Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Experience a peaceful guided nature therapy experience to restore balance in the light of sunset at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.

As the sun meets the horizon, certified nature and forest therapy guide Ilana Rubin of Kindred Nature invites you to open your senses to life in the gardens. This peaceful evening offers a gentle way to release the day’s tensions, find balance between light and dark, and discover the tranquility of twilight through reconnection with nature and community.

About Nature Therapy

Nature therapy, also known as forest therapy or forest bathing, draws inspiration from the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku. Through mindful, sensory invitations, we create space to slow down and reconnect: with nature, with ourselves, and with one another.

Research shows that time in nature can reduce stress, restore focus, elevate mood and creativity, and support overall well-being.

Your Experience

Each gathering is a unique journey shaped by the season, landscape, wildlife, and our group. We may walk up to one mile at a relaxed pace across both paved and unpaved paths. All invitations are adaptable to your comfort level—no experience or special skills are needed. Whether this is your first nature therapy walk or a return visit, you are warmly welcome.

During our evening together, you’ll be invited to:

• Notice the subtle shifts of sound, light, and wildlife as day turns to twilight
• Relax into gentle, guided mindfulness practices
• Awaken your senses through dusk-time nature connection
• Enjoy slow, peaceful walking in the gardens
• Reflect, share, and connect within a community-of-the-moment
• Close with tea and light snacks beneath the evening sky

Meet Your Guide

Ilana Rubin is a certified nature and forest therapy guide and founder of Kindred Nature, trained through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. Since 2021, she has created restorative experiences that nurture resilience, inner radiance, and a sense of belonging with nature and community.

Ilana has guided programs at NOVA Parks as well as for the U.S. Forest Service, the GW Office of Integrative Medicine and Health, families, couples, and individuals.

Join Us

• Registration: $45 per participant (ages 18+). Advance online registration required.
• Meeting Point: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Visitor Center
• Bring: Water bottle, comfortable weather-appropriate clothing, and outdoor walking shoes
• Weather: Program runs rain or shine unless conditions are hazardous
• Arrival: Please arrive 10-15 minutes early
• Special Requests: Dietary or accessibility needs — kindrednatureguide@gmail.com
• Refund Policy: Refunds are issued only if your space is filled from the waitlist. No refunds are available within 72 hours of the program.