“Nature has been for me, for as long as I remember, a source of solace, inspiration, adventure, and delight; a home, a teacher, a companion.”

Lorraine Anderson, Author

Connecting Women with Nature
is at the Heart of Everything We Do

Friends of the Forest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing nature-inspired wellness programs tailored for women. Our mission is elegantly simple yet profound: weaving nature into wellness initiatives crafted just for women. Our offerings encourage harmony with nature, wellness of body, and peace of mind to help women cultivate a healing reconnection with our natural world.

Reignite your sense of wonder for the more-than-human world, and rediscover how Mother Nature guides us through life's circular journey. We welcome you to connect with nature, align with the seasons, tune into your body’s rhythms, and explore a little earth magick with us.

The Closer We Come To Nature,
The Closer We Come to Ourselves

In our fast-paced and technology-driven world, it is easy to become disconnected from nature and, consequently, from ourselves. We spend most of our days glued to screens, immersed in a virtual reality that keeps us isolated from the natural world. However, by immersing ourselves in nature, we can rediscover a sense of peace and connection.

Nature has a way of reminding us of our place in the world. As we witness the grandeur of towering trees or marvel at the intricate beauty of a delicate flower, we are reminded that there is something greater than ourselves. This humbling experience allows us to reflect on our own lives and gain perspective.

Moreover, when we come closer to nature, we come closer to ourselves. We tap into a part of us often forgotten amidst the chaos of modern life – our inherent connection with all living things. By spending time in nature, we can slow down, breathe deeply, engage our senses, and rediscover who we truly are.

Mother Nature also teaches us about balance and interconnectedness. Every living thing has its purpose – from the smallest insect to the tallest tree – and each plays a vital role in maintaining harmony within ecosystems. By appreciating this delicate balance, we learn to respect and protect the natural world.

So why not take a break from your busy schedule? Step into nature's embrace and let her rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Allow yourself to be reminded of your place in the world and reconnect with your true self. Nature is waiting for you; all you have to do is embrace it.

Take a Nature Wellness Journey With Us

  • Wonder Walks In Nature

    Forest bathing is a wellness practice. It is a mindful and slow walk in nature during which your guide will share mindfulness practices and invitations designed to awaken your senses, tune in to the present moment, and reconnect with nature. In the process, stories surrounding nature - both inner and outer, often arise.

    It is unlike a usual stroll in the park, a hike, or a nature walk. Science and research studies on forest bathing have quantified health benefits, including improved mental clarity, increased body immune functions, increased production of anti-cancer proteins, lower stress levels, lower blood sugar levels, and lower blood pressure, amongst many other benefits.

  • Equine-Inspired Wisdom

    We’ve developed two mindfulness offerings for women to find peace and inner connection, take time out from the world, and bring themselves into the present moment with the help of horses. By engaging in a connected relationship with horses, you become mindful of your body and emotions and deepen your spiritual connection to the natural world around you.

    In addition to enhancing self-awareness, connecting with horses can also deepen our spiritual connection to the natural world. Horses are majestic creatures that embody strength, grace, and freedom. By spending time in their presence, we can tap into their energy and connect with something greater than ourselves.

  • Women's Personal Development

    We offer you a safe space to be who you want to be. You can be the version of yourself that you love the most, and you’ll be held for all of you (including the messy parts). These curated workshops offer a unique opportunity for deepening personal transformation, awakening, and healing. In these classes, you will find a safe and supportive space to explore your innermost desires, fears, and aspirations. Surrounded by like-minded women who truly see you, you can share your experiences and learn from one another.

    These offerings help you reconnect and realign your energies with the Earth while fostering a profound appreciation for the beauty and serenity of our natural world.

  • Nature-Inspired Creative Arts

    Our nature-inspired creative art offerings help you reconnect with your imagination and experience joy through nature and art. By immersing oneself in the natural world, participants can find inspiration and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment.

    One of the main benefits of our nature-inspired art classes is the sense of tranquility they provide. Being surrounded by the beauty of nature allows women to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. This calmness fosters a conducive environment for creative thinking and self-expression.

    It is our hope that these classes are enjoyable and also contribute to your personal growth and promote a sustainable future for our planet.

  • Our Rebloom Initiative©

    It is our passion to help women who are recovering from their cancer treatment find a new way of living through restorative nature-based wellness programs.

    Nature has always been a source of solace and healing for humanity. The serene beauty of the natural world has a profound impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Spending time in nature can be particularly therapeutic, offering a respite from the challenges you have faced during your battle with this devastating disease.

    We understand that financial constraints can often prevent individuals from accessing much-needed programs like this. That is why this program is offered on a sliding scale basis - ensuring that no one is turned away due to lack of funds.

  • The Path of the Wise Woman

    Our Wise Woman offerings are founded on the belief that plants, flowers, & herbal remedies are a gift from nature. These gifts are given to us so we might heal and balance the mind, body & spirit and restore our connection with the more than human world.

    All of us at Friends of the Forest embrace a simpler, sustainable existence that is more harmonious with nature. We have a deep reverence for Mother Earth and her bounty that may run deeper than most; this respect for nature is but a piece of the whole part that makes up the Wise Woman’s path.

    We are proud to be a community resource for women who wish to learn more about the Wise Woman tradition and develop a deeper connection with Mother Nature.

Adjusting to Life After Cancer

The Rebloom Initiative© is a new Friends of the Forest initiative to launch in 2024. It offers women who have completed their cancer treatment the opportunity to reclaim their lives, renew their bodies, and experience healing connections with other women through restorative nature-based wellness workshops and retreats.

For many women, a key dimension of healing is to be in community with women who share your wound and your strong intention to find healing. We hold this space for you—a healing space for women to come together to share, to offer support to one another, and help define your new normal of living after you’ve completed treatment.

Our nature-based wellness approach offers hope and healing to women cancer survivors by empowering them emotionally and allowing them to reclaim their lives after battling this devastating disease. The generosity of our donors ensures that financial limitations do not hinder access to these life-changing services. Together with our supporters, we strive towards creating a world where every woman has the opportunity to heal and thrive.

By encouraging everyone - young and old - to get closer to nature, we all gain a greater understanding and enjoyment of the natural world and our place within it.


  • SUPPORT OUR WORK

    Giving to and taking care of others is a wonderful part of life. The Rebloom Initiative© is a Friends of the Forest initiative offering women who have completed their cancer treatment the opportunity to reclaim their lives, renew their bodies, and experience healing connections with other women through restorative nature-based wellness workshops and retreats.

    This program is offered on a sliding scale, ensuring that no one is turned away due to lack of funds. This commitment is made possible by the generosity of our donors. We are incredibly grateful for the support we receive from individuals who share our passion for helping women cancer survivors reclaim their lives. Your donations enable us to continue providing this vital program free or at an affordable cost for those in need.

    We receive no state or federal funding for our work. We are entirely supported by individual donations.

  • PARTNER WITH US

    In today's fast-paced and competitive environment, organizations are constantly seeking ways to align their objectives with the vital work being done by nonprofit partners. This collaboration not only enhances productivity but also fosters a sense of shared purpose and mutual growth. At our organization, we recognize the importance of tailoring programs that effectively bridge our vital work with your organization's objectives.

    We are committed to working closely with you to design a tailored program that seamlessly integrates our expertise with your organizational objectives.

    By working hand-in-hand with you, we aim to create a partnership that not only achieves short-term success but also lays the groundwork for long-term collaboration based on trust and shared values. Together, we can achieve remarkable results by joining forces and leveraging each other's strengths.