Hippocrates said, "Nature itself is the best physician." But how many of us are truly using nature to support our wellbeing? Mounting research shows the myriad of wellness benefits of time spent immersing ourselves in nature. Nature-based wellness practices, such as Forest Bathing and Ornitherapy, allow us to harness nature's benefits, supporting our immune system, cardiovascular health, and emotional wellness. In this presentation, we'll explore what each of these practices involves, and how you can add them to your own self-care regimens. 

Presented by Holly Merker, a professional birding guide, author, and lecturer.  She has a background in art therapy, but today uses birds and nature towards the same goals delivering nature-based wellness programs for people of all ages. She is a Certified Wellness Counselor (Cornell Univ) and Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide (ANFT).  In 2022, Holly was the recipient of the ABA Conservation and Education Award given by the American Birding Association for her work in both those areas involving birds. 

Holly is the author of two books which guide readers into explorations optimizing the wellness benefits research shows that birds provide us, including the award-winning book Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul (along with Richard Crossley and Sophie Crossley, Crossley Books, 2021) and Die Kraft Der Vogelbeobachtung – “The Power of Birdwatching” (Freya verlag, 2023), coauthored with Dr. Angelika Nelson.  In her free time, Holly spends every possible moment practicing Ornitherapy, which she credits in helping defeat breast cancer, restoring her health mentally and physically.