Grass Left Standing: A Park Interpreter’s Road Map to Forest Bathing
by Maureen Stine
Grass Left Standing: A Park Interpreter’s Road Map to Forest Bathing melds the worlds of park interpretation and forest bathing to provide readers with a pathway to mindful journeys into the woods to relax, unwind, and renew.
Forest bathing is a restorative sensory exploration typically practiced with a group of people gathered outside in a natural environment. The guided sequence is several hours long and combines rest and wandering, interspersed with facilitated group gatherings and solo time. The emphasis is on unplugging, slowing down, and awakening the senses.
The overarching goal of this work is to inspire creativity for those who lead public programs by applying the healing practice of forest bathing and sensory interpretation to reach new audiences.
Since 1995, Maureen (mo) Stine has been designing and implementing interpretive public programs, workshops, and professional development opportunities for colleagues, agencies, companies and nonprofit organizations. Maureen leads programs across Michigan as a 'roving park interpreter' for all audiences including historically underserved and socially disadvantaged people. Instructional ice fishing and guided forest bathing meanders are her signature programs. Maureen is a Certified Heritage Interpreter through the National Association for Interpretation, a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional through the National Recreation and Park Association, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs and was the first person in the State of Michigan to become a Certified Environmental Educator, Professional (EEC-P) with the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education.