Unwind at Forest Park with People of Color Outdoors!

We're meeting at the small park and ride lot on NE Pacific and NE 98th (turn west at the four way stop), not the large park and ride with the parking garage on 99th. We're taking the free shuttle to Lower Macleay Park where we will meet at the shelter before we start our walk. The shuttle will leave the park and ride at 12:10PM and arrive at Lower Mcleay Park at 12:45PM. The shuttle will leave the park at 2:30pm and arrive at the park and ride at 3:00pm.

What to expect

This first walk eases participants gently into the forest with no agenda except arrival. Forest bathing, rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, is the art of being present in a natural place and allowing it to restore you. You don't need to know the names of trees or birds. You only need to slow down.

We'll walk the Balch Creek Trail toward the Stone House ruins, letting the creek sound and the deep tree canopy do their work. We'll stop midway for a quiet sitting practice, noticing what the body hears, smells, and feels rather than what the eyes see. Journals and art supplies will be available for anyone who wants to capture a moment.

What to bring

• Comfortable walking shoes (trail terrain with some incline)

• Layered clothing (Portland forest mornings can be cool)

• Water bottle

• Optional: your own journal or sketchbook

• Optional: rain jacket