Root & Bloom: A Spring Wellness and Nature Retreat

Root & Bloom: A Spring Wellness & Nature Retreat Day

Replenish your whole self with mindfulness at the breathtaking Meadowlark Botanical Gardens this spring! Journey with us through a transformative day of wellness featuring nature therapy, sound meditation, gentle yoga, and a nourishing meal – all culminating in a magical sunset gathering. Limited spaces available.

Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 2:00-8:30pm | All adults welcome (18+ years) | Reserve your spot today!

Early Bird Registration (until March 28): $110
Regular Registration (March 29 through April 19): $130

Your Journey to Wellness with Nature

"Modern life can be exhausting and soul-sucking. Reconnect with nature and exhale fully."

Immerse in Belonging and Peace with Nature Therapy: Feel the spring breeze on your skin, listen to a soundscape of birdsong, and discover the profound peace that comes from truly slowing down in nature. Relax into the art of "forest bathing" as you awaken your senses to reconnect with nature within and all around you. Reduce stress, boost creativity, and rekindle your inner radiance through mindful and bodyful sensory invitations.

Release, Restore, and Reconnect with Sound Meditation & Breathwork: We invite you on an immersive journey of sound, breath, and spring blooms. Through therapeutic soundscapes and intentional breathwork, we support you in releasing tension, restoring balance, and reconnecting with your inner stillness—while attuning to the natural harmony that surrounds you.

Embody Mindfulness with Nature-Inspired Yoga: Move in harmony with nature through mindful movement and gentle yoga. Allow the physical sensations in your body to guide your movement, releasing stress and grounding you within nature’s embrace. All levels welcome, no experience needed.

Create a Sunset Nature Mandala: Throughout your journey, gather small natural treasures from each session. As the day softens into evening, join in a meaningful community practice of creating a shared mandala – weaving together our experiences as the sun paints the sky over Lake Caroline.

What Makes This Retreat Special?

Warm-Hearted Community Experience: Enjoy meaningful connections and personal attention from our expert facilitators during three rejuvenating small group wellness sessions and connect with our full group during beautiful opening and closing sessions.

Beautiful Spring Gardens: Enjoy exclusive after-hours evening access and experience the gardens awakening with spring blooms in peaceful woodlands, meditative meadows, and tranquil ponds.

Guided Garden Walks: Discover hidden garden gems between wellness sessions with our knowledgeable guides.

Multiple Wellness Practices: Experience the synergy of different restorative practices in one transformative day, connect with experienced facilitators, and explore how each practice uniquely replenishes and reconnects you.

Savor a fresh seasonal dinner and dessert in the gardens, thoughtfully prepared with both chicken and plant-based options. Our menu includes a buffet of garden greens salad with slice pears, toasted walnuts and poppy seed dressing; rustic chicken salad, Mediterranean Orzo with feta and almonds, southwest black bean and roasted corn salad, breads with herb butter, refreshing mint-orange tea, and seasonal fruit with spiced ginger crisp cookies. Options available for dietary restrictions shared during registration.

Take-Home Practices: Learn practical techniques to continue nourishing your wellness and nature connection journey.

Your Experience Includes
• Three restorative small group wellness sessions.
• Two inspiring full group sessions.
• Guided garden tours between sessions.
• Fresh seasonal snacks and water refills.
• Al fresco dinner, dessert, and tea.
• Take-home wellness and nature practices.
• Exclusive evening access to the gardens.

Meet Your Expert Facilitators
• Ilana Rubin (she/her), Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, Founder of Kindred Nature.
• Toni Kim (she/her), Sound & Breathwork Facilitator, Inner SoundCollective.
• Lauren Lang, Yoga Teacher, Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, Within Nature’s Embrace.

FAQs

Registration & Payment

How do I register for the retreat? Advance registration is required. Simply select ENROLL NOW. Early bird registration is $110 per person until March 28, and regular registration is $130 per person March 29-April 19.

What's included in the registration fee? Your registration includes three small group wellness sessions, two full group sessions, guided garden walks with guides between sessions, seasonal snacks and refreshments, dinner and dessert, and exclusive after-hours garden access.

What is your cancellation policy? Refunds or registration transfers are available until Saturday, April 26. Email jmaloney@nvrpa.org for any registration changes.

Event Details

Is this retreat suitable for beginners? Who is welcome at this retreat? Yes! All adults (18+) are welcome, and no prior experience is needed. All activities are designed to include those who are novice and those who are experienced in mindfulness practices.

What time and where should I arrive? Please arrive at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Visitor Center, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA, by 2:00 PM. Enter the Visitor Center where you will be be directed to the Entry Garden to check in and meet the group.

What if there’s “bad weather?” The retreat proceeds rain or shine, and we can provide ponchos if needed. If hazardous weather is forecast for May 3, we will contact you and reschedule to our backup date of Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Preparation & Accommodations

What should I wear? Wear comfortable clothing suitable for gentle movement and outdoor activities. Bring layers for temperature changes throughout the day, and bring a change of clothing in case of light rain. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as we'll be on both paved and unpaved surfaces.

What should I bring? Please bring your own water bottle (water refills provided), an optional change of clothes, weather-appropriate layers, any personal items that support your comfort, and something to carry any personal items with you.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions? Yes! We can offer a variety of dietary options. Please specify any dietary restrictions or allergies during registration.

Can you accommodate different abilities or physical limitations? Yes! Activities can be modified for most abilities. Please inform us of any accommodation needs during registration so we can support a comfortable experience for you.

Have questions? Please contact Program Manager Jules Maloney at jmaloney@nvrpa.org or 703-255-3631 x105.

NOVA PARKS ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

The nature and scope of the activity I am registering for has been fully explained to me by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks). As a participant in this activity, I recognize that there are risks and dangers associated with this activity including, but not limited to, serious injury and/or fatality. I understand that NOVA Parks, its employees, volunteers, agents, heirs and assigns, operators, staff, or instructors do not guarantee the safety of participants with respect to this activity. I also understand that each participant has the responsibility to exercise due care in the performance of the activity for the safety of himself/herself and of the other participants. In consideration of being permitted to engage in this activity, I assume all the risks and liability that may arise from my involvement and participation in this activity. I further agree to adhere to all NOVA Parks’ rules and regulations. I understand that these standards are intended to reduce the risks of injury of persons and destruction of property, but do not guarantee that personal injury or destruction of property will not occur.

I will hold harmless and fully indemnify NOVA Parks, its officers, employees, volunteers, agents, heirs and assigns from an and all claims, damages, actions, liability and expense now and in the future, in connection with any and all personal and bodily injury and/or damage or theft to my personal property, be it foreseen or unforeseen.

If participant is under 18 years of age, parent or legal guardian must read and understand this Assumption of Risk and Indemnification Agreement. The parent or legal guardian must initial/sign to accept.

If you have any questions or concerns prior to participating in this activity, please speak with a NOVA Park official.

This agreement is severable. It is enforceable as to the remaining parts, if any part is deemed unenforceable by law.

Participants must answer the custom question to acknowledge they have read and agree to this Assumption of Risk and Indemnification Agreement. Minors require the signature of their parent or legal guardian.

NOVA PARKS PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE

I, hereby grant and authorize NOVA Parks the right to use, publish and distribute any and all photographs, sound, and/or video recordings of me, and/or my minor child (listed below), for any lawful promotional materials including, but not limited to, newsletters, flyers, posters, brochures, advertisements, annual reports, websites, social networking sites, and other print and digital communications, now known or hereafter to become known, without payment or any other consideration.

I understand and agree that these materials shall become the property of NOVA Parks and will not be returned. I waive the right to inspect or approve any finished product in which my likeness appears, including a written or electronic copy.

This authorization extends to all languages, media, formats, and markets now known or later discovered. This authorization shall continue indefinitely unless I otherwise revoke this authorization in writing.

I hereby hold harmless and release NOVA Parks from all liability, petitions, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons may make while acting on my behalf or on behalf of my estate.