Thaw: A Forest Gathering

As the last grip of winter loosens and the light begins to return, the natural world invites us to meet the tender threshold of spring.

Thaw: A Forest Gathering is a gently guided experience that honors this season of gentle return... a time to notice what's softening, listen for what's waking, and enter the growing season with curiosity and care.

Our gathering will begin along the riverbank in the soft light of late afternoon. From there, we'll walk slowly, pausing to notice the signs of thaw in the landscape around us and within ourselves. As daylight softens into dusk, we'll settle into quiet reflection before gathering in small circles to share what the land has revealed.

This is an approximately 1-mile, slow-paced experience with pauses for sensory exploration, gentle prompts, solo reflection time, and optional sharing. It is accessible to most participants, with paved paths near the river and some natural terrain that may be muddy or soft in early April.

This event is for you if

• You're craving connection with nature's seasonal rhythms

• You feel the pull toward softening after winter's contraction

• You're ready to explore awakening as a gentle process, not a forceful one

• You want to honor the subtle shifts of early spring with intention and community

What to bring

• A journal and pen

• Clothing layers suitable for changing weather

• Waterproof shoes or boots (paths may be muddy)

• An optional flashlight or headlamp for the final segment in the dark

• Blanket or cushion for ground sitting (optional)

Each Forest Gathering is limited to 12 guests to ensure a deeply personal and supported experience. Advance RSVP is required*.

This event is free or pay what you want (PayPal, cash, or Venmo).

No prior experience is needed. All bodies, identities, and spiritual paths are welcome.

We will meet at the parking lot of the Riverside Park Urban Ecology Center.

To get there by bus

Visit Milwaukee County Transit System's website and use the Google Trip Planner to get door to door directions to your Riverside Park location by bus! We are located along the Green line express route. Get off the bus at Park Place (2600 block of Oakland). Walk west on Park Place for two blocks. The Urban Ecology Center will be on the right, and the parking lot is just beyond that on the left.

To get there by bicycle

The Urban Ecology Center is located on the Oak Leaf Recreational Trail. Take the trail from the south past North Avenue. You will see the Urban Ecology Center building on your right; it's the one with an observation tower. From the North take the trail past Locust Street and Riverside High School. The parking lot is across the street from the Center.

Parking information

There is a parking lot for Riverside Park. When driving west follow Park Place past the Urban Ecology Center over the bridge and turn left to enter the parking lot.

*Consent form must be signed if you've never attended an event with Holly before.