An Invitation into the Heart
of the Wild
The Nature of Forest Bathing
What if you stepped into the forest and slowed down? What might it feel like to be still and fully present—open to your senses in the natural world? What if, in that quiet, you also tuned in to your own heart?
An Invitation to Connect
Forest bathing—also known as forest therapy— was inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku and offers a slow, guided walk in nature. During the walk, participants are offered a series of invitations to engage their senses and access the present moment. Often, this simple act leads to a quiet return to oneself, a reconnection with nature, and a sense of belonging to both the human and natural worlds.
Why It Matters
A growing body of research shows that time in nature supports our physical, emotional and mental well-being. Benefits may include:
Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression
Improved mood, sleep, and self-esteem
Enhanced creativity and focus
Boosted immune function and energy
Strengthened social connection, gratitude, and generosity
More specifically, guided forest bathing walks have been shown to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and increase a sense of community and belonging.
A Path to Reciprocity
As our connection with the natural world deepens, we begin to walk differently—more slowly, more respectfully. We start to notice not just beauty, but history. We remember the land’s stories, its caretakers, and our responsibility to protect it.
This practice becomes a path to reciprocity—one that teaches us how to be more caring stewards of our generous Earth.
You're Invited
Whether you're looking to de-stress, reconnect, or simply slow down, you belong.
Public & Private Walks
Sliding scale $10 - $40/participant. Pay what you can. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
Join a welcoming community of people for a monthly 2-hour forest bathing walk. Come once or make it a regular practice—it’s up to you. Open to all ages 14 and up; minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Welcome Walks
$40/participant; $240/group of 6; $35/additional person
Deepen your connection to the natural world during a private 2.5 to 3-hour forest immersion experience, shared with your favorite friends, family, colleagues, or partners. Please note: minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Forest with Friends
$40/child+caregiver; $15/additional child or caregiver
Gather the little ones for a gentle and engaging 1.5 to 2-hour forest adventure, where you'll explore nature’s sights, sounds, textures, scents, and even tastes—all through playful discovery.
Kinship with Kids
Invite your team or group to reconnect with nature through a unique forest bathing experience—perfect for a corporate retreat, special event, or memorable outdoor gathering.
Please contact your guide, Cathy McCauley, directly for corporate, larger groups or special event rates.
Private Events
Your Guide
“My connection to nature feels deeply etched in my heart. A knowing in my bones that I am part of all that is on Earth. I bow with deep reverence to all the beings of the natural world. I bring them the gift of my presence and attention. I belong in their circle, sitting quietly among them, bearing witness, listening to their whispers, waiting for their slow mysteries to be revealed. I am rooted. Not for my sake alone, but for the sake of all. I’ve heard the call to invite others to remember their own connections….”
Cathy McCauley is a certified nature and forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides & Programs (ANFT). She's a mom and partner breaking generational and societal patterns, an installation artist, nature educator and native plant and vegetable gardener. Cathy also serves as president of the Ela Area Public Library Board of Trustees in Lake Zurich, IL. She is certified in CPR and Wilderness First Aid; she carries practice insurance. Cathy holds a BA in journalism from Columbia College Chicago. She was a licensed massage therapist for many years, offering bodywork primarily to women struggling with infertility.
Cathy’s journey to becoming a forest bathing guide started well before she could read or write, when she was picking green beans in her backyard, tasting forbidden raspberries from the neighbor’s garden and watching glorious Door County sunsets melt into Lake Michigan. She lives life fully and embraces the moments that blaze with light, others muted with darkness and all those in between. Glimpsing a Great Blue Heron fly across the surface of a pond on a spring morning brings her the greatest peace. She feels honored to offer forest bathing walks for all those who join her.
Contact Birdsong Nature Co.
To schedule a private event or for questions, please fill out the form below to contact Cathy McCauley. You will receive a reply within 24 hours. Thank you!