will acknowledge the Indigenous People of the land where we now live, and I will encourage you to embrace your own heritage and the various physical landscapes where your ancestors once lived in harmony with the land. The hope is that this practice may inspire a higher quality of selfcare.

Registrants will receive an email in advance of the date with more information about the 2 – 3-hour event. Water and a treat will be provided after the event. Please bring proper hiking attire and a drink during the event.  

Note: If you run into challenges please email danielu@uwindsor.ca

About your presenter: Dan Silver RSW 

With 30 years of broad practice experience, clinical and management, I’ve had the good fortune to meet many exceptional therapists and professional helpers. Several years ago, I was introduced to Forest Therapy, AKA Forest Bathing/ Shinrin Yoku, and have found it to be a very therapeutic intervention which is accessible and easy to learn. It is a natural wellness tool for the masses.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made up to 24 hours before a scheduled appointment via email at (email) will be processed without a penalty.
• Cancellations made 24 hours or less before an event will not be refunded. This includes no-shows.
• Refunds will be issued if this event is cancelled. 

NOTE ABOUT REGISTRATION QUESTIONS:

OASW is committed to inclusion and promoting a diverse range of identities, experiences, perspectives, and voices across all areas of the Association. As such, the registration contains some optional questions that are intended to assist us to better understand our social work community and ensure that our work is reflective of the diverse membership of OASW and our profession.