Our Story – The Road Less Travelled
Our spectacular nature sanctuary was created from rock, by planting thousands of trees and native plants with pick-axes and watering with buckets. Year after year, against all odds. This is a place of revitalization and resilience. We just kept going, tree by tree, nurturing nature. And we learned that nature nurtures us in return.
Wander and marvel at what once was a quarry, where wildlife now thrives and birds soar amongst the forest canopy. Mindfully wander trails artfully designed to lead you to special places. Spend time by the babbling brook marvelling at the disappearing stream, or nestle into the hanging chairs in the forest. Perhaps meditating in the healing garden, or mindful movement amongst the lavender and wildflowers at the base of the incredible rock “flowerpot” inspires you! Our awe-inspiring landscape ignites creativity, and perhaps plein-air painting or rock artistry in our quarry stirs your soul. Choose your own adventure!
Rediscover your senses and the good feeling of being connected to nature. Give yourself permission to slow down for just a bit, to linger, to be awed, and to explore the wonders that surround you. It’s a good place to disconnect and just be.
Why A Certified Forest Therapy Guide?
Forest therapy is much more than just a walk in the park, and definitely not a hike! Professional training completed through both ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) and GIFT (Global Institute of Forest Therapy) provided the certifications to professionally guide forest therapy programs. We believe our role as the guide is to open the doors to the healing powers of nature.
Barbara Rabicki
Certified Forest Therapy Guide
Barbara is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide & Registered Yoga Teacher with additional certifications in Meditation & Trauma-informed Yoga. She has devoted her life to healing the earth through environmental stewardship. As a career Parks and Forestry professional & consultant, landscape designer, horticulturist and ISA certified arborist, she provides expertise to increase tree canopy cover, create pollinator-friendly gardens, and showcase effective green gardening practices to inspire others.
Laurie Canning
Head of Natural Lands
Laurie Canning’s childhood as a 6th generation member on the family farm instilled deep connections & respect for the earth, with fond memories of feeding the animals, playing in the forest, marvelling at birds, and enjoying homemade pies brought out to the fields at harvest time. Laurie’s environmental stewardship efforts also have deep roots, as he tends the land with respect and care for the future.
Laurie still harvests and plants for his family members every year, as well as tending to our own little organic hobby farm.
“Not all who wander are lost.”
J.R.R. Tolkein