Speaker Series: Discover Forest Bathing with Irene Rowland March 4

Published by Anne Russell on 02/20/2026

Irene Rowland leading a forest bathing session.

On March 4 at 7:00 p.m., Irene Rowland, founder of Forest Needle Wellness and a certified forest therapy guide, will kick off our 2026 quarterly speaker series focused on nature and mental wellbeing.

Her live online presentation via Zoom, “Forest Bathing and Healing Landscapes: A Guide to Mindful Nature Connection,” will examine the science behind the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku—”forest bathing”—which originated there in the 1980s. Think of it as the bridge between a vigorous hike and a seated meditation that allows you to reconnect with nature for better mental and physical wellbeing.

In spite of the name’s English translation, the practice doesn’t involve a bathtub or swimming (or being naked!). Instead, it’s about “bathing” all five senses in the landscape. As humans evolved, we spent most of those 300,000 years living in nature; our modern move to concrete boxes has been a bit of a shock to our systems. Shinrin-yoku is a way of “coming home” for an hour or two to recalibrate.

Rowland’s long-term experience in Chinese medicine, somatic healing, and nature-based practices helps her clients regulate their nervous systems, restore vitality, and reconnect with their innate wholeness. She is a licensed acupuncturist and Asian medical practitioner, as well as a certified forest therapy guide and the founder of Forest Needle Wellness.

Her work weaves traditional wisdom, embodied awareness, and the healing intelligence of the natural world to support deep transformation, resilience, and wellbeing. “I’m looking forward to bringing this accessible medicine to our community,” Rowland says.

To attend the presentation, please register. After the presentation, there will be a moderated Q & A session for attendees.