Prosser Pines Nature Preserve Mini Forest Bathing Retreats
NOTE: Prosser Pines Nature Preserve has no restroom facilities.
In 1812, William Dayton planted the first white pine seedlings on his farm in Middle Island. In 1889 the farm was sold to George Prosser who continued to nurture the Pine Plantation. As the years passed, the trees grew to almost 100 feet and seeded themselves until they covered nearly 15 acres. It became the only white pine forest on Long Island. Suffolk County purchased the land in 1967, and dedicated the property as the Prosser Pines Nature Preserve for future generations to enjoy.
Today Prosser Pines is a unique and rare forest and is one of the oldest surviving White Pine Plantations to exist on the eastern seaboard of the United States. As you hike through the quiet solitude of these pines on a thick carpet of pine needles, and look up into their treetops, the outside world seems far away.
Prosser Pines Loop Trail is a 0.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail that features a great forest setting and is good for all skill levels. The trail is accessible year-round.
Walks here at Prosser Pines are approximately 90 minutes long, based on the absence of restroom facilities. You'll get a taste of forest therapy or forest bathing that's intended to open your senses and slow you down. Hopefully, you'll find some calm and peace by the end of the walk. Your certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo, brings portable camping stools and hand warmers, in colder months, in addition to a thermos of piping hot organically foraged tea for the tea ceremony at the end of the walk. The tea may or may not be foraged on the day of the walk or from that specific location.
Ages 15 and up, please.
More about forest therapy: Like a yoga practice or meditation, forest therapy builds your mindfulness, immune system and community with each walk.
Come prepared to be outdoors with layers and anything else you might need to be a forest bather!
Forest Therapy is slow, mindful wandering in a nature area. No one needs to be an athlete! If you have any physical or health concerns, please let Linda know in advance. Even though we are walking and experiencing together, each person is on his or her own journey.