Dunes Learning Center has championed stewardship and sustainability since 1998 through their environmental education programs. But sustainable living doesn’t begin with waste reduction or water conservation, it begins with a mindful awareness.
“We must acknowledge and understand how our behaviors and lifestyles impact the world around us... How they affect our relationships, our community, and subsequently, the environment,” says Heather Hahn Sullivan, Executive Director at DLC.
There is a connection between humanity and nature that is deeper than most realize. Dr. Matthew Johnson, MD, is a forest and nature medicine specialist and studies the effects of forest bathing. He states, “If a person spends only 15 minutes a day under a healthy canopy of trees, we see measurable improvements in both wellness and medical outcomes. When humankind begins with generosity to nature, nature gives us back tenfold.”
Dunes Learning Center is offering wellness workshops to the community to learn, engage, and make an effective change. On Sunday, May 19, Cynthia Smith will return to DLC for a fully guided practice in the art of Shinrin~Yoku (Forest Bathing). Forest Bathing has been proven to provide many benefits for the spirit, mind and body. This workshop is an invitation to be in nature and bring one closer to the “nurture of nature.” It is open to all ages 18 and over, with a cost of $35 per person.
The mission of Dunes Learning Center is to inspire lasting curiosity and stewardship with nature. DLC hopes to inspire a well-rounded view of sustainability, not only to the stewards of tomorrow, but also to those of today. For more community workshops and upcoming events, please visit www.DunesLearningCenter.org/events.
Dunes Learning Center, a nonprofit organization and the education partner of Indiana Dunes National Park, is committed to inspire lasting curiosity and stewardship of nature. Since its inception in 1998, over 175,000 students from diverse communities and backgrounds have participated in their programs to discover, learn, explore, and reflect on the science and wonder of nature. DLC programs are held across northwest Indiana in Porter, La Porte and Lake counties. Immersive onsite programming and lodging is available year round, and is accredited by the American Camp Association