There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story.”

Linda Hogan, Chickasaw poet, BEI Emeritus Fellow, novelist, essayist, and environmentalist

Our Mission

Friends of the Forest is more than just an organization; we are a sanctuary for the soul. Our mission is both simple and profound: integrating nature into wellness initiatives tailored for women. Our programs foster harmony with nature, physical well-being, and mental tranquility, helping women nurture a healing reconnection with the natural world. With every leaf, twig, wave, and tide, we’re building a bridge to reconnect women to the essence of the wild.

In a world that moves at the speed of screens, we are the gentle pause in the chorus of life’s hustle, the soft whisper of the wind inviting you to return to Mother Earth’s nurturing bosom. Our mission resonates through each of our offerings—from tranquil walks in emerald woods to the wise tales told by the equines we partner with, and the soothing rhythms of the ocean’s waves. At Friends of the Forest, we craft a safe space where creativity and connection flow as freely as the rivers, lakes, and oceans, and personal growth is as certain as the ebb and flow of the tides.

Through mindfulness, reflection, and the celebration of nature's cycles—from the rustling leaves of the trees to the vast expanse of the sea—we guide women to a place where they truly belong—one of peace, connection, and collective well-being. We understand that in healing our bond with nature, whether through the grounding energy of the forest or the calming embrace of the ocean, we rediscover the path to heal ourselves.

By embracing both the stillness of the earth and the movement of the water, we invite women to reconnect with their innate wisdom, to heal on every level, and to flow with the rhythm of the natural world.

Wild blessings,

Kathleen Lowe
Founder & President
Friends of the Forest

How We Use Your Donations

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 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.

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Our Values

Reconnect Women with Their True Nature
Celebrate the Beauty of Wild Places
Embrace Transparency in All Our Actions

Our Awesome Leadership Team

“In the fall of 2021, I remember the moment I realized my purpose in life. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were ablaze with vibrant colors, and the air was filled with the scent of earth and pine. I stood at the edge of a forest, feeling an inexplicable connection to the wild spaces that surrounded me. It was then I realized I wanted to offer our community this different lens to look through and experience the more than human world. From there, Friends of the Forest took shape.

As a businesswoman, I know that you need a great leadership team to get things done. You need to surround yourself with a team of people that trust each other, communicate openly, are accountable, share common goals, respect each other, and do what is best for the organization. That’s what we have at the heart of this organization—a great leadership team comprised of a group of strong women with unique and complementary talents that are committed to our organization’s goals and priorities. We all know where we are headed, and we are confident that we will get there.”

Kathleen Lowe
Founder & President