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.
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.
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.
“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.