A Wonder Filled Experience (AWE): An Immersive Nature Based Experience

Part of the Arboretum's Nature Heals Initiative

AWE walk, photo by zhukovvvlad/Shutterstock

 photo by zhukovvvlad/Shutterstock

Date

Select a 2024 session:
Thursday, May 16, 2-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 6, 2-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 1, 2-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 5, 2-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 3, 2-3:30 p.m.

Fee

$22 member/$37 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies

Location: Grounds - Meet at the Sensory Garden Shelter

WAITLIST ME Thursday
May 16, 2-3:30 p.m.

REGISTER Thursday,
June 6, 2-3:30 p.m.

REGISTER Thursday
Aug. 1, 2-3:30 p.m.

REGISTER Thursday
Sept. 5, 2-3:30 p.m.

REGISTER Thursday
Oct. 3, 2-3:30 p.m.

Age

Adult 18+

Instructor: Sarah Palm, Nature Heals Initiative Program Lead

This is a Nature Heals Initiative Experience.

Have you ever wondered why you feel refreshed after a walk in the woods? Or how experiencing wonder in the natural world creates a deeper connection to the earth and one another? Join Nature-Based Therapeutic Services staff to learn and experience the science behind the healing power of nature. Spark your sense of wonder while learning to calm your mind, open your heart and relax your body. Each Wonder Filled Experience will have a different seasonal theme based on what is in bloom: 

  • Gather for a discussion on biophilia to understand how a connection with nature is essential for our health and wellbeing.
  • Discover breathing and grounding exercises to help calm your mind and enhance your time in a natural environment.
  • Enjoy a guided sensory stroll to restore a connection to the sights, smells, and sounds in our surroundings. 
  • Learn techniques to connect to your senses and nourish your relationship to the earth.
  • Create a take-home memento to document your experience and learn ways to continue to practice the healing power of nature beyond our time together.

Leave this experience with a deeper understanding of how being present in nature can refresh, restore and awaken all of your senses so you can feel its healing benefits.

Weather: As Minnesotans know, Mother Nature can be unpredictable…that is the joy and spontaneity of nature, and of these experiences. Be prepared for the weather and come with an appreciation and respect for what Mother Nature has in store.

  • Wonder Filled Experiences celebrate all aspects of nature and will run rain or shine unless the conditions are deemed too dangerous by the Arboretum. 
  • Please dress appropriately for the weather.

Helpful Tips 

  • The Arboretum is a public place; solitude from other visitors is not expected nor guaranteed. 
  • Bring a water bottle, and please refrain from eating or chewing gum
  • This is a tech-free experience.
  • Be prepared for possible sunburn, insect bites, or allergy conditions. Where appropriate please bring necessary repellents, protection, and medications. 

Please note: Wonder Filled Experiences do not serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Sessions of AWE at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum do not engage in the practice of medicine, nor enter into a health-care practitioner/patient relationship. Please discuss your personal health with a qualified health practitioner.

Maximum participants
16
Arboretum entry instructions

Attendees will receive a bar-code ticket for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your ticket is valid for entry on the day of your class. Present your ticket to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum. You may stay at the Arboretum after class as long as you want during our operating hours.

Sarah Palm, Nature Heals Initiative Programming Lead, facilitates an AWE Walk
Group discussion on biophilia before the sensory walk
AWE Walk guided sensory walk, photo by Brad Palm
Creation of a MiniZine memento of the AWE Walk, photo by Jeannie Larson

 

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The best chance of being enrolled in a sold out class is to add your name to the waitlist. Click the "waitlist" button or link next to the class and complete the form. There is no obligation to register if a spot opens. If the waitlist shows enough demand, additional sessions may be added.

Member purchasing policy

Can Members register accompanying Non-member participants for Educational programs at the discounted member rate?

Yes. Arboretum Education policy is that Members may purchase a class or camp on behalf of an accompanying Non-member at the discounted Member price as long as they are registering and paying for at least one spot for themselves. Members must Sign in, enter the total number of Member-price tickets for all participants they are purchasing for, and then complete each participant’s name and prompted information at the checkout screen. The transaction must be completed at the same time as the Member's registration(s). This policy applies only to Arboretum Education programs and classes, and is not applicable to other Arboretum purchases like Events or Admission Tickets.

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