Grass Left Standing: A Park Interpreter’s Road Map to Forest Bathing

by Maureen Stine

Grass Left A Park Interpreter’s Road Map to Forest Bathing melds the worlds of park interpretation and forest bathing to provide readers with a pathway to mindful journeys into the woods to relax, unwind, and renew.

Forest bathing is a restorative sensory exploration typically practiced with a group of people gathered outside in a natural environment. The guided sequence is several hours long and combines rest and wandering, interspersed with facilitated group gatherings and solo time. The emphasis is on unplugging, slowing down, and awakening the senses.

The overarching goal of this work is to inspire creativity for those who lead public programs by applying the healing practice of forest bathing and sensory interpretation to reach new audiences.

146 pages, Paperback

Published April 23, 2024

Reviews

[David Mcniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

One paragraph and a numerated list of steps could cover the entirety of this book. You spend the first two-thirds wondering what forest bathing is while the author relives their career challenges, only to find out that forest bathing isn't particularly specific or exciting. It is, fortunately, a quick read, mostly because of the use of pictures and a lack of useful material.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I prepare for my first role as a Naturalist, I found this book to be very helpful in generating ideas on HOW I want to present information - Integrating storytelling and experiences for multiple senses. I think any outdoor program is secretly forest bathing but I do look forward to providing intentional forest bathing programs as well.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Some basics about forest bathing programming and interpretation.

[Maureen Radke · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is helpful if you want to be a Park Interpreter Forest Bathing group leader. I will follow up on her resources for origins on forest bathing.