Mindful Forest Hikes
Have you noticed how wonderfully relaxed you feel when outside in nature?
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” —Rachel Carson
If this is true for you, you might like to join us for a Mindful Forest Hike, co-led by Julie Woodward, co-founder of Mindful City Ann Arbor, and Elle Bogle, Washtenaw County Parks Naturalist. We offer monthly, seasonal walking sensory meditations in the beautiful natural settings of Washtenaw County’s Parks. Re-awaken your connection with the natural world and your local community as you experience the beauty of the parks through your senses.
Mindful Hike Mini-Retreat:
Sowing the Seeds of Connection; Mindfulness in Chaotic Times Date and location to be announced
In the midst of the uncertainty and chaos of current times, being able to find a sense of calm within is more important than ever. Join us for this afternoon experience of reconnection with nature, ourselves and all of life; explore body-based meditation practices that support you in opening to greater calm and peace.
This immersive experience offers hikers a deeper dive into the practice of sensory meditation than we usually offer in our monthly WCPR hike series. Activities include a sensory meditation hike, guided reflection practices, group discussion, and journaling exercises. Join us to explore yourself, your community, and the beauty of the season.
Facilitators: Elle Bogle, naturalist, and Julie Woodward, mindful yoga teacher and wellness coach.
Questions? email julie@julie-woodward.com
Spring 2025 Hikes
Washtenaw County Parks and Rec
SPRING 2025 Mindfulness Hikes
Spring Morning Hike
SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2025
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Draper Houston Preserve
Spring is a time of rejuvenation, regeneration, and revitalization. Join naturalist Elle Bogle and mindfulness instructor Julie Woodward for a morning of immersion and connection with the natural world. Discover the emerging life and beauty of the spring woods and all its inhabitants while slowly hiking the paths of Draper Houston Preserve. Pre-registration is required at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org Activity #831006. Ages 18+
Spring Flowers Hike
SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2025
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Baker Woods Preserve
Spring is at its peak and Mother Nature is adorned in all her finery. Spend the morning connecting with the woods, grasslands, and all the spring flowers, and discover the joy and tranquility of simple immersion in nature. Led by naturalist Elle Bogle and mindfulness instructor Julie Woodward. Pre-registration is required at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org Activity #831006.
Summer 2025 Mindfulness Hikes
Summer Solstice Mindfulness Hike
Saturday, June 21
10am – 1130am
West Lake Preserve
The Summer Solstice occurs when the sun reaches its highest possible point in the sky. Summer is often the season our bodies tend to feel the most connected to the natural world. Flowers are blooming and there is an abundance of energy, and light. We are receiving the heat and nourishing light of the sun, which many of us have been craving since the darker, colder winter. Join naturalist Elle Bogle and mindfulness instructor Julie Woodward for a morning meditative hike to connect with the natural world and welcome the summer season. Pre-registration required at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org #841006.
Summer Morning Mindfulness Hike
Saturday, July 12
10am – 1130am
Miller-Smith Preserve
When the sun is warm but not hot and the grass is still stippled with dew, Mother Nature greets us with a loving embrace. We can feel it in the wind, see it in the flowers, and hear it in the birdsongs. Join naturalist Elle Bogle and mindfulness instructor Julie Woodward for a morning meditative hike to connect with the serenity of the natural world around us. Water bottles and bug spray are recommended. Pre-registration required at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org , activity #841006.
Summer Evening Mindfulness
Wednesday, August 27
630pm – 8pm
Devine Preserve
Ages 18+
Immerse yourself in the hum of the late summer woods and prairie, allowing the deep forest greens, sun flecked flowers, and quiet bird songs to connect you to the peace of the present moment. We will hike together in quiet meditation, with pauses for reflection. This program is co-led by naturalist Elle Bogle and mindfulness instructor Julie Woodward. Please bring a water bottle and bug spray. Pre-registration is required at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org. #841006.