COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Social Services Division has announced the launch of a new “train-the-trainer” opportunity in collaboration with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides (ANFT).

ANFT is a global leader around Forest Therapy Guided Training, a practice, which draws on developing connections with nature and creating experiences centered in mindfulness, as ways to help improve physical and mental wellbeing. Increasingly, research points to the benefits of “forest bathing” as it may be commonly referred to, and we are hoping to train two cohorts of leaders over the next 24 months to implement these techniques within their own programs in the community. More about ANFT can be found at anft.earth.

“We’re excited to see the possibilities that come out of these trainings, that help connect community services and programming with our abundant beautiful natural spaces and trails. These programs can benefit all community members to learn ways to incorporate a variety of mindfulness techniques that can benefit them throughout their lives,” Social Services Manager Jessica Strong said.

The application period opened Tuesday and closes at 5 p.m. Friday, April 4. Applications will be reviewed and scored by a committee, with the first cohort of training guides being selected by April 11. The initial cohort will start on April 21 and continue through the fall. Full application details can be found at https://www.losalamosnm.us/Government/Departments-and-Divisions/Community-Services/Social-Services

For more information, contact Social Services Manager Jessica Strong at Jessica.strong@lacnm.us or 505.662.8068.