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 an organization; we are a sanctuary for the soul. Our mission is simple yet profound: to weave nature into wellness practices designed especially for women. Through our programs, we foster harmony with the natural world, support physical and emotional well-being, and create space for inner peace and reflection. With every leaf, every rustling branch, and every quiet moment outdoors, we help women reconnect with the essence of the wild.
In a world that moves at the speed of screens, Friends of the Forest offers a gentle pause—a soft whisper of the wind inviting you back into the nurturing embrace of the earth. Our offerings—from forest bathing walks to equine-assisted experiences and seasonal gatherings—are designed to cultivate presence, creativity, and connection. Here, personal growth flows as naturally as the tides, and the wisdom of the natural world becomes a guide for your journey.
By honoring the cycles of nature—from the rustling leaves to the expansive skies—we create a space where women can truly belong. Through stillness, reflection, and celebration, we invite each woman to reconnect with her innate wisdom, nurture her spirit, and move in rhythm with 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.
Our Values
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Reconnect Women with Their True Nature
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Celebrate the Beauty of Wild Places
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Embrace Transparency in All Our Actions
Rooted in Purpose, Guided by Heart
Our Leadership Circle
In the fall of 2021, I stood at the edge of a forest as autumn unfolded in vibrant hues around me. The scent of earth and pine lingered in the air, and in that quiet moment, something shifted. I felt deeply held by the land—seen, grounded, and alive in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. It was there, among the whispering trees and the rhythm of the wild, that I came home to myself—and to a calling.
That moment became the seed from which Friends of the Forest began to grow. I envisioned a space where women could return to their inner wisdom through meaningful connection with the natural world. A place where healing wasn’t hurried, where presence mattered, and where nature wasn’t something outside of us, but a part of us.
Bringing this vision to life has been a journey held by an extraordinary circle of women. At the heart of this organization is a leadership team rooted in trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose. We come with diverse strengths, but we’re united by a common devotion: to offer women pathways to wellness that are deeply entwined with the earth’s rhythms.
Together, we walk forward with clarity and care—guided not only by strategy, but by the quiet wisdom of nature herself. In every step, we strive to embody the same harmony we hope to inspire in others: grounded, graceful, and in flow with something greater.
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Kathleen Lowe
Founder & President
The Idea Generator -
Elizabeth Hoffman
Vice President
The Voice of Reason -
Risa Salinas
Treasurer
The Perfectionist -
Kim Brand
Development Chair
The Communicator
