Gathering of Guides
Summer Gathering of Guides in Chicago
Gatherings of guides are an important part of the work of ANFT. Often they are organized when a training or immersion team is in the area, and we invited all guides who are in the region at the time to attend. The agenda usually includes: an update on developments in ANFT and forest therapy in general; some council sharing time together; a casual walk in a forest or botanic garden; and a shared meal. On a longer gathering (1 to 3 days) there may be specific workshops offered, including "invitation clinics" given by guides in attendance. These gatherings are nurturing, connective, and informative.
This gathering will be held at a private residence.
This event is pot luck. Grilled meat or meat substitute and beverages will be provided by our hosts. It is requested that guides bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to share.
Address will be provided upon registration.
Schedule for Live Events
On Wednesday, August 28th from 7 - 9 pm Amos and Rosita Arvigo, an ANFT guide and ethnobotanist, will be hosted by Morton Arboretum for a talk and book signing.
Spend an evening with Amos Clifford, founder of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Training, and author of Your Guide to Forest Bathing, and Rosita Arvigo, forest therapy guide, herbalist, and author of The Urban Herbalist: Medicinal Plants of American Cities. You'll learn more about how forest therapy supports health and wellness by combining traditional techniques of mindfulness with a unique approach to nature connection. You'll also discover fascinating medicinal plants that grow right outside your door in your local neighborhood, city parks, and empty lots. Books will be available for purchase and there will be opportunities for book signing following the program.book talks.
Click here to Register for the Morton Arboretum event. The fee is $8 for Morton Arboretum members and $10 for non-members. Your fee includes entrance to the arboretum. Let them know at the entrance gate that you are attending the forest therapy event.
Contact Christy at christy@natureandforesttherapy.org for more details.
Tuition
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Amos Clifford is the founder of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs and author of the best selling Your Guide to Forest Bathing (Conari Press 2018). A student of Buddhist philosophy for over 20 years, Amos founded Sky Creek Dharma Center in Chico, California, where he emphasized the importance of meditation practice in wild places. Amos is also widely known for his work in restorative justice. He is founder of the Center for Restorative Process, where he has led the inquiry into how the principles of restorative justice can inform ways to heal the broken relationships between humans and the more-than-human world of nature. Amos holds a BS in Organization Development and an MA in Counseling from the University of San Francisco. Amos has been the primary developer of ANFT's acclaimed training programs.
Brenda Spitzer is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Mentor, and Immersion Workshop Facilitator. She trained and was certified with Cohort 3 in 2015. She has assisted at Forest Therapy Guide Training Workshops in Illinois in 2017 and in Minnesota in 2019. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Art from Northern Illinois University and Certificates in Natural History and Botanical Art and Illustration from The Morton Arboretum. She also holds a Certificate in Sustainable Landscapes from College of DuPage. Brenda introduced the “Nature Rx: Forest Therapy Walk” program at The Morton Arboretum in 2016, and has been guiding forest therapy walks at that location, during all seasons, for the past 3 years. She also guides walks for The Western DuPage Special Recreation Association.
