With the last remaining hues of fall drifting away, field trip leader Paul Quinlan, Madison Parks Conservation Resources Supervisor, led a group on a tree walk around the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Before setting foot on the trail, Paul painted a vivid picture of the layers of ecological history in the land we stood on. He then led us from one tree to another, showing us how to tell different types of trees apart. Examining the bark and the shape of the leaves are two ways for identifying trees. Did you know that white oak has rounded leaves and red oak has pointed tips on their leaves (like a hook!). Our attention shifted to the encroachment of invasive species. Paul pointed out the menace of Buckthorn and the ominous signs of Emerald Ash. As the trip concluded, participants were encouraged to continue exploring with a reminder that one doesn't have to be an expert to start identifying trees.

About a dozen people including a number of UW students participated in the October 22 "Poetry in the Preserve" 4th Sunday of the month Bird and Nature Adventure at the UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Stunning Fall colors with a blue sky and bright sunshine created a perfect day for a meditative nature walk along University Bay. Friends of the UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve FLNP Chairperson Will Vuyk led the group to several scenic spots where volunteers read aloud some of the beautiful and thoughtful poems collected from the Friends' "Its In Our Nature" Poetry Nights and used the new Poetry Trail signposts where people can stop anytime and scan a QR code to view and listen to the poems. Along the way a pair of Bard Owls sang their sonorous poetry from the woods and rafts of Coots thrashed the water into sparkles as people jotted poetic words they liked on post it notes. After the walk everyone gathered around a campfire to weave their words together and collectively created a special spiral shaped poem in honor of a magical day at the Preserve

​On Sunday, October 8th, we embarked on a forest bathing journey led by Seth McGee. Our adventure began at the Frautschi Point parking lot, the gateway to the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Seth encouraged us to let our curiosity guide the way as we ventured deeper into the preserve. He shared insights about the origins of the practice of forest bathing, explaining how most recently, in the late 1970s, Japanese government scientists formalized the intentional and widespread practice of immersing oneself in the healing embrace of the forest, known as "Shinrin-yoku."
 
As we walked through the preserve, we discussed the connection between humans and nature and the myriad benefits of being in natural environments. The collective energy of the forest enveloped us as we walked. Our group embraced the essence of forest bathing by intentionally slowing down, cultivating calmness, and observing the forest with a heightened sense of awareness. Seth's guidance encouraged us to experience the forest deliberately, appreciating the subtle wonders that nature had to offer.
 
Seth expertly engaged our senses, inviting us to explore the forest's rich tapestry. We savored the earthy scent of walnut seeds and tasted the seeds and leaves of native plants. The forest, once a passive backdrop, became a multisensory experience, heightening our connection to the natural world. Throughout our journey, we were serenaded by the songs of countless birds, from warblers to finches.

​As our forest bathing excursion neared its conclusion, Seth handed each of us a guide sheet and we all individually ventured into the forest on our own. This solitary experience enabled us to practice forest bathing philosophy and techniques learned during the trip.
 
Our forest bathing field trip led by Seth McGee was a truly enriching and transformative experience. Through intentional mindfulness, sensory engagement, and a deeper connection with the forest, we experienced the healing power of nature, reminding us that in nature, we find not only beauty but also solace for our minds and spirits.

Report and photos by Yara AL-Rayyan