A Unique Forest Therapy Experience at Coyote Run Nature Preserve in Pickerington, Ohio

Apr 22

An Invitation to Slow Down and Breathe

Life moves fast. Too fast sometimes, if you ask me. Between busy schedules, constant screen time, and the never-ending “to do” lists, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. That’s exactly why I fell in love with forest therapy—and why I feel so lucky to now offer people guided Forest Therapy walks at a place as special as Coyote Run Nature Preserve in Pickerington, Ohio.

If you’ve never heard of forest therapy (also called Shinrin-Yoku or “forest bathing”), it’s not about exercise or endurance. It’s about slowing down, tuning in, and letting the forest hold you. Think of it like a spa day for your nervous system—but with trees, birdsong, and fresh air instead.

Let me take you on a little journey into what makes Coyote Run such a perfect place for this kind of healing experience.

Coyote Run: A Hidden Gem in Central Ohio

Tucked quietly into the landscape of Pickerington, Ohio Coyote Run Nature Preserve offers over 900 acres of protected woodland, prairie, and wetland. It’s the kind of place where you can hear the wind before you feel it, where time seems to slow down, and where the trees feel like wise old friends.

Why It Feels So Different

What makes Coyote Run so special isn’t just the biodiversity (though it’s teeming with native plants, wildlife, and bird species). It’s the intention behind the land. The stewards of this preserve (David Hague and Tammy Miller) are deeply committed to restoring native ecosystems and respecting the spirit of the land.

I remember my first visit here one crisp spring morning. Just a few steps into the preserve, we paused in front of a vernal pool and listened to the chirping chorus of the spring peepers. It was magicaI, and I couldn’t wait to see what else to property had in store. That’s the kind of presence this place has—it meets you where you are, and then gently invites you deeper.

What Happens During a Forest Therapy Walk?

Not a Hike—A Healing Practice

It is important to remember: a forest therapy walk isn’t a hike. We might only cover a quarter mile in two hours. That’s intentional. The idea is to move slowly, breathe deeply, and give your senses time to awaken.

As your guide, I offer a series of gentle invitations—simple prompts that encourage you to notice, wander, and connect with the natural world. An invitation might be, “Notice what’s moving,” or “Find a place that feels welcoming and stay there for a while.”

There’s no right or wrong way to participate. The forest does most of the work. I just hold and offer space.

A Sample Walk

Here’s how a typical session might unfold:

Welcome & Grounding: We begin by arriving—not just physically, but emotionally. A few deep breaths, a few shared words, and an invitation to leave the busy world behind.
Guided Invitations: We move slowly through the landscape, with pauses for specific sensory explorations. This might include listening deeply, feeling textures, or watching the play of light and shadow.
Sit Spot or Solo Time: Each walk includes a chance to settle into stillness—often a favorite part for participants.
Sharing & Closing: We circle up at the end to share reflections, followed by a special tea ceremony with seasonally inspired local herbal tea.

Who Is This For? (Hint: Probably You)

You don’t need to be a hardcore nature lover or a seasoned meditator. Forest therapy meets people where they are. I find it especially resonates with:

People aged 30–65 navigating career or personal transitions, burnout, or simply craving calm
Wellness Enthusiasts who are looking to slow down and reconnect
Nature lovers who want more than a walk—they want relationship

One participant who joined one of my winter walks told me later, “I came because I thought I needed fresh air. I left with a sense of peace I didn’t know I was missing.” That pretty much sums it up.

Why Coyote Run Deepens the Experience

Diverse Landscapes, Deeper Healing

The variety of ecosystems at Coyote Run makes every walk unique. Some days we may walk in the tall prairie grasses, their golden stalks swaying like waves. Other times we find ourselves in a shadowed grove of oaks, where the quiet is so complete it feels sacred.

In spring, frogs sing from the wetlands. In summer, dragonflies dance, and in fall the forest blazes with gold and crimson. Even in winter, when the world is hushed and bare, there is profound beauty to be found.

There’s something healing about being in a place that’s alive in so many ways.

What You Might Notice Afterward

I always tell people: forest therapy doesn’t end when the walk ends. The effects ripple out.

You might notice:

A sense of grounded calm that lingers for days
Sharper focus and clearer thinking
An easier time sleeping
A deeper appreciation for small, beautiful moments

I once had a participant who returned to a second walk and shared, “After the first one, I started taking my lunch breaks outside. I forgot how much I loved the smell of pine.” That’s the kind of shift this practice invites—small but profound.

How to Join a Forest Therapy Walk at Coyote Run

Ready to experience it for yourself? Here’s what you need to know:

Walks are offered weekly, usually in small groups up to 6 participants
No special gear needed—just dress for the weather and bring an open heart
Registration info and upcoming dates are available via my website/newsletter (I'd be happy to share those links with you below)

A Final Word from the Forest (and Your Guide)

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just a little out of sync with yourself—come walk with us. You don’t have to figure anything out. You don’t have to fix or perform. Just come as you are.

The trees at Coyote Run have stood for generations. They’ve seen seasons of change. And they’re ready to welcome you home to yourself.

I hope to see you out there—beneath the wide sky, among the waving grasses, where the wild things are whispering your name.

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COYOTE RUN NATURE PRESERVE