PaRx Connect: An Introduction to Forest Therapy
The first GVT nature walk hosted in partnership with two certified *PaRx Connectors! 
On this walk I welcome Giulia Pozzi, a Forest Therapy Guide certified with the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy and an official PaRx Connector. Giulia is actively involved with the Guelph Arboretum where she offers Forest Therapy Walks for infants and families.
Everyone is welcome. If you are a caregiver with a young child, you are welcome to attend.
What I know about Forest Therapy I learned from Giulia:
"We often hear about all the amazing, measurable physical and mental health benefits that come from being in nature, such as lower heart rate and cortisol levels, better mood, better sleep, and so on. While exercise (such as hiking) outside is already an amazing thing for body, heart and mind, studies now show us the deeper benefits of slowing down and noticing nature around us, which is what forest therapy is all about! That act alone, of spending time with a leaf, or a tree, or a stone, over time opens us to a greater sense of meaning and belonging. And the beauty of it? It heals both - the one who notices, and the land itself; because people will protect what they love. And I feel we could all use a bit more of that these days! "
"What does a Forest Therapy walk look like?
Not quite like a typical hike; in fact, we won't go further than a kilometer or two. There is nowhere to go and no goal to achieve! We will slow down and reconnect to our senses and the land through a series of gentle, flexible invitations; there will be moments of optional sharing after each invitation, and tea at the end."
"Disclaimer: I am not a psychotherapist nor a healthcare professional, nor is this a group therapy. The Forest is the therapist, the Guide opens the door."
I hope that you are able to come out to meet Giulia and to learn more about how Forest Therapy can help you and improve your health.
* (PaRx is a nature-based health initiative that empowers licensed healthcare professionals to write "prescriptions" for their patients to spend time outdoors. Endorsed by the Canadian Medical Association, it helps connect people with nature to improve mental and physical well-being.)
Walk leader and PaRx Connector: Ron Cherry
Forest Therapy Guide and PaRx Connector: Giulia Pozzi
Contact: ronaldcherry002@gmail.com | 226-338-8969
About the leader:
Ron has been a hike leader since 2016. He is excited to be leading now for the Grand Valley Trail Association. He lives in Kitchener and has been a GVTA member for over ten years. He is a trail captain for a section of GVTA trail near where he lives. He recently applied for and was approved as a PaRx Program Connector.
Where: Huron Natural Area, 801 Trillium Dr, Kitchener, ON
Length: Approx. 2 km
Category: In and Out
Pace and duration: Leisurely, 2 km/hr. About 2 hours.
Walk level: Easy. All groomed trails, some are paved.
Parking and departure: 43.398422, -80.482129, 801 Trillium Dr, Kitchener, ON. Free parking on-site. Meet at 9:20 AM under the shelter next to the washrooms.
Directions: Please use your favourite GPS app to obtain directions.
What to wear and bring: Hiking boots are
not required. Sneakers are okay. Sunscreen. and bug repellant. Long pants preferred. Rain coat and hat. A cushion or a chair may be useful. Bring at least 1.5L of water and a snack if you wish.
Sorry, no dogs on GVTA hikes with the exception of certified service dogs.
ALL ARE WELCOME ON OUR HIKES. Membership is encouraged as it helps to support our trails, $30 per household. To become a member please go to:
https://www.gvta.on.ca/Membership.
