Several chances to experience the Japanese art of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, are scheduled in coming months in the Lehigh Valley.
Don’t worry about the risk of wintry chill; there’s no disrobing required for this kind of outdoor bathing — just slowing down in the moment, practicing mindfulness, reflection.
The Japanese term translates to “bathing in the forest atmosphere,” according to the description for one upcoming session at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center.
Jacobsburg’s forest bathing outing is on Valentine’s Day, and the state park outside Nazareth is calling it “Forest BAEthing” — a play on the modern term of endearment, bae.
“This program is intended to cultivate a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for our loved ones using a slow forest walk as the modality,” park officials wrote on their events page. “A traditionally ‘coupled’ pair is not required — best friends, families, and individuals are all welcome to join!”
Wildlands Conservancy hosted forest bathing sessions in 2025, including during a Bike & Boat Adventure on the Lehigh River in September. The Emmaus nonprofit has more sessions planned to coincide with seasonal changes “for wellness and recovery,” according to its website, wildlandspa.org.
They’re scheduled for March 27, a week after the spring equinox, and on the summer solstice, June 21, the website says.
Wildlands’ forest bathing partner is Stacey M. Vinci, a therapist based in Willow Grove.
“Forest bathing to me is an embodied experience that supports physical health, emotional wellness, and holistic healing while helping participants strengthen their relationship with the natural land,” Vinci says in a forest bathing feature at wildlandspa.org.
The Wildlands and Jacobsburg forest bathing sessions are offered free, but registration is required. Find full details and registration links at wildlandspa.org and events.dcnr.pa.gov.