An in-person program with Robin Rivet
November 1-3, 2024
Sharpen your senses in November as arborist Robin Rivet leads immersive, sensory forest experiences and playful diversions, as well as climate and tree discussions. Anticipate intervals for artistic expression, science learning and serenity. Expect heightened awareness about our trees and their value to human existence – with a goal of leaving refreshed, but also more aware of our collective physical place in the universe.
Click HERE to register.
Trees have long played a vital role in Quaker history. Saplings were transported across the Atlantic by early Friends in both directions, and when William Penn set up his Greene Countrie Towne in Pennsylvania, he insisted that settlers preserve one acre of trees for every five acres that they cleared. George Fox urged gardening on his followers as
“a way whereby, through knowledge of nature, they could better know God’s ways and purpose.”
Noted Quaker John Bartram, is today recognized as America’s first botanist. One thing to consider about forest bathing – is that it is not “a thing”. Forests weren’t created for us – as they preceded our human presence on the planet; yet they can nourish our bodies, our minds and our souls.
The concept of Shinrin-yoku evolved in the 1980’s as an antidote to the relentless working culture of Japan. Recognizing that elevated stress levels, anxiety, depression, and insomnia prevailed in densely urbanized populations, the Japanese government sought to incorporate the calming ability of nature into balancing people’s lives. Luckily, Japan still had many forests, and integrating a mindful and peaceful experience was reborn; but there remains no specific set of rules.
The goal of our retreat is twofold. The prime experience is direct, and will not involve “props”. We’ll be walking, sitting, touching, smelling and breathing in and around the trees at Ben Lomond Friend’s Center with no objective other than mental, physical and spiritual health – and relaxation. Sharing feelings, observations, and thoughts will be encouraged. Powerful inspiration also comes from nature, and attendees will be encouraged to set aside down time for personal creative expression using tools like journaling, poetry, photography, arts and crafts, bird-watching, yoga, and/or exploring other mediums. We hope to share these efforts.
About the Program Leader
As a technical guide, Robin is an ISA Certified Arborist and a consulting horticulturist, and for 14 years has written a monthly column called “Trees Please” for the San Diego Horticultural Society. She was raised a Quaker at Rockland Friends Meeting, Blauvelt, NY, but was “planted” in Southern California over 40 years ago, where she now helps tend 100’s of trees, shrubs, vegetables on a ½ acre NWF certified wildlife habitat.
Fascinated by genealogy, she recently learned that William Gifford Sr. (One of America’s earliest founding Quakers) is her 10th great-grandfather, and she’s proud of her roots. Her perspective for steering a forest bathing weekend links her spiritual respect about human consciousness to her knowledge of science.
Her spirituality aligns closely with the natural environment and not supernatural powers, but believes there’s plenty on our tiny earth for awe and wonder within the vast unknown universe. Observation of flora, fauna, soil, air and water can, and will lift our spirits.
Rivet’s leadership with trees evolved over many years as a student of earth science, ecology and outdoor education. She traveled extensively across North America’s diverse landscapes, participated as a fellow with the National Science Foundation’s ‘Art of Science Learning’ in San Diego, and spent decades as an urban forester, and environmental and public policy advisor for local SoCal government. Still free-lancing as landscape designer and fruit and shade tree consultant, she remains a dedicated nature-lover, and strives to live a thoughtful – if independent Quaker life.
Rivet currently serves on the boards of the SD Regional Urban Forests Council and California Rare Fruit Grower chapters, managed a public shade tree program, and received a CA Founder’s award for launching a tree-mapping project to calculate the ecosystem benefits of urban trees. She’s served on two municipal boards and commissions steering climate action and urban forestry master plans, and was honored as “Citizen of the Year” by the mayor of La Mesa – where she still resides. She recently obtained a multi-media certificate in digital arts, and enjoys many related creative pursuits. She’s also an avid birdwatcher, and has volunteered as a UCCE Master Gardener since 1996.
Please come and share.
Click here to register.
Our programs are on a Pay-As-Led scale, with suggested donation tiers of $500, $300, and $150 for the weekend. For more information about our program fees, click here.