WELLderness for Veterans: Forest Bathing Walk w/ Sarah

“Honoring the Legacy: Veterans in Nature”, is an initiative connecting DC veterans with nature-based experiences that promote healing, wellbeing, community, and environmental stewardship. Inspired by Civil War veteran Walter B. Shaw, founder of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, the program honors his legacy by helping today’s veterans find restoration and purpose in nature.

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Join Sarah for a gentle forest bathing experience designed to help veterans slow down, tune into nature, and reconnect with themselves and each other. These walks emphasize stillness, tuning into the senses, and noticing the changing seasons while facilitating conversation among participants. Participants will be guided to move slowly, observe quietly, and notice the textures, sounds, light, and life around them.

Sarah DeWitt is a lifelong learner, nature enthusiast, and founder of Uptown Forest Bathing. An ICF Professional Certified Coach and Certified Forest Therapy Guide, she is focused on empowering purpose-driven leaders to choose ease, joy, and sustained well-being in work and life. Supporting veterans and the military community is an area of work especially dear to Sarah. For many years, she has guided modified forest bathing walks for veterans at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, DC, emphasizing stillness, tuning into the senses, noticing the changing seasons, and creating space for conversation among participants. She also provides leadership coaching to U.S. Army leaders as they transition to civilian life in retirement. Visit her website here: https://sarahldewitt.com.

Piloted in 2021, “WELLderness: An Outdoor Wellness Series” was developed to bring members of the community together (in person and online) to engage in activities that would have a positive impact on their physical and mental health and well-being. Throughout the year, people have the opportunity to participate in FREE events that center around fostering better connections to self and the environment.

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Things to note:

Registration is free and required to attend.

The park is accessible by car and there is a large visitor parking lot available for use. By Metro, the park entrance is 1.0 mile from the Deanwood Metro Station and 1.3 miles from the Minnesota Ave Station, both on the Orange Line. By foot or bike, access the park via the Anacostia River Trail.

Participants should bring a water bottle, snack, bug spray, and/or anything else one may carry when spending time outdoors. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for being outdoors.

Contact: For all other questions or concerns reach out to info@fokag.org.