Forest bathing is a research-backed practice, and this session is built around what the science actually shows. Starting at Rock Spring and using the Mountain Theater as our home base, we will move through a few short rounds of the same pattern: a few minutes on the research, an invitation to go out and experience it for yourself, then a group debrief on what you noticed. This is a science-forward session rather than a traditional forest bathing walk. We cover a short distance at a slow pace over about two hours.
Roz Greenfield is an ANFT-certified forest therapy guide and the founder of Redwoods and Greenfields, where she guides forest bathing walks for corporate teams and community groups around the Bay Area. She has guided multiple walks for the California State Parks Foundation and for California State Parks Week, in redwood groves, city parks, and open-space preserves across Northern California. For more information: https://www.redwoodsandgreenfields.com/
GENERAL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SCIENCE QUEST EVENTS
CAPACITY: Only RSVP if you are able to attend. Most events have limited capacity - No Shows will likely prevent someone else from attending.
PARKING: We strongly recommend carpooling and arriving at least 30 minutes early to locate parking. Pantoll, Bootjack, and East Peak require a $8 fee - bring exact change! You can also pay through the Yodel app (https://www.yodelpass.com) . The Quarry Parking lot (just past Mountain Theater towards East Peak) is an option if Rock Spring Parking lot is full. Pantoll parking is very limited – BootJack sometimes will have open spots. Bus service schedule is available at https://marintransit.org/routes/61.
FAMILIES: Hikes are suitable for families with children who are interested in nature and are comfortable hiking 2-4 miles. "Kid Friendly" events have no age limit.
DURATION: Each timed event is scheduled to last no more than 2 hours (except Astronomy).
CANCELLATIONS: Rain, red flag days, winds above 30 mph, and unforeseen circumstances will cancel. Check the Friends of Mt Tam Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfMtTam
WATER: Bring your own water. Most hikes do not pass by public drinking water sources.
CLOTHES: Weather on Mt Tam can be very unpredictable and can change quickly. Dressing in layers is recommended.
STURDY BOOTS: Trails are uneven, rocky and can be very steep in places. Sandals, sneakers, and running shoes are not recommended for hikes.
EQUIPMENT: Many events are enhanced with Binoculars (Birding, East Peak Fire Lookout, etc.). Lichen hike recommends bringing a magnifying glass.For presentations at Pantoll, bring a folding chair.
Dogs(except for service animals) are not allowed
Public Restrooms: Available at East Peak, Rock Spring, Bootjack, Mountain Home, and Pantoll.
