Community Outreach
IWB offered staff a serene, guided forest therapy experience that encouraged mindful movement, sensory awareness, and gentle connection with the natural world. Participants explored grounding practices, quiet reflection, and even enjoyed a tasting of locally foraged tea—an experience many described as “fantastic,” “soul-refreshing,” and deeply calming. Feedback reflected a strong appreciation for outdoor and wellness-centered offerings, with several attendees noting that the walk helped them slow down, reconnect with their senses, and experience nature in a more intentional way. Many shared that they’d like to hike like this in their personal lives and expressed enthusiasm for having more relaxation-focused and outdoor opportunities in future events. Blending staff development with holistic care, the Nature & Nourish walk proved to be a meaningful highlight—providing a restorative pause and a renewed sense of well-being for all who participated.
Imagine Well Being spent a full day guiding the residents of La Plata Skilled Nursing through sensory-based nature experiences. With an autumn theme centered around trees, leaves, and seasonal flavors, residents connected with nature through touch, taste, sight, smell, and shared exploration. We held two indoor and two outdoor sessions, meeting residents where they were most comfortable. Leaf rubbings were a highlight—both for the tactile experience and the conversations they sparked among residents. To reduce motor demands, laminated leaves were taped to clipboards and tables. Residents sampled different types of apples, cider, and spicebush tisane. These sensory moments connected residents to familiar seasonal traditions, prompting reminiscence and rich storytelling.
In January, IWB guided a mindfulness and self-care workshop for Girl Scouts at Camp Potomac Woods. The experience began outdoors with forest therapy, offered as gentle invitations that allowed each girl to engage in ways that felt comfortable and meaningful while connecting with the quiet beauty of the winter woods.
We then moved indoors to gather by the fireplace for foraged tea, gentle breathwork and a soothing sound bath. With choice and flexibility woven throughout, the warmth of the fire and calming sounds created a cozy space for rest, reflection, and integration.
Imagine Well Being partnered with a Maryland library to offer one of their monthly adaptive programs for adults with disabilities. Participants explored the wonders of nature both indoors and outdoors through engaging sensory experiences. IWB created several interactive stations, including a discovery table featuring moss, pine cones, and magnifying glasses for close-up exploration. We then ventured outside to notice the natural landscape, observing tiny details, shapes, and textures along the way. Participants were guided through a forest therapy invitation designed to deepen connection with their senses and the surrounding environment. The experience concluded with foraged tea and a sharing circle, creating space for reflection and connection.
Lauren and Suzanne recently presented at the Therapeutic Recreation Institute 2026, sharing how forest therapy naturally aligns with therapeutic recreation. Their session explored two complementary angles—thinking and feeling. Lauren introduced the research-based core concepts of forest therapy and highlighted how Universal Design can create a single experience with multiple ways to engage, supporting people with diverse abilities and preferences. Suzanne led guided, connective and immersive sensory experiences through breathwork and meditation so participants could feel the concepts in their bodies, not just understand them intellectually. The presentation highlighted core elements of forest therapy: honoring individual differences, the power of presence, nature as a source of restoration, the importance of relationships, and the senses as pathways to connection and belonging.