How do we connect to the places we steward? As part of the Community Partnership Exhibition Who Takes Care of New York?, join the Natural Areas Conservancy for forest bathing: a low-intensity activity, based on the practice of shinrin-yoku. Led by our expert guide Nancy Kopans, from Urban Edge Forest Therapy, this event is free and will take place rain or shine. But space is limited and registration is required. If you would like to attend, we ask that you please commit to the entire 2+ hour event. Meet-up instructions will be emailed to you upon registration. This will not be a strenuous walk, but please bring comfortable close-toed shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and water.

RSVP here!

Shirin-yoku was coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in 1982 and has since spread globally due to the growing recognition of the many health benefits that come from spending time in natural areas. Forest bathing focuses on gently engaging mind, spirit, and body with the natural environment — empowering park visitors to deepen their connection with New York City’s parks and local environments. It’s the perfect opportunity to get outside, hug a tree (literally!), and show your love for the amazing natural areas that exist in our City. If you would like to learn more, we recommend these articles by the NY Times and NPR.

This event was made possible through support to the Natural Areas Conservancy from Con Edison.

Who Takes Care of New York? is an exploration of the variety of civic groups that exist and thrive in New York City, and the ways that they care for and support their local environments. Displayed through maps, art, and storytelling, this exhibition aims to empower visitors with an understanding of their capacity to make lasting changes in their neighborhoods.

This exhibition is organized by the USDA Forest Service’s New York City Urban Field Station (NYC UFS) and Pratt Institute’s Spatial Analysis and Visualization Initiative (SAVI). The exhibition will also feature artists whose work aligns with the themes of community-based stewardship, civic engagement, and social infrastructure, including artists Magali Duzant and Jodie Lyn-Kee-Chow, as well as two NYC UFS Artists-in-Residence, Matthew Jensen and Julia Oldham.