Redwood Rx
UPCOMING CLASSES
Photo by Bill Rhoades © CA State Parks
Mountain Parks Foundation was inspired by the growing body of research linking time spent in nature with improved health and well-being. Redwood Rx offers a variety of nature-based guided programs in Henry Cowell, Fall Creek, and Big Basin that invite participants to interact with nature in new ways and experience the positive impacts on their health and well-being first-hand.
Intro to Nature Journaling - May
Join us to explore how we can use drawing as a tool to deepen our relationship with nature.
Through a series of warm-up exercises and guided prompts, we will flex our creative muscles, let go of perfectionism, and open our minds to what nature wants to show us. These exercises are great for any age and level of experience. You don’t have to consider yourself an artist or even feel like you are good at drawing to participate in these practices–in fact, you are highly encouraged to join if that is how you feel! This isn’t a traditional how-to-draw class, and yet you will walk away with more confidence with a pen in your hand, a few pages of your sketchbook filled, and a feeling of reinvigorated connection with our natural world.
Sunset Yoga - May
Join us for outdoor yoga surrounded by stunning views of Monterey Bay at sunset! Participants with all levels of experience are welcome to join this nourishing class, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga, that will focus on poses intended to increase strength and flexibility and to calm the mind.
Yoga in Nature - May 24
All levels of yoga students are invited to join us for a weekly practice of yoga in a natural setting. Every week we will practice different breathing techniques and yoga postures, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga and building upon the previous week’s instruction. Teaching will be scaffolded to ensure that every practitioner, from beginner to advanced, will receive the level of instruction they need.
Forest Qi Gong - Nature Energy Immersion With Qi Gong - May
Embark on a transformative journey that fuses the restorative powers of the Redwood forest with the ancient art of Qi Gong. Connect with the elements of nature and learn specific exercises to promote vitality, improve mental clarity, and strengthen the immune system.
Yoga in Nature - May 31
All levels of yoga students are invited to join us for a weekly practice of yoga in a natural setting. Every week we will practice different breathing techniques and yoga postures, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga and building upon the previous week’s instruction. Teaching will be scaffolded to ensure that every practitioner, from beginner to advanced, will receive the level of instruction they need.
Grieving with the Redwood Forest in Big Basin
Join us as we witness the beauty, destruction, and new life of a forest recovering from a devastating wildfire. We will share what’s in our hearts and on our minds with the intention of releasing our grief and making room for renewal. Using guided meditation and other gentle practices, you will be invited to experience the healing support of the natural world as you reflect on your own grief in community with others . There will be time for allowing your natural rhythms to shake, rattle and be voiced. Expect to leave with a greater sense of connectedness and a new awareness of the growth and renewal happening all around us.
Connecting with the Forest - June
Are you ready for a playdate in the redwoods? Join us for a rejuvenating afternoon!
A growing body of research confirms that nature plays an important role in enhancing our wellness, creativity, and joy. In this 2-hour workshop, you’ll use your five senses to become more present, reduce your stress level, and tap into your creativity while having fun.
Forest Qi Gong - Nature Energy Immersion With Qi Gong - June
Embark on a transformative journey that fuses the restorative powers of the Redwood forest with the ancient art of Qi Gong. Connect with the elements of nature and learn specific exercises to promote vitality, improve mental clarity, and strengthen the immune system.
Walk with a Doc - June
Do you live in a world that contributes to stress and “dis-ease”?
Join us to experience an all-in-one prescription for a healthier and happier life!
Experience the combined power of physical activity, health education, social connection, and the healing magic of nature by joining our Walk with a Doc program.
Santa Cruz Mountains Acrylic Painting
Paint a gorgeous vista of the Santa Cruz Mountains at sunset on an 11X14” canvas board. Local artist Sarah Orre will walk you through every step of the process including how to paint a wet-on-wet background, sunset sky, mountain fog, and techniques for painting trees with a long-handled fan brush. All materials provided with a $20 materials fee payable to the instructor at the start of class.
Sunset Yoga - June
Join us for outdoor yoga surrounded by stunning views of Monterey Bay at sunset! Participants with all levels of experience are welcome to join this nourishing class, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga, that will focus on poses intended to increase strength and flexibility and to calm the mind.
Intro to Nature Journaling - July
Join us to explore how we can use drawing as a tool to deepen our relationship with nature.
Through a series of warm-up exercises and guided prompts, we will flex our creative muscles, let go of perfectionism, and open our minds to what nature wants to show us. These exercises are great for any age and level of experience. You don’t have to consider yourself an artist or even feel like you are good at drawing to participate in these practices–in fact, you are highly encouraged to join if that is how you feel! This isn’t a traditional how-to-draw class, and yet you will walk away with more confidence with a pen in your hand, a few pages of your sketchbook filled, and a feeling of reinvigorated connection with our natural world.
Forest Nights - Watercolor Painting
Paint a stunning midnight sky and a golden moon, buttressed with redwood tree silhouettes. Local artist Sarah Orre will walk you through every step of the process using watercolor and acrylic metallic paint to achieve stunning results.
Naturally Creative – Writing in Partnership with Nature - July
Are you ready to feel more connected with nature and more creative?
Would you like to write with more ease and joy?
This class will explore how connecting with nature inspires our writing, and how writing can lead us into a deep and nourishing connection with nature
Walk with a Doc - July
Do you live in a world that contributes to stress and “dis-ease”?
Join us to experience an all-in-one prescription for a healthier and happier life!
Experience the combined power of physical activity, health education, social connection, and the healing magic of nature by joining our Walk with a Doc program.
Advice from a Redwood - July
Join us for a unique experience that combines walking amongst the redwoods with an art activity. We will slowly make our way around the Redwood Loop, learning lessons from these giant trees about healing, community, and resilience along the way. Drawing inspiration from the walk, you will have the chance to express yourself through a type of art-making called monotype printmaking– and walk away with at least one one-of-a-kind print to keep or share with loved ones. No prior art experience is needed. In fact, we encourage you to sign up if you think you are “not an artist.” Art is for everyone just like nature is for everyone!
Forest Qi Gong - Nature Energy Immersion With Qi Gong - July
Embark on a transformative journey that fuses the restorative powers of the Redwood forest with the ancient art of Qi Gong. Connect with the elements of nature and learn specific exercises to promote vitality, improve mental clarity, and strengthen the immune system.
Native Animal Portraits Pastel Painting
Play with expressive color using pastels to create gorgeous native wildlife portraits. Local artist Sarah Orre will walk you through every step of the process. Start with a vibrant background, charcoal sketch, or image transfer - options will be provided to support beginning and intermediate skill levels. Learn how to build color, texture, fur, and feathers to create an end result that will be frame worthy. All materials provided with a $10 materials fee payable to the instructor at the start of class.
Connecting with the Forest - August
Are you ready for a playdate in the redwoods? Join us for a rejuvenating afternoon!
A growing body of research confirms that nature plays an important role in enhancing our wellness, creativity, and joy. In this 2-hour workshop, you’ll use your five senses to become more present, reduce your stress level, and tap into your creativity while having fun.
Sunset Yoga - August
Join us for outdoor yoga surrounded by stunning views of Monterey Bay at sunset! Participants with all levels of experience are welcome to join this nourishing class, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga, that will focus on poses intended to increase strength and flexibility and to calm the mind.
Yoga in Nature - August 16
All levels of yoga students are invited to join us for a weekly practice of yoga in a natural setting. Every week we will practice different breathing techniques and yoga postures, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga and building upon the previous week’s instruction. Teaching will be scaffolded to ensure that every practitioner, from beginner to advanced, will receive the level of instruction they need.
Walk with a Doc - August
Do you live in a world that contributes to stress and “dis-ease”?
Join us to experience an all-in-one prescription for a healthier and happier life!
Experience the combined power of physical activity, health education, social connection, and the healing magic of nature by joining our Walk with a Doc program.
Nature-Based Mindfulness Mini-Retreat - August
Would you like to experience the peace and beauty of nature more profoundly?
Do you want to cultivate a deeper connection with nature that will support you wherever you go?
Treat yourself to an afternoon of relaxation and rejuvenation among the redwoods!
Yoga in Nature - August 23
All levels of yoga students are invited to join us for a weekly practice of yoga in a natural setting. Every week we will practice different breathing techniques and yoga postures, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga and building upon the previous week’s instruction. Teaching will be scaffolded to ensure that every practitioner, from beginner to advanced, will receive the level of instruction they need.
Forest Qi Gong - Nature Energy Immersion With Qi Gong - August
Embark on a transformative journey that fuses the restorative powers of the Redwood forest with the ancient art of Qi Gong. Connect with the elements of nature and learn specific exercises to promote vitality, improve mental clarity, and strengthen the immune system.
Yoga in Nature - August 30
All levels of yoga students are invited to join us for a weekly practice of yoga in a natural setting. Every week we will practice different breathing techniques and yoga postures, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga and building upon the previous week’s instruction. Teaching will be scaffolded to ensure that every practitioner, from beginner to advanced, will receive the level of instruction they need.
Advice from a Redwood - September
Join us for a unique experience that combines walking amongst the redwoods with an art activity. We will slowly make our way around the Redwood Loop, learning lessons from these giant trees about healing, community, and resilience along the way. Drawing inspiration from the walk, you will have the chance to express yourself through a type of art-making called monotype printmaking– and walk away with at least one one-of-a-kind print to keep or share with loved ones. No prior art experience is needed. In fact, we encourage you to sign up if you think you are “not an artist.” Art is for everyone just like nature is for everyone!
Yoga in Nature - September 6
All levels of yoga students are invited to join us for a weekly practice of yoga in a natural setting. Every week we will practice different breathing techniques and yoga postures, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga and building upon the previous week’s instruction. Teaching will be scaffolded to ensure that every practitioner, from beginner to advanced, will receive the level of instruction they need.
Nature Circle for Men: Wisdom of Nature, Wisdom of Self
Come be among the trees and stones, to be with the spontaneity of the river and hawks, and to return to nature’s simple wisdom. Come to better know yourself and to break out of the limitations of routine. Come to support and be supported by a circle of other men. The wild landscape is filled with the wisdom, mysteries, and wonders of life. When we come honestly, nature is ready to meet us and welcome us back to the freedom of being our whole selves.
Women’s Fall Harvest Retreat
Are you ready to embark on a transformative, soul-nourishing journey?
Calling all women seeking a profound connection with the Earth, themselves, and a like-minded community.
Join us for a day of rejuvenation, reflection, and empowerment as we delve into the realms of sensory awareness, gentle movement practices, Earth-based ritual, deep listening, and women’s council. This will be an opportunity to nourish your body, mind, soul and spirit.
Intro to Nature Journaling - September
Join us to explore how we can use drawing as a tool to deepen our relationship with nature.
Through a series of warm-up exercises and guided prompts, we will flex our creative muscles, let go of perfectionism, and open our minds to what nature wants to show us. These exercises are great for any age and level of experience. You don’t have to consider yourself an artist or even feel like you are good at drawing to participate in these practices–in fact, you are highly encouraged to join if that is how you feel! This isn’t a traditional how-to-draw class, and yet you will walk away with more confidence with a pen in your hand, a few pages of your sketchbook filled, and a feeling of reinvigorated connection with our natural world.
Yoga in Nature - September 13
All levels of yoga students are invited to join us for a weekly practice of yoga in a natural setting. Every week we will practice different breathing techniques and yoga postures, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga and building upon the previous week’s instruction. Teaching will be scaffolded to ensure that every practitioner, from beginner to advanced, will receive the level of instruction they need.
Native Botanicals – Watercolor and Ink Painting
Enjoy an afternoon drawing and painting native botanicals. We will spend some time sketching plants, flowers, and leaves using a variety of sketch pens, watercolor pens, and watercolor kits to achieve a variety of results. Local artist, Sarah Orre, will walk the class through a variety of exercises to experiment with line drawing, hashing, shading, and color matching. All materials provided with a $10 materials fee payable to the instructor at the start of class.
Naturally Creative – Writing in Partnership with Nature - September
Are you ready to feel more connected with nature and more creative?
Would you like to write with more ease and joy?
This class will explore how connecting with nature inspires our writing, and how writing can lead us into a deep and nourishing connection with nature
Sunset Yoga - September
Join us for outdoor yoga surrounded by stunning views of Monterey Bay at sunset! Participants with all levels of experience are welcome to join this nourishing class, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga, that will focus on poses intended to increase strength and flexibility and to calm the mind.
Yoga in Nature - September 20
All levels of yoga students are invited to join us for a weekly practice of yoga in a natural setting. Every week we will practice different breathing techniques and yoga postures, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga and building upon the previous week’s instruction. Teaching will be scaffolded to ensure that every practitioner, from beginner to advanced, will receive the level of instruction they need.
Walk with a Doc - September
Do you live in a world that contributes to stress and “dis-ease”?
Join us to experience an all-in-one prescription for a healthier and happier life!
Experience the combined power of physical activity, health education, social connection, and the healing magic of nature by joining our Walk with a Doc program.
The Work That Reconnects: Moving through Eco-Anxiety Toward Eco-Action
Join us for an interactive workshop exploring ways to move through eco-anxiety and toward eco-action…. Wait, does that invitation already fill you with dread, guilt, anger, numbness, or a sense of powerlessness? You’re not alone! Whether you’ve directly experienced climate-related challenges or witnessed the ongoing global crises and looming existential threats, making space for your responses can offer insight into your personalized methods of effective action.
Forest Qi Gong - Nature Energy Immersion With Qi Gong - September
Embark on a transformative journey that fuses the restorative powers of the Redwood forest with the ancient art of Qi Gong. Connect with the elements of nature and learn specific exercises to promote vitality, improve mental clarity, and strengthen the immune system.
Nature-Based Mindfulness Mini-Retreat - October
Would you like to experience the peace and beauty of nature more profoundly?
Do you want to cultivate a deeper connection with nature that will support you wherever you go?
Treat yourself to an afternoon of relaxation and rejuvenation among the redwoods!
Pumpkin Painting
Enjoy the season with a festive pumpkin painting lesson. We will spend the afternoon painting mini-pumpkins with acrylic paint, metallics, and ink. We will create a Zentangle pumpkin using Native American inspired designs on a gold frosted pumpkin. Local artist, Sarah Orre, will guide you through every step of the process. Keep your pumpkin as the perfect table decoration this holiday season.
Forest Qi Gong - Nature Energy Immersion With Qi Gong - October
Embark on a transformative journey that fuses the restorative powers of the Redwood forest with the ancient art of Qi Gong. Connect with the elements of nature and learn specific exercises to promote vitality, improve mental clarity, and strengthen the immune system.
Walk with a Doc - October
Do you live in a world that contributes to stress and “dis-ease”?
Join us to experience an all-in-one prescription for a healthier and happier life!
Experience the combined power of physical activity, health education, social connection, and the healing magic of nature by joining our Walk with a Doc program.
Walk with a Doc - May
Do you live in a world that contributes to stress and “dis-ease”?
Join us to experience an all-in-one prescription for a healthier and happier life!
Experience the combined power of physical activity, health education, social connection, and the healing magic of nature by joining our Walk with a Doc program.
Yoga in Nature - May 17
All levels of yoga students are invited to join us for a weekly practice of yoga in a natural setting. Every week we will practice different breathing techniques and yoga postures, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga and building upon the previous week’s instruction. Teaching will be scaffolded to ensure that every practitioner, from beginner to advanced, will receive the level of instruction they need.
Elder Explorers Redwood Experience
Would you like to discover new ways to connect with nature?
Join us for a rejuvenating afternoon amongst the redwoods!
You’ll be guided on a peaceful journey that skillfully blends a slow trip around an old-growth redwood loop with nature awareness practices, hands-on learning, and maybe even singing! Experience a harmonious balance of motion and stillness, solo and shared experiences. We don’t go far, but we do go deep, connecting with the magic of the redwood forest.
Yoga in Nature - May 10
All levels of yoga students are invited to join us for a weekly practice of yoga in a natural setting. Every week we will practice different breathing techniques and yoga postures, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga and building upon the previous week’s instruction. Teaching will be scaffolded to ensure that every practitioner, from beginner to advanced, will receive the level of instruction they need.
Yoga in Nature - May 3
All levels of yoga students are invited to join us for a weekly practice of yoga in a natural setting. Every week we will practice different breathing techniques and yoga postures, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga and building upon the previous week’s instruction. Teaching will be scaffolded to ensure that every practitioner, from beginner to advanced, will receive the level of instruction they need.
Wildflowers in Watercolor Painting
Paint beautiful wildflowers in watercolor with local artist Sarah Orre. Sarah will walk you through every step of the process including how to paint a wet-on-wet background and techniques for painting petals, stems, and dramatic shadows. All materials provided with a $10 materials fee payable to the instructor at the start of class.
Tune in to Natural Wonders of the Redwood Forest
Would you like to know the redwood forest in a new way?
Can you imagine connecting deeply with Nature through music and all of your senses?
During this fun and awe-inspiring experience, the gift of music sets the tone, and our mindful presence opens the way. We will learn new ways to energize our senses and attune to the subtle realms of Nature. We will call on the elements Earth, Air, Fire and Water to bring us to a new understanding of the aliveness and interconnectedness of the natural world. We will share forest knowledge and science in hands-on ways. We don’t go far, but we do go deep to experience the magic of the forest. You will leave with new tools to help you recall and connect with the subtle realms of the natural world when you return home.
Sunset Yoga - April
Join us for outdoor yoga surrounded by stunning views of Monterey Bay at sunset! Participants with all levels of experience are welcome to join this nourishing class, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga, that will focus on poses intended to increase strength and flexibility and to calm the mind.
Forest Qi Gong - Nature Energy Immersion With Qi Gong - April
Embark on a transformative journey that fuses the restorative powers of the Redwood forest with the ancient art of Qi Gong. Connect with the elements of nature and learn specific exercises to promote vitality, improve mental clarity, and strengthen the immune system.
Connecting with Nature for Resilience and Renewal
Join us for a day-long workshop to build your resiliency and responsiveness to the challenges of our times. We will learn practices to connect with the wise nature beings of the land and build new relationships with nature allies. We will share feelings about our world crises in a supportive council circle (adapted from The Work that Reconnects by Joanna Macy)
Walk with a Doc - April
Do you live in a world that contributes to stress and “dis-ease”?
Join us to experience an all-in-one prescription for a healthier and happier life!
Experience the combined power of physical activity, health education, social connection, and the healing magic of nature by joining our Walk with a Doc program.
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