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2026 Nature Wellness Challenge

December 12, 2025|Uncategorized

Join us for the Nature Wellness Challenge, a four-week winter series designed to inspire movement, creativity, and connection with the natural world, even in the coldest months. Each Saturday session offers a simple, nature-based practice that supports your well-being and encourages you to get outside when it matters most. We are excited to welcome three guest presenters: John Acklen, Drea Moore, and Debra Gilbreath, along with our fabulous regular tai chi instructor, Connie Barron. Attend any two classes in the series and earn a special Nature Wellness Warrior sticker!

Dates:

• Jan. 10 (1-3pm) – Mindfulness & Nature Journaling
• Jan. 17 (10-12pm) – Qigong for Self-Healing
• Jan. 24 (1-3pm) – PNW Herbal Infusions Workshop
• Jan 31 (10-11am) – Tai Chi for Centering

Class 1: Mindfulness & Nature Journaling 

Slow down, look closely, and reconnect with the natural world through the mindful practice of nature journaling. In this 1.5-hour workshop, we’ll gather indoors at the nature center and explore simple techniques for observing and recording the world around us. Weather permitting, we’ll take brief opportunities to step outside for inspiration.

Using prompts such as “I notice, I wonder, it reminds me of…,” participants will learn how journaling can deepen awareness, spark curiosity, and support personal well-being. We’ll experiment with words and simple sketches as we each choose a plant or natural object to study in depth. This gentle, creative practice is open to all experience levels. No art skills required, just a willingness to explore!

Basic supplies will be provided (colored pencils, watercolor, paper), but feel free to bring your own.

$10 for DRNC Members, $15 for Non-Members

Class 2: Qigong for Self-Healing

Qi is our vital energy. Each breath, each heartbeat connects you to the infinite flow of Qi — the life force that animates our very being. When you move with awareness, energy begins to follow, and your world transforms.

In this 2-hour qigong experience, we will work with healing movements and meditations to help identify and clear energy blockages that, left unaddressed, can cause acute and chronic health issues. You will learn and practice a series of specific techniques that you will be able to use daily to promote your own well-being, and that can also form a foundation for continued study and growth.

$10 for DRNC Members, $15 for Non-Members

Class 3: PNW Herbal Infusions Workshop

Learn another way that you can enjoy the plants and fungi in the PNW for health and pleasure. Safe to savor on a cold winter’s day, and grounding for your spirit, the herbal infusion is a timeless classic that everyone loves. In this class, discover how to make tasty nourishing herbal infusions using bioregional herbs like nettles, oat tops, seaweed, roses and berries. Learn how the art of making and drinking this traditional water preparation is one of the best ways to connect to our beautiful local ecology and our ancient co-evolved relationships to plants and fungi. The class will make an herbal infusion together and enjoy it while we discuss the complex aromas, benefits and flavors of PNW regional plants. Safe and fun for the whole family!

$20 for DRNC Members, $25 for Non-Members

Class 4: Tai Chi for Centering

Have you ever wanted to try Tai Chi at the River Center? Now is your chance to give it a go without the commitment of the 4-week series!

Practiced for centuries, tai chi consists of continuous, fluid and precisely controlled forms in a specific sequence. In recent years, study after study have proven the benefits of tai chi — particularly for active agers. Tai chi reduces stress, anxiety and depression, lowers blood pressure, lessens joint pain and much more. Come and try out this ancient health-enhancing practice.

All mobility levels are welcome. Wear loose fitting clothing and comfortable shoes. Bring layers in case the weather is nice enough to hold the class outside!

$10 for DRNC Members, $15 for Non-Members