Certified Trails, Places and Spaces
In an era where our lives are increasingly fast-paced and technology-driven, the practice of Relational Forest Therapy™️ offers a sanctuary for the mind, body, and spirit. Rooted in the simple act of immersing oneself in nature, Forest Therapy promotes wellness, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being.
Certified Forest Therapy trails are carefully curated paths that invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the natural world. These trails are scattered across the globe, each offering a unique blend of flora, fauna, and landscapes that inspire tranquility and mindfulness. Join us as we traverse continents, from the lush cloud forests of South America to the serene woodlands of Slovenia, discovering the healing power of nature. Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or new to the concept of Forest Therapy, this StoryMap will guide you through some of ANFT’s breathtaking certified Forest Therapy trails around the world.
Prepare to be inspired by the wonders of nature as we embark on a global journey through some of the world’s certified forest therapy trails.
Certified Forest Therapy Designation
At the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), we celebrate the profound beauty and healing power of natural spaces. The connection between healthy forests and human well-being is undeniable, and we invite you to experience it firsthand. One way we honor and deepen this connection is through certification – designating trails, spaces, and places that are intentionally cultivated for nature and forest therapy.
Imagine stepping onto a path where the land itself calls you to pause, breathe deeply, and rediscover a sense of calm. Picture gentle invitations unfolding along the way, each one encouraging you to awaken your senses and fully experience the beauty around you. Certified Forest Therapy Trails, Spaces & Places offer more than just a walk in nature – they invite you into a deeper connection with the natural world, a journey of wonder, presence, and curiosity.
Through this global partnership program, we can continue to curate and cultivate these special places, ensuring more people have access to the profound gifts of the forest. Health organizations, wellness programs, and community groups are increasingly recognizing the value of these designated sites, opening doors to new collaborations that bridge personal well-being with ecological care.
Certified Forest Therapy Trails are more than just beautiful places – they are invitations. They are pathways to connection, healing, and wonder. With locations spanning the United States, Costa Rica, Slovenia, Mexico, Colombia, Canada, and beyond, there is likely a certified trail waiting for you. We encourage you to find one, step onto the land, and experience the magic for yourself.
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What are the benefits of having a certified forest therapy trail, space, or place?
Managers and staff who are stewards of natural areas often embrace, as a core part of their mission, developing programs that attract people to the land. Most often, these programs are recreation activity based or designed to improve one’s scientific knowledge of the natural world. Forest Bathing and Relational Forest Therapy experiences offer another approach, encouraging participants to slow down and experience nature through their senses. Forest Therapy seeks to foster a deep, personal connection to the land, increasing the likelihood that visitors will repeatedly return to these places over and over again.
By certifying natural areas as forest therapy sites, we unlock a range of benefits for patrons, visitors, and land managers, along with the lands in their care.
Reciprocity: Reciprocity is an inherent value of certified forest therapy sites. These spaces encourage a reciprocal relationship between participants and the natural environment. As individuals immerse themselves in the healing power of nature, they develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and the ecosystem. This understanding inspires a sense of responsibility to give back and contribute to the well-being of the natural world. Through Relational Forest Therapy, participants actively engage in reciprocity, recognizing that by caring for the environment, they enhance their own well-being and contribute to the flourishing of the larger ecosystem. This reciprocal relationship fosters a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, benefiting both parties and creating a positive ripple effect in the broader community.
Community: Certified forest therapy sites strengthen the community fabric. These designated areas become gathering points for individuals who share a passion for nature and well-being. They create a sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants, fostering a supportive community where people can connect, share experiences, and spend time in nature together. This sense of community extends beyond the forest therapy sites, creating opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, events, and initiatives that promote overall well-being and environmental consciousness.
Engagement: Certified forest therapy trails, spaces and places offer innovative and unique opportunities for patron engagement. Forest Therapy invites participants to approach the land slowly and with curiosity. These designated spaces offer individuals seeking the healing benefits of nature, creating a platform for meaningful interactions and fostering a deep sense of connection. By working together, we can collectively advocate and strengthen our ability to meet the ecological and societal challenges we face today.
Consistency: Certification ensures a consistent and high-quality experience for participants and guests. This certification ensures that guides and practitioners can confidently lead their participants into environments that have been professionally assessed and deemed beneficial for the immersive experiences that characterize Forest Therapy. Furthermore, it allows guides to focus on their core practice of facilitating deep connections between individuals and the natural world, knowing that the trails meet the necessary criteria to support the therapeutic journey. This network, therefore, acts as a vetted resource, enhancing the credibility of the practice while ensuring consistent and high-quality experiences for those seeking the restorative benefits of nature