Reconnecting Through Nature: LTSC’s New Forest Bathing Series

by Peter Gee, RN, Co-Executive Director

A few months ago, I took a walk with LTSC supporters at Huntington Gardens. We spoke about mental wellness needs within our community and the power of spending time outside together. That conversation sparked an idea that became LTSC’s new forest bathing series through our Changing Tides program, led by Dustin Pfaff, a certified nature and forest therapy expert.

What is Forest Bathing?

Forest bathing, or ‘shinrin-yoku’ in Japanese, is a science-backed practice of slowing down and immersing yourself in nature to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and restore mental clarity. This includes mindfully engaging your senses while interacting with nature (like paying attention to what you hear, see, feel, etc.). Forest bathing can be done alone, in a group, or with a guide. Research shows this practice reduces stress hormones by an average of 12.4%, with some studies showing improvements to the body’s immune function.

Why Now?

The timing feels critical. With everything happening in the world right now — from political upheaval to economic uncertainty to the growing issues domestically and abroad — many of us are experiencing overwhelm and isolation. Forest bathing is a practice that is generally free, accessible, not bound by duration or equipment, and can be easily modified to fit specific needs. In short, it’s a simple and effective way to fill your cup when life gets heavy.

Our Experience

I attended our first two forest bathing sessions in Griffith Park and the South Bay, expecting a quiet, solitary experience. Instead, these sessions were much more profound and nuanced — they engaged all my senses, highlighted the intersection between humans and our natural world, and reminded me that my nervous system craves safety and regulation. Slowing down and re-engaging with the idea of ‘play’ is healing!

Another forest bather, Sierra, shared:

“I’ve been exploring lots of avenues for nurturing my mental health this year. As a nature lover, I had been intrigued by the concept of forest bathing since I first learned about it a couple years ago, so I jumped at the opportunity to participate in a free session through LTSC’s Changing Tides program.

I thought I knew what I was getting into: mindfulness practices, but outdoors. However, the two-hour forest bathing program led by Dustin was more than just soothing—it was kind of magical. With Dustin’s guidance and encouragement, slowly wandering around Griffith Park with a small group of strangers unlocked a childlike mindset of curiosity and joy. I spent the last hour in a total flow state. Weeks later, I still frequently think about that experience.

I cannot recommend these forest bathing programs enough, especially since Changing Tides is making them available for free! Who knew literally touching grass (and twigs and dirt) could be so freeing?”

Other participants shared that being off their devices and completely present in the moment was transformative. Research backs this up: 82% of forest therapy participants report significant mood and well-being improvements

Building Community Through Nature

Our intergenerational approach recognizes that healing happens between people of different ages and backgrounds who gather with shared intention. Communities with strong social bonds are safer, healthier, and more resilient. Forest bathing offers a research-backed practice that addresses multiple challenges: stress reduction, community building, and nervous system regulation. Best of all, it requires no special equipment — just 2 hours per week in nature can provide measurable benefits.

I hope you’ll join our free forest bathing program as we care for our mental health and build connections with ourselves, others and nature, one mindful step at a time.

Interested in our next forest bathing session? Find out more information here.

About Dustin:

Hi I’m Dustin and I spent nearly 20 years in the corporate world helping others. I always find peace when in nature, whether on long trail runs or short hikes with family and dogs. A major life-change gave me the courage to look at the gap between the life I was living and the life I wanted. Now, I am a certified Forest Therapy/Bathing guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). My vision is to help my fellow humans connect with nature in their local environment and allow the forest to be the therapist. The natural world around us has helped me in so many ways and I will guide you to allow nature to help you as well.

I am enjoying my partnership with LTSC/Changing Tides so much and beyond excited to have an opportunity to regularly connect with the community. It is an honor to facilitate the connection with nature. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming Forest Bathing walk.

Sources/Additional Resources:

Li, Q. (2022). Effects of forest environment (Shinrin-yoku/Forest bathing) on health promotion and disease prevention. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 27:43. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9665958/

Hike Collective. (2024). Shinrin-Yoku: The Science Behind Forest Bathing. https://www.hikecollective.com.au/2024/07/16/shinrin-yoku-the-science-behind-forest-bathing/

Queirolo, L., et al. (2024). Effects of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) in stressed people. Frontiers in Psychology, 15:1458418. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1458418/full

WHO Commission on Social Connection: — World Health Organization. (2025). From loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies – Report of the WHO Commission on Social Connection. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/978240112360

The World from PRX. (2025, July 29). Shinto forest bathing as an antidote to global crises. The World. https://theworld.org/stories/2025/07/29/shinto-forest-bathing-as-an-antidote-to-global-crises