Grass Left Standing: 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. “Maureen Stine, Master Class Interpreter, has created a wonderful guide for anyone interested in incorporating Forest Bathing into their guided public programs.

Grass Left Standing is packed with a wealth of resources, case studies and best management practices applicable to all interpreters who take people into nature with the intent of developing personal connections to our natural resources. Forest Bathing goes beyond the five senses and evokes our emotions.

In a world with many stressors, Forest Bathing is a resource that can provide positive and healing outcomes. ”Kathleen Dougherty Oakland Audubon Young Birders’ Club, Naturalist and Birder, Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education Life Member“Drawing on her experience as a park interpreter, Maureen Stine eloquently connects the dots between merely observing nature and immersing oneself in nature: and the myriad benefits of the journey from one to the other.

”Jeff Nedwick, Michigan Outdoor Writers Association“Grass Left Standing is a treasure trove of Maureen’s deep understanding of forest bathing. It is beautifully written with a heart exposed and the wonderful benefits to us are fully researched.

A great read for anyone curious about what can happen when you step into the woods with an open heart. ”Rev.

Barbara A. Borgeld, Licensed and Ordained Holistic Minister, Nationally Registered Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner“Through an interpreter’s perspective, Maureen introduces the healing art of shinrin-yoku and describes techniques on incorporating these guided experiences into outdoor education program offerings.

Integrated case studies reflect the therapeutic benefits among diverse audiences as Mo shares her own journey of professional and personal growth and healing. We are invited to embrace the forest and cultivate connections for our program participants during this inspiring read.

”Jennifer C. McDowell, Director of Education, Kingwood Center GardensAffiliations:National Association for Interpretation (NAI)Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor EducationSocial media:https://www.

linkedin. com/in/natureology.