Somaticecotherapy with Wendy
We provide accessible experiences that empower individuals to reconnect with themselves, others, and the natural world—fueling presence and conservation.
Why Forest Therapy Trails Matter
Loneliness and chronic stress are rising, deeply affecting our mental and physical well-being. These challenges often stem from disconnection from nature and the pressures of modern, technology-driven lifestyles. Forest Therapy Trails offer a sanctuary, inviting individuals to reconnect with nature and recharge profoundly.
The Problem
The increasing health concerns linked to disconnection from nature, technology overload, and rising stress levels are shaping a modern epidemic. People are more disconnected than ever, and the absence of restorative spaces exacerbates these challenges.
The Solution
Nature-based therapies, such as Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing), have been scientifically proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and enhance mental clarity. Spending time in nature offers deep restorative benefits, especially for those seeking respite from today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world.
Why Certify a Forest Therapy Trail?
✅ Business ROI
Certified trails create unique wellness experiences that attract visitors, increase retreat and hospitality bookings, and improve employee well-being, leading to higher retention and engagement.
✅ Landowners & Stewards
Certification adds value to your land, promoting sustainable use, ecological appreciation, and offering a highly sought-after wellness amenity.
✅ Parks & Public Spaces
Certified trails provide innovative programming that supports public health, fosters intergenerational connection, and helps communities heal from widespread disconnection.
Certified Trails
Chaminade Resort and Retreat Center- Santa Cruz
Chaminade’s forest therapy trail is a journey through diverse and tranquil landscapes. The trail begins at an accessible deck, designed to support a full forest therapy experience for all guests. From here, visitors may choose to remain on the deck for a mindful forest therapy immersion or wander down through a vibrant eucalyptus grove into a sunlit meadow where monks once lived in harmony with the land, meditating and tending to the earth in quiet reverence. This open space offers warmth from the sun and is an idyllic place to rest. As you rest in the meadow, the songs of birds around you and below fill the air, luring you gently down into the forest. As you enter the stunning redwood grove, you may hear the creek inviting you to sit in stillness. The forest floor is alive with lush ferns and the famous Santa Cruz banana slug, a reminder of the area’s rich and thriving ecosystem. Every element of this trail—from the ancient redwoods to the golden meadow—invites a sense of grounding and presence, making it a perfect setting for forest therapy and mindful retreats.
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Programming: Guided and Self-guided forest therapy walks, workshops, team-buiding and retreats.
Your Trail Is Certified, Now What?
Choosing a certified Forest Therapy Trail by partnering with SomaticEcotherapy , you know have well-being programming at your fingertips.
🌳 Guided Forest Therapy Walks
Led by trained facilitators, these immersive sessions support deep relaxation, mindfulness, and personal insight.
🌱 Self-Guided Experiences
Explore marked trails at your own pace with prompts for a standard Forest Therapy walk, giving visitors the flexibility to access nature’s healing benefits anytime.
By offering both self-guided and guided experiences, we ensure everyone can benefit from nature’s power—whether seeking solitude and reflection or connection with others.
At SomaticEcotherapy, we integrate team-building retreats and workshops into our Forest Therapy experiences, offering wellness programs designed to help organizations foster cohesion, improve employee well-being, and create lasting change. Discover how our approach can benefit your team or retreat.
Forest Therapy Trail Certification Process (1-3 Month Timeline)
1. Guide Staff on a Walk
Introduce staff to Forest Therapy by leading a walk to align with the
2. Submit Forms to ANFT
Complete and submit all required documentation.
3. Sign MOUs
Two agreements: 1. Land Manager & ANFT Consultant 2. Land Manager & ANFT
4. Phase 1 – Site Assessment
Conduct mapping, photos, video, and submit the Recommendations Form to the TSP Application.
5. Review & Approval
ANFT reviews Phase 1 documentation for approval to proceed.
6. Phase 2 – Reassessment & Signage
Final site reassessment & submission of trail signage draft.
7. Trail Ribbon-Cutting & Promotion
ANFT features the certified trail in:
* Monthly Newsletter
* Global Network Map
* Forest Therapy Finder (limited free listing)
For more information on ANFT Trail Certification click HERE.