River Fit Fall 2026: Nature Therapy & Forest Bathing

Reconnect with nature during your lunch hour on the Esplanade!

In Nature Therapy and Forest Bathing, we will slow down and fully experience nature with all our senses. Nature therapy is the practice of immersing yourself in a natural setting and noticing the sights, sounds, textures, and details around you. It is inspired by the Japanese concept of shinrin yoku, meaning “forest bathing,” which describes being surrounded by and absorbed in the atmosphere of the forest. We’ll engage in guided meditation and activities designed to deepen our connection with the natural world and awaken our senses.

This class does not require any materials, but please bring water and wear weather-appropriate clothing and sun protection. The class does involve moving along paths and you may wish to venture off the path, so please wear appropriate footwear.

Register ahead of each class to stay informed of any updates, including weather cancellations. If your plans change, please cancel your registration so others can join.

Nature Therapy & Forest Bathing will take place every Tuesday from 12:00pm to 1:00pm starting on September 15th and ending on October 20th on the following dates:

• September 15

• September 22

• September 29

• October 6

• October 13

• October 20
  

Otis Grove is a grove of trees on the Esplanade island, between Exeter and Dartmouth Street. You can access Otis Grove by entering the Esplanade at the Dartmouth Street footbridge, taking a left (or heading west) until you see a red brick building with a chain link fence behind it. Continue past this, then take a right to cross the footbridge onto the Esplanade Island. You are now in Otis Grove! Look for a sign indicating the class meeting point.

This event is part of our River Fit Series, Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Learn more and register for other events in this series here. If you require any accommodations to participate, please let the instructor know prior to the start of class.

EVENT CANCELLATION

In the event of extreme weather or other hazardous conditions, the Esplanade Association will email all participants and post a cancellation notice. Please follow our social media accounts Instagram (@EsplanadeInBoston) / Facebook (@EsplanadeBoston) to keep up to date about potential class cancellations.

LOCATION INFORMATION & DIRECTIONS

Questions about Accessibility? Please visit our Know Before You Go page.

NOTE: There is NO PARKING on the Esplanade. Please plan to arrive via one of the options below:

ABOUT COLE HUANG

Cole Huang (he/him) guides nature events that are immersive and awaken sensory experiences, bringing participants into embodied presence and a deeper relationship with nature. He is a certified nature therapy guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. His practice is inspired by forest bathing, a phrase translated from the Japanese phrase shinrin-yoku which means immersing yourself in a natural setting. Cole focuses on organizing events that inspire people to appreciate the nature that exists in everyday urban green spaces.

Certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy

Recipient of 2025 Downtown and Neighborhood Activation Grant for nature therapy and public art

Instructor for Cambridge Center for Adult Education

ABOUT THE ESPLANADE ASSOCIATION

The Esplanade Association (Esplanade.org) is a nonprofit organization that works to revitalize and enhance the Charles River Esplanade, sustain its natural green space, and build community in the park by providing educational, cultural, and recreational programs for everyone.

Stay up to date with the Esplanade by following us on Instagram (@EsplanadeInBoston) and Facebook (@EsplanadeBoston). Visit Esplanade.org/Events to learn about upcoming events and programs on the Esplanade