Nature and Forest Therapy Programs
Nature and Forest Therapy: A Path to Resilience and Connection
The Town of Superior’s Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Department has adopted an innovative approach to community resilience by obtaining certifications in Wilderness First Aid and Forest Therapy Guiding through the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (ANFT). These certifications enhance the department’s ability to support both physical safety and emotional well-being, fostering a holistic approach to disaster recovery and community healing.
Rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing), ANFT’s methodology fosters a deep, therapeutic connection between people and the natural world. Scientific research has demonstrated that forest therapy can:
- Boost immune function
- Lower blood pressure and stress levels
- Enhance mood and cognitive focus
- Increase energy and improve sleep quality
Through guided experiences, certified guides invite participants to engage their senses, offering a restorative way to connect with themselves and the land.
Rebuilding Connection to Land & Community
Forest therapy provides a powerful framework for regaining a sense of place - a critical aspect of disaster recovery. Superior’s program supports residents as they rebuild homes and re-establish their relationship with the land. Other disaster-impacted communities, including Lahaina, Hawaii, and Boulder County, Colorado, are also integrating forest therapy into their long-term recovery strategies. A compelling example comes from Paradise, California, where forest therapy has helped residents heal from wildfire trauma. Read more in this Washington Post article.
Community-led forest therapy walks offer a science-backed approach to addressing both psychological and ecological recovery. By transforming landscapes tied to painful memories into spaces of solace and renewal, the practice demonstrates that even lands affected by climate change can support healing. Additionally, forest therapy nurtures ecological awareness, fostering sustainable habits and a deeper connection to the environment - an essential consideration for Superior’s wildland-urban interface (WUI) and surrounding open spaces.
Building Resilience Through Nature and Forest Therapy
The increasing demand for trauma-informed training, combined with evidence-based practices such as nature and forest therapy, mindfulness, connection, and community-building, underscores the need for proactive approaches to disaster preparedness and healing. Research continues to highlight the profound impact of nature-based interventions in fostering resilience for individuals and communities. Explore the following articles and resources on the benefits of Nature and Forest Therapy:
Our staff has completed a rigorous six-month intensive training with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), totaling 230 hours. In addition, they have obtained Wilderness First Aid certification through an additional 40 hours of specialized training. Committed to trauma-informed care, our team prioritizes continuous education to support both the community and fellow Town Staff in recovery efforts, strengthening resilience for future disasters.
As part of the ANFT certification process, staff also participated in a four-day immersion retreat, which included a solo nature therapy day designed to deepen their understanding of the practice. This immersive experience enhanced their ability to facilitate meaningful connections between individuals and the natural world, providing a vital resource for healing and renewal.
We invite you to experience the transformative power of Nature and Forest Therapy as part of our ongoing commitment to fostering resilience, well-being, and community connection.
Join us for a guided forest therapy experience and reconnect with the healing power of nature. Registration