Join healer Misako Yamamoto, and Columbia Slough Watershed Council, for a free guided 2.5-hour nature connection and mindfulness exploration walk at Columbia Children's Arboretum on Saturday, April 16 from 12:30pm - 3pm. 

Note: We hope to explicitly make space in this offering for our communities of color. Please only register for this workshop if you identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and/or as a person of color.

This event is an opportunity to slow down, explore your inherent and deep connections to the natural world, and access the Earth’s nourishment that is always available. Misako will guide you in various nature connection practices and teach you the foundations of the ancient, life sustaining practice of Qigong (pronounced "chee gong" ). You will be invited to wander, be curious, and open to your childlike wonder and playfulness.

What is Qigong? Qigong combines gentle meditative movements, stretching, breathwork, energy awareness and visualization to encourage free flow of vital life force (Qi) for improved health and wellness.

Getting There: Keep an eye out for the Columbia Children's Arboretum sign, just past the school bus yard. When you arrive, walk along the path, away from NE 6th Dr, towards the round-about area to find our group. Parking is free but is limited at the Arboretum. Give yourself extra time to find parking in a nearby neighborhood if necessary. Taking public transportation? Bus #11 will drop riders off at NE Middlefield & 6th Dr, 374 ft. from the Arboretum. Bus #6 drops riders off at NE Vancouver Way & Freightliner/3rd, 0.3 miles from the Arboretum.

What to bring: Pack along water, maybe a hot beverage, a pen, and come prepared for the weather - think warm and waterproof layers as the event will happen rain or shine. Notebooks will be provided for all participants thanks to Scout Books!

Accessibility: A restroom is available. Our group will be walking along mostly flat gravel paths. 

This event has a limited capacity. If you register and find later that you are unable to attend, please reach out to cancel your spot. If the event is full, we will create a waitlist.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda Gallegos, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Photo of Columbia Children’s Arboretum courtesy Portland Parks and Recreation.