Wisconsin’s first certified forest-bathing trail to open July 26

The public is invited to celebrate the opening of Wisconsin’s first certified forest-bathing trail on Sunday, July 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Tara Lila Section 9 trailhead, just south of downtown Eagle River off Highway 70.

The event will include a presentation at 1:30 p.m. by Chris Nafziger, Tara Lila’s land manager, and Cindy Conlon, a certified forest therapy guide and trail consultant.

Attendees can walk the self-guided trail, learn about the practice of forest bathing and enjoy refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available at the trailhead and along Section 9 Road.

The Tara Lila Self-Guided Trail is the first forest-bathing trail in Wisconsin to be certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), an international organization that has certified 55 trails worldwide.

Designed to encourage a deeper connection with nature through slow, mindful movement and guided invitations, forest-bathing trails can be experienced independently or with a certified forest therapy guide. The practice, inspired by the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku, has been associated with a variety of wellness benefits, including reduced heart rate, improved sleep and increased focus.

For more information, contact Cindy Conlon at cindykconlon@gmail.com.