Do I need prior experience in meditation or forest bathing?

No experience is needed; the walks are guided and suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.

What should I wear for the walk?

Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing appropriate to the season to ensure comfort during the outdoor experience.

Is the walk accessible for people with mobility issues?

Yes, the walk is gentle and suitable for most abilities, but please contact organizers if you have specific needs.

Are the walks held year-round?

Yes, the walks are designed to engage with each season’s unique qualities and run throughout the year.

Can children participate in the walk?

Participants must be age sixteen or older to join these wellness sessions.

Is parking available near Reiman Gardens?

Yes, there is ample parking at Reiman Gardens for visitors attending the walks.

Seasonal Forest Bathing Walks at Reiman Gardens: Mindful Nature Wellness in Ames, Iowa

Located in Ames, Iowa, Reiman Gardens offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature through its Seasonal Forest Bathing Walks. Guided by certified forest therapy expert Brandy Case Haub, these walks invite participants to immerse themselves deeply in the changing seasons of the garden, unlocking the restorative power of mindful outdoor presence. This experience thoughtfully combines gentle movement, sensory awareness, and quiet reflection, making it accessible to anyone seeking stress relief and cognitive refreshment without strenuous exertion.

Reiman Gardens, known for its carefully curated display of flora and tranquil landscapes, provides the perfect setting for this meditative nature therapy. Each season reveals a distinct palette—from spring’s awakening buds to summer’s lush canopy, fall’s vibrant foliage, and winter’s serene bareness—offering varied sensory experiences. The walks weave along garden paths, highlighting native plants and the subtle sounds and scents that shift with the weather.

Forest bathing, or "shinrin-yoku," is a Japanese practice centered on mindful immersion in natural environments to promote well-being. In the manicured yet wild-embracing grounds of Reiman Gardens, this practice is into striking balance: blending cultivated beauty with moments of untamed wilderness. Facilitator Brandy guides participants through sensory exercises such as observing bark textures, listening deeply to rustling leaves, and breathing in the seasonal aromas, nurturing mental clarity and calm.

After the outdoor session, the group gathers indoors for a cozy closure with warm beverages, extending the peacefulness created in nature. These walks are designed for a wide range of abilities and age sixteen and up, making them an accessible option for locals and visitors alike. The blend of gentle pacing and purposeful mindfulness makes the experience both restorative and refreshing.

Whether you are new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your nature connection, Seasonal Forest Bathing Walks at Reiman Gardens offer a unique escape from daily pressures. Ames, Iowa provides a welcoming community backdrop with its Midwestern charm and proximity to Iowa State University. Booking a session here means embracing the rhythms of nature in a place that respects environmental balance and personal wellness. For outdoor enthusiasts interested in expanding their adventure with an inward journey, this wellness program has become a standout offering in the region’s outdoor recreation scene.

About Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa offers year-round horticultural displays, seasonal events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities that engage families, students, and garden enthusiasts. The facility hosts a variety of public experiences including speaker series, guided and self-guided tours, hands-on youth day camps, and specialized workshops such as dried floral wreath making and floral design. Signature experiences include the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing — open daily and featuring up to 800 live butterflies from around 80 species — plus seasonal highlights like Butterfly Blizzard and Nature at NIGHT.

Reiman Gardens programs combine accessible outdoor activities with instructional series and community-focused nights. Regular offerings include Nature with Nathan, a six-part entomology speaker series; Rovers at Reiman dog-friendly evenings; Garden Flow six-week gentle stretching sessions; Nature Journaling workshops; and members-only Wednesday walking club access. Community events range from Autumn Equinox Gothic Soiree (ages 18+) to Trivia Nights, Maker Nights, and seasonal forest bathing walks. Volunteer roles support Spirits in the Gardens (October 10–12), Pumpkin Prep, Butterfly Wing docent training, seasonal gardening and displays, and group volunteer opportunities. Reiman Gardens also offers admissions options, guided tours for youth and adults, and special previews like RG Express and Bonsai Show Member Preview. All program descriptions, schedules, and registration details are published by Reiman Gardens; visitors should consult official listings for dates, age requirements, and availability.

Members' Wednesday Walking Club meets Wednesday mornings and provides access to the Butterfly Wing and Conservatory beginning at 9:00 AM, offering a quieter visit and the chance to see horticulturalists at work.