A wilderness hiking program centered on connecting to nature’s awe, to each other, and to Vitamine N (Nature).

A central initiative of the Promotres Verdes program, our forest bathing wilderness hikes combine the wellness practice of shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere”), a contribution from Japan officially endorsed by its public health institutions in the eighties and adopted by many countries worldwide, with wilderness driven outdoor recreation adventures that expose communities to the benefits of nature driven awe. 

Awe engages five processes—shifts in neurophysiology, a diminished focus on the self, increased prosocial relationality, greater social integration, and a heightened sense of meaning—that benefit well-being. Similarly, forest bathing produces multiple health benefits.

Science based studies have shown that 2-3 hour immersions in a forest can generate a 50 percent increase in natural killer cells (which can kill tumor cells) and an increase in the anti-cancer proteins perforin, granzymes, and granulysin. 

Other studies show forest bathing lowers considerably the stress hormone cortisol and lowers blood pressure significantly. These benefits are in great part driven by breathing in phytoncides—airborne essential oils emitted by trees to protect themselves from harmful bacteria, fungus and other threats and which provide a significant immunity boost for humans. The health benefits of this phytoncide “shower” can last for weeks.