Empowering People With Disabilities Through Nature

As the days continue to grow darker, we look back at our fall season with pride and motivation. We ran two successful walks for seniors in our community, providing exercise and socialization at local preserves where we encouraged them to return often to enjoy the many benefits of nature on their health and well-being. 

The weather and foliage were both amazing for our Caregivers Nature Break in September led by a certified forest bathing leader. The group consisted mostly of moms with special needs kids who were grateful for the peace they found during the program. Our wish is that they can return when they need to recharge, by themselves or with friends and family. 

As is always goal, we offer these programs to empower people of all abilities to take care of themselves and others by demonstrating the effectiveness of being in nature on the nervous system and educating them in the ways science has proven the many other physical benefits of time spent outdoors and near trees. We are excited to work on expanding our programs in the spring to more groups as our mission to "link people with the land" continues to expand.

The highlight of our late spring/early summer was the program we offered for a large group from Community Based Services (CBS) at Weil Farm led by two naturalist educators. Participants were led on nature walks to a meadow where they learned about the various wildlife supported by it. The group also really enjoyed close encounters with the various farm animals. Overall, it was a beautiful day in nature with many opportunities for the group to engage directly with their environment and learn from naturalists about it. The joy of the experience was shared by all. 

We also led nature programs for community seniors at various preserves around town that offer easy, flat terrain and plenty of shade to stay cool in the summer heat. 

Thanks to everyone who supports our programs. We are looking forward to making more memories in nature this Fall season for people of all ages and abilities living in our community.