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Soaking in Nature
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: May 2023 | Photograph By: Ryan Donnell
Dr. Mark Ellison’s Village Nature Series presentation will examine the green magic waiting to be discovered in our forests – 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 30, at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers.
Mark Ellison, Ed.D., has been living in the Western North Carolina mountains long enough to be somewhat of an authority on the restorative aspects of nature.
On May 30, the Village Natures Series topic in Cashiers is “Hiking to Heal: An Intro to Forest Therapy.” Dr. Ellison, of Pinnacle Forest Therapy, presents free to the public an interactive learning experience involving the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest therapy) and the healing benefits of spending time in nature.
Certified as both a forest therapy guide and forest therapy trail consultant by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, Dr. Ellison explained that a central component of forest therapy is “promoting good stewardship of natural resources and conservation.” Besides understanding the benefits of forest therapy, participants will enjoy a sensory experience that ends with a traditional shinrin-yoku tea ceremony.
Dr. Ellison, who is the Dean of Students at Southwestern Community College, when he is not basking in nature, shared, “I earned my doctorate in adult education and human resource development from North Carolina State University, focusing my research on the restorative benefits of hiking in wilderness solitude. This, combined with my love of helping people experience and learn about the natural environment through walks, help me provide a unique sensory experience in the lush forests of Western North Carolina.”
Dr. Ellison has been featured in various magazines, including National Geographic, Eating Well, and Our State; he has contributed as a writer to various publications; and, he has organized walks/hikes – focusing on the restorative power of shinrin-yoku – for the likes of notables such as singer/songwriter Amy Grant.
Dr. Ellison offers forest therapy walks by appointment at Pinnacle Park in Sylva. He can be reached by email at [email protected].
The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and The Village Green sponsor a series of lectures each summer. Visitors and residents learn about wildlife in the area and various features of their natural habitats.
Previous presentations have included a focus on raptors, black bears, reptiles, and more. On June 27th, Dr. Gary Wein, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust executive director and botanist presents “Sense of Place: A Final Embarkment.”
The Village Nature Series begins at 5:00 P.M. on the last Tuesday of the month from April through September at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road.
For a complete schedule, visit villagegreencashiersnc.com/village-nature-series.
