Forest bathing at the UW
Forest bathing is a simple relaxation activity for people of all ages to de-stress and boost their health and well-being.
UW Seattle
Greig Garden
Heron Haven
Sylvan grove
Sequoia stump
Log bench
Kincaid Ravine
Yesler swamp
Greig Garden
This hidden space is especially cozy during springtime when rhododendrons and azaleas fill the area with a variety of colors. Enter the lush green space and you may find a number of different wildlife species, including heron nests.
Heron Haven
In the middle of the trees between Drumheller Fountain and Anderson Hall, a path leads to a bench in a small clearing. Above, Great Blue Herons can often be spotted in their nests. Below, a fallen log is left to be a nursery for new growth.
Sylvan grove
This tree-enclosed hideaway features a grassy stage set with the four white columns that once graced the front stoop of the original university building.
Sequoia stump
This stump is left over from a 100-year-old Sequoia tree which was had to be removed after being struck by lightning in 2015. Now it provides a quiet spot to take in the surrounding tree canopy.
Log bench
This fallen log near the N5 parking lot provides a space for respite in north campus.
Kincaid Ravine
Tucked off the Burke-Gilman Trail just south of where it passes under 45th Street is a small clearing with informational signs and benches to take in the surrounding forest.
Yesler swamp
Yesler Swamp is located on the east side of the Center for Urban Horticulture , and is part of the Union Bay Natural Area . A walking loop through the swamp takes you on a boardwalk to the edge of Lake Washington.
UW Bothell
Truly House
UW Bothell wetlands
Events Center space
Veterans archway
Food Forest
Campus Farm
Truly House
These raised beds and garden outside the Truly House provide a refuge from the nearby parking garage and lots. Outside the Truly House is a pollinator patch - an intentionally planted space that supports pollinator populations through the installation of forage-friendly plant species.
UW Bothell wetlands
The North Creek wetlands on the east side of the UWB campus is one of the largest floodplain restorations in Washington state. The central boardwalk provides an “in-the-wetland” experience with interpretive signs that guide you along the way to North Creek.
Events Center space
This space between the events center and rec center provides an opportunity to stop and pay attention to the surrounding vegetation while walking on the UWB campus.
Veterans archway
The archway is a monument to honor student veterans, and looks toward the edge of the UW Bothell wetland area.
Food Forest
The UW Bothell/Cascadia College Food Forest features diverse fruits and vegetables from all around the world. You are encouraged to explore, taste and engage with the landscape. Please feel free to harvest from the plants, but leave enough for everyone else to enjoy.
Campus Farm
This space holds ten raised beds. The farm is located between the sports fields and the north parking garage.
UW Tacoma
Prairie Line Trail
Snoqualmie Library
Prairie Line Trail rain garden
Prairie Line Trail
The Prairie Line Trail through the heart of the UW Tacoma campus follows the same path as the Northern Pacific Prairie Line railroad, which was the Northwest terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad. The park is both a throughway and a place to gather – much like the railroad once made Tacoma a place of travel for many, but a place to stop, reflect and stay for others.
Snoqualmie Library
The tree-lined quad in front of the historic Snoqualmie Library Building contains many areas to sit on benches and grass while enjoying historic architecture and shade.
Prairie Line Trail rain garden
The trail through the heart of UWT's campus includes a bioretention facility, or rain garden. The plants in the rain garden are carefully selected varieties that can actually help treat the pollutants in the stormwater runoff that passes amidst them. The filtering soil media captures and holds sediment and removes pollutants from the stormwater.
About forest bathing
Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a simple relaxation activity for people of all ages to de-stress and boost their health and well-being.
Here are some tips from the UW Botanic Gardens on Forest Bathing :
- Find a place near trees or where you feel surrounded by nature.
- Commit to giving yourself 15 to 60 minutes, to participate in this activity.
- Avoid distractions such as talking or using your phone or other devices.
- When your attention wanders, gently bring it back to one of the three steps below.
- Consider practicing regularly, on your own or with others.
- Be slow, be still: Walk slowly or sit somewhere comfortable. This will help you notice as much as possible.
- Wake up the senses: What do you see, hear, smell, taste, feel? Can you become aware of one sense at a time? Notice how it feels.
- Breathe and savor: Each time you find something that interests or pleases you, hold your attention with it for a few moments. Be curious and have fun.
Repeat the three steps. When you are done, check in with how you feel. Then take a deep breath and enjoy the rest of your day.
If you have any suggestions for additional locations on the map or other changes, please email sustainability@uw.edu .