Experiencing the Forest Through All Five Senses

With over 100,000 acres of public lands in Transylvania County, there is no shortage of experiences one can enjoy by getting into the woods. This...

In Deep Winter

Transfiguration Preserve, winter 2022. “Sweet are the thoughts that savor of content. A quiet mind is richer than a crown.” -Robert Greene (1558-1592) The Rocky...

Forest Bathing in Your Own Backyard

You can practice forest bathing in your own backyard, or even indoors. Although our forest bathing walks are temporarily canceled, Dr. Mattie Decker offers two practices to open your senses to the living world around you.

The Forest in Winter

Photo by Mattie Decker “Come,” said the trees. “Come, and be still with me.” Dr. Mattie Decker shares her musings of the forest. Join her...

Forest Bathing. Shinrin Yoku. Nature and Forest Therapy.

Letting Go. November, 2020. Dr. Mattie Decker writes about her forest bathing sessions, available through this winter. “By letting go, it all is done. But...

Discovery at Transfiguration Preserve

Transfiguration Preserve in Bat Cave is a beautiful, wild place where scientists recently discovered a new salamander. It’s a place where fourth graders learn math and science outdoors. It’s a place where people find healing through forest bathing. And it’s a place where a hiking trail may connect to Chimney Rock State Park.

Brother’s and Sister’s Land Brought Together

Over a hundred years ago, Bishop Paul Matthews and his sister Mother Eva Mary started protecting land in Bat Cave. Then, two neighbors met in church, discovered the family connections, and brought their land together.

The Snowy Forest

“Don’t your senses feel sharper?” Mattie asks, as snow crystals sparkle. An Episcopal oblate and Zen meditator who lives in Bat Cave, Mattie may soon lead forest bathing experiences for Conserving Carolina.