May 26, 2026 · University of British Columbia
MINT continues to develop forest therapy as a bridge between research, practice, and community engagement. Through workshops, seminars, site assessments, and research–practice exchanges, the Institute brings together researchers, practitioners, students, and community partners to explore how nature-based experiences can support health, well-being, and professional learning. This work builds on MINT’s broader forest therapy research and public engagement — including the 2025 Second International Conference on Forest Therapy at UBC, which convened international participants around research, public health applications, policy, and emerging technologies in the field.
On May 26, the Multidisciplinary Institute of Nature Therapy (MINT) hosted a full-day immersive forest therapy workshop, offering participants an accessible introduction to the practice through outdoor experience, sensory exploration, and research-based discussion.
The day began in UBC’s Rhododendron Wood with a guided session led by Ronna Schneberger, an experienced forest therapy guide, mentor, and naturalist. Participants were invited to slow down and engage the forest through their senses — noticing sounds, textures, scents, light, and movement as a way of cultivating a deeper relationship with nature and well-being. Through shared observation and dialogue, the group experienced how facilitation can shape the pace, attention, and emotional quality of time spent outdoors, and came to understand forest therapy as both a personal practice and a professional approach connected to health, education, and environmental awareness.
In the afternoon, participants returned to the UBC Faculty of Forestry to connect their embodied morning experience with scientific perspectives. A sensory activity focused on plant-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) invited participants to reflect on how natural scents may influence mood, memory, and relaxation — illustrating how forests support well-being not only visually and emotionally, but through subtle chemical and sensory interactions. A visit to the UBC Forest Therapy Lab further highlighted MINT’s ongoing work connecting field-based practice with scientific investigation.
The event concluded with remarks from Dr. Guangyu Wang, who reflected on forest therapy as a meaningful bridge between forestry, health, research, and community well-being, encouraging participants to see forests not only as ecological systems but as spaces for restoration, learning, and human connection.
By combining outdoor experience, sensory learning, laboratory exploration, and academic reflection, the May 26 workshop reflected MINT’s commitment to documenting forest therapy programming and strengthening collaboration among practitioners, researchers, and organizations in Canada and internationally.