Our Venue: River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
3120 Milwaukee Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062
Set alongside the Des Plaines River on 1,200 acres of land, boasting miles of easy walking trails, impressive natural views, and activities for every season,
River Trail Nature Center will be our event's very special venue.
**Please make sure to read important notes at the bottom of this page,
including parking information.**
We will begin our day together at 10:00 a.m. on the grassy lawn overlooking the river, on the west side of the nature center building. Kick of your shoes and feel the magic of the earth and green grass on your bare feet...
Grab a seat on the lawn for introductions, and a brief overview of our itinerary.
Following a grounding and celebratory guided solstice meditation to kick off our time together, Dr. Peggy Farmer will continue our experience with an expertise keynote presentation, where we'll connect deeply with the energy of the sun, Mother Earth, and our own inner light and vitality.
From there, we'll explore and learn about the area's flora and fauna, and a bit of natural history, in preparation for a simple yet enlightening art experience.
Next we're headed into the forest to experience some Sylvotherapy... a nature based practice that explores shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing. We'll connect deeply with the wisdom of the trees; the forest spirits and guardians, as we partake in a variety of fun and simple, but potentially profound woodland activities.
We'll then share in creating a beautiful collective artistic expression, which we'll offer to the forest and the heart of Mother Earth. Our day will conclude at the Lake Avenue West picnic grove and lawn with a traditional Sylvotherapy tea ceremony, snacks, and a final guided meditation.
**Some important details**
We will be doing a fair amount of (slow and gentle) walking, as well as sitting on the ground, please wear supportive walking shoes and comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty.
If you are comfortable walking .5 (1/2) mile to and from the nature center, we ask that you park in the Lake Ave West parking lot, (located just east of the Des Plaines river on the north side of West Lake Ave, as this trail is part of our curriculum and we will be concluding our day in the surrounding forest/lawns there. Please allow for ample walking time to arrive at the nature center lawn a few minutes before
our start time of 10:00am. If you have any concerns, please contact me
by text (847-212-8613) for options.
River Trail Nature Center and its surrounding forests and walking trails are open to the public. Our retreat day takes place on a Saturday in summer, and we will be in the company of the center's other visitors, including many children. While we will
be engaging in guided meditation, thoughtful reflection, and discussion, we
will have the opportunity to practice being fully in the present moment
with intentional focus and great patience for our fellow explorers.
Our event will take place rain or shine. We will only cancel if there
are extreme weather conditions with advisories.
Please arrive well rested, well hydrated, and having eaten a hearty, nourishing breakfast. We will be offering a simple energizing snack halfway
through our day and at the conclusion.
We will have some supplies to share,
but please consider bringing the following in a lightweight daypack:
Water Bottle (refillable at the nature center)
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Hat or bandana
Walking stick/cane
Yoga mat or towel
Rain poncho
Any other comfort item of your choice,
keeping in mind you will have to carry your things with you all day.