EcoWalk: Forest Bathing in the Parks

Forest bathing, the English name for the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, is less a hike than a slow, mostly silent walk built on breathwork, mindfulness and all five senses, and UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County leads this one at Urfer Family Park. The park's mile-long nature trail passes through pine flatwoods beside herbaceous and forested wetlands, over a boardwalk, wooden bridges and paved and sandy stretches crossed by roots; it was also the county's first park to earn LEED Gold certification. An Extension educator or volunteer guides the group through sit stops, so participants are asked to bring a portable chair or blanket and water. No experience is needed, and registration is required.