Co-founder of Philadelphia Ecotherapy, Nate Schlingmann, will lead a special Earth Day guided hike and meditation to help you rekindle your connection to nature as a source of inspiration and healing. We’ll gather at the iconic Belmont Plateau, where on April 22, 1970, one of the largest and most influential Earth Day gatherings was held. Notable speakers included Senator Edmund Muskie, activist Ralph Nader, and poet Allen Ginsberg. 53 years later, we will continue in the spirit of that day by finding strength and companionship in a community of fellow nature lovers.

We will hike for about 2.5 miles on the Trolley Trail, stopping to listen and closely observe the natural surroundings. Our journey will lead us to several small tributary creeks, where we will spread out in seated positions at water’s edge, and collectively meditate accompanied by the reassuring rhythmic sounds of the flowing water. We will join in with the sound of the creek with our own spontaneous humming and whistling and in this way, show our love for the water. This practice of listening to water and reciprocating with sound, “Creek Drinking” (not literally of course!)

This event will connect you to nature and develop your meditative practice. It will help you find your breath in tune with the creek’s flow so you can let troublesome thoughts wash away downstream.

Estimated distance: usually about 2.5 miles
Level: varies (see above)
Terrain: combination of flat open parkland and hilly trails

IMPORTANT: We will leave a few minutes after the scheduled start time (3 pm). Please arrive at the departure location at least 5 minutes early. We cannot guarantee that latecomers can join after the group has departed.

TICKET PRICES: Pay what you can – $15, $20, or $25
[ Not sure what to pay? Please refer to this Sliding Scale Pricing FAQ for additional info. ]

---

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• Please dress according to weather conditions.
• Please wear sturdy shoes, comfy clothes and bring water, a snack and, if you would find it helpful, a small meditation cushion (or towel) that you can carry with you during the hike.
• Appropriate for adults and mature adolescents

PARKING: There is plenty of free parking in the park. As always, NEVER leave valuables in your car! 

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS:  By registering for this event you are agreeing to follow ALL of these protocols:

• This event has limited capacity. Please only register if you fully intend to attend and let us know if you need to cancel ASAP.
• If you or anyone in your household are exhibiting COVID-19 systems, please stay home.

---

Enjoy our programs? Become a Supporter of Fairmount Park Conservancy to help ensure that Philadelphia’s parks are enhanced for generations to come! Supporters enjoy special benefits like early registration access for events and our Park Perk Pass, which offers discounts and benefits throughout Philadelphia.

---

INSTRUCTOR BIO: Co-Founder of Philadelphia Ecotherapy, Nate Schlingmann MA, MS, LPC is a Psychotherapist and Career Counselor working in private practice at Walk Your Path LLC. With experience in helping clients realize confidence in their relationships and career goals using an eclectic mix of Gestalt and Mindfulness based techniques. He currently leads three different groups. He practices Ecotherapy in both his individual and group sessions in the Wissahickon park. He received his MA at Naropa University where he was also trained as a certified mindfulness instructor. Read more: www.walkyourpath.org