Ecotherapy & Forest Therapy
The WCCC’s Peer Coach Program is partnering with the Chico State Ecotherapy Program to provide nature-based interventions in our coaching services, ecotherapy-based groups, and professionally guided Forest Therapy experiences!
Request a Private Forest Therapy walk or Wellness Workshop
Want to schedule a private forest therapy experience, holistic wellness workshop, or stewardship event for your student group, faculty department, or organization? Fill out an interest form - our staff will reach out to you shortly to schedule your private Forest Therapy Experience!
CSU Private Event Interest Form
Or attend one of our regularly scheduled Forest Therapy Events by visiting the Ecotherapy Program’s Event Page.
What is Forest Therapy?
Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or “Forest Bathing.” Forest Therapy is a simple, guided, immersive experience in a natural environment to promote the health and well-being of both people and the land. Forest Therapy is an opportunity to slow down and experience the natural world through your senses. During your guided immersion, a certified guide will offer a series of invitations to deepen your sensory experience and assist you in finding your own authentic way of interacting with the land. There’s no right or wrong way to do it; just come and be yourself. It’s all welcome in the forest. Forest Therapy experiences finish up with tea made from wild-foraged forest herbs and snacks.
Documented health benefits include:
• Reduction in cortisol and adrenaline levels.
• Enhanced immune system function by increasing the production of natural killer cells.
• Improved respiratory and cardiovascular function.
• Decreased anxiety and depression.
• Improved mood, focus, academic performance, and creativity.
All of our Guides are certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy.
We hope you join us and experience valuable tools for mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being
Peer Coach Ecotherapy-based Groups
Farm to Heart
Farm to Heart seeks to build community and provide a safe space for learning how to grow your own food while nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. We emphasize gardening and connection with food, the land, and with each other. All interested in nature/gardening are welcome.
Every Friday from 9:00-11:00am
Located at the Organic Vegetable Project: 311 Nicholas C Schouten Ln. Chico, CA 95928
Drop in’s welcome, or Register Here
Contact Olivia omfernandez@csuchico.edu for more information
Take a Paws
Take a Paws offers place to step away from the stress of life and form connections with therapy trained Golden Retrievers on campus @ The Well. Taking a paws from the day for a hug, snuggle or paw shake is just what Dr. Venice the Golden Retriever orders!
The 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month! (10/12, 10/26, 11/9, 11/23, 12/7, 12/14)
Located at The Well in the BMU, studio 2
Drop in’s welcome!
Contact Miranda mspence1@csuchico.edu for more information
EcoArt Group
The EcoArt Group is a collective focused on fostering a connection with oneself, the community, and the environment by engaging with nature through mindfulness and collaborative creation. All levels of experience with art, nature, and mindfulness are welcome.
Every Thursday from 4:00-5:00pm
Meet at the Monolith Statues outside of Ayres Hall
Drop in’s welcome, or Register Here
Contact Lily lderecktorgual1@csuchico.edu for more information
The Chico State Ecotherapy Program is brought to you through a partnership with the CSUC Ecological Reserves, Chico State Basic Needs, and the WellCat Counseling Center.