On Saturday, August 16, at 10 a.m., Lane Gate Preserve in Cold Spring — about 15 minutes from Peekskill — will open its trails for a free forest therapy workshop. For two hours, participants will walk slowly, guided by mental health specialist and certified forest therapy guide Valerie Smith. The event is part of Hudson Highlands Land Trust’s (HHLT) summer program.

The session offers a gentle, paced, and structured walk inviting participants to pause, observe, and listen to the natural surroundings: water, birds, insects, and the whispers of leaves stirred by the wind. These exercises are inspired by sensory engagement as a way to interact with the land. The workshop will conclude with a tea ceremony featuring an infusion prepared from native herbs. Its purpose is to foster reflection and connection with nature, closing the immersion symbolically and meditatively.

Registration is free but required and must be completed in advance due to limited space. According to the organizers, participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The event is open to all ages.

Valerie Smith is the founder of Sugar Maple Counseling & Ecotherapy, where she integrates psychotherapy and ecotherapy. She has developed forest therapy workshops in various locations across the Hudson Valley. Her work has led to repeated sessions in the region; for example, HHLT held a similar event on July 11.

Lane Gate Preserve is owned and managed by Hudson Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) as one of HHLT’s three public preserves. HHLT Outreach & Events Coordinator Nadia Aziz points out that “Only hiking and birdwatching are encouraged at Lane Gate Preserve, as this approach helps us maintain the area’s sensitive ecosystems.”

Registrations for the activities are made online through the following link.

[Editor’s Note > This story was updated at 10:43 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, to correct a mis-statement that connected Lane Gate Preserve to Hudson Highlands State Park. In fact, Lane Gate Preserve is not connected to or part of Hudson Highlands State Park. In addition, information was added to the story specifying which activities are allowed at Lane Gate Preserve.]