Photo of trees in Mayo Park, courtesy of Nicole Brudos Ferrara.

In the Presence of Trees: A Spirit Trees Forest Therapy Experience

Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026 (Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026)

1:00 - 2:00 PM | Free

Guide: Nicole Brudos Ferrara, owner and certified guide, Damselfly Forest Therapy

Inspired by Rochester Art Center’s Spirit Trees exhibition, this one-hour program invites participants to reflect on trees as living beings, community members, and witnesses to history. We will begin with a brief experience inside the exhibition and then move outdoors among the mature trees of Mayo Park. A certified forest therapy guide will offer gentle sensory invitations designed to help participants slow down, awaken their senses, and deepen their connection with trees and nature. No prior experience is necessary. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

About the Guide

Nicole Brudos Ferrara is the owner of Damselfly Forest Therapy and a forest therapy guide certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). She is also certified in Wilderness First Aid Essentials and CPR through the Institute for Wilderness and Emergency Medicine. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English and worked as a writer, editor, and communications professional in Rochester for 28 years before an unexpected career transition inspired her to pursue forest therapy. Learn more about her forest therapy journey at damselflyforestherapy.com.