BLOOMINGTON — Residents looking to escape the stresses of daily life can soon participate in a restorative, guided wellness experience right in their own backyard. The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department is hosting “Rooted in Nature,” a 3.5-hour immersion centered on the practice of forest bathing.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Leonard Springs Nature Park, located southwest of the Bloomington city limits.
Reconnecting Through Mindfulness
Led by a certified, nature-informed professional, the “Rooted in Nature” program aims to help participants slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with their surroundings. The experience translates the traditional Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku—or forest bathing—into a structured session that weaves together gentle movement, mindfulness, and quiet reflection.
Organizers note that the session is designed to leave attendees feeling refreshed and grounded, providing them with the mental tools to continue deepening their relationship with the natural world long after the program ends.
Location and Terrain Details
The program will take place at the 95.5-acre Leonard Springs Nature Park, an area highly regarded for its unique environmental features. The park contains two natural springs—Leonard Spring and Shirley Spring—and sits on a landscape rich with Southern Indiana’s characteristic karst topography, including visible sinkholes and steep spring alcoves.
Because the park’s natural environment remains rugged, the forest bathing program will be conducted on a moderate trail. Due to rough terrain and steep sections, the city notes that the park itself is generally considered inaccessible to those with significant mobility restrictions. As a result, the program is not suited for individuals who cannot safely maneuver over uneven or rough ground.
Registration and Preparation Info
Participants are advised that there is no drinkable water source available within Leonard Springs Nature Park. Attendees must bring their own filled water bottles and are strongly encouraged to check the local forecast to ensure they dress appropriately for the weather.
- Cost: Registration is $60 per person.
- Registration Deadline: Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
- Location: Leonard Springs Nature Park, 4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd., Bloomington, IN.
Those interested in securing a spot can register through the City of Bloomington’s official parks and recreation program portal.
