The City of Calgary Parks & Open Spaces are excited to open the Forest Bathing Trail at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Calgary’s first forest bathing trail. Designed to support the well-being of Calgary’s residents and visitors alike, the self-guided trail takes users on a sensory exploration of the sanctuary. The trail is certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) — a global leader in training forest therapy guides and promoting forest therapy.
While not literal bathing, forest bathing is a chance to “bathe” and be immersed in the forest surroundings. The idea of forest bathing originated in Japan in the 1980s when there was a rise in anxiety and stress-related illnesses as people in Japan were increasingly living and working in urban centers. To support the health and well-being of people living in Japan, research was conducted to determine whether spending time in forested environments was beneficial and “forest bathing” (or “shinrin-yoku” in Japanese), was created as a result.
“Research shows truly being in nature – taking time to slow down and really experience the natural world – can reduce stress, improve mood, boost creativity and immunity and even lower blood pressure,” said Carmen Hindson, Manager of Parks Downtown and Centre City Operations, Calgary Parks and Open Spaces. “The Forest Bathing Trail at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary helps teach us how to be present in nature, how to appreciate our natural surroundings, and how we react when we simply be with nature.”
The trail starts at a welcome sign offering trail info and proceeds to five stations along a 1-kilometer loop. Each station has a QR code linking to a recorded “invitation” created by Ken Ouendag, ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide and Trail Consultant based in Calgary. “Each invitation is unique, but all encourage people to be present and connect with the place through their senses,” said Ouendag. “You can follow the invitation or adapt it in whatever way feels right. We encourage you to listen to your body and give it what it needs during your time in nature on the trail.”
Trail users can use their phones to scan the QR codes and listen to the invitations through headphones or earbuds. Printed invitations are available at the trail’s welcome sign for those who prefer not to use a phone while on the trail. There is also a bin located under the welcome sign that includes seat mats and tarps that visitors are welcome to borrow for use while on the trail (and return to the bin when finished). The invitation at station 1 is the longest at several minutes. Subsequent invitations average around 1 minute allowing visitors the space to experience their surroundings however benefits them best. Invitations will change seasonally so visitors can return multiple times and experience nature at the sanctuary throughout the year.
For more information, visit calgary.ca/forestbathing
