Nature Trails at Well Being Retreat Center
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The Fire Circle Trail at Well Being Retreat Center is certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT).- the first in Tennessee. The 1/4 mile long trail has signage to invite users to pause and notice various aspects of their immediate environment. Engaging with Nature in this mindful way has been demonstrated to have significant physiological benefits. Each year, ANFT holds Immersion trainings here as part of their Guider certification process. Christine Hoyer (pictured) is an ANFT Certified Guide and leads nature oriented retreats and trainings here at Well Being Retreat Center. More information HERE.
Wildlife Viewing
We don't hunt on the land and we don't allow dogs and cats on the land. We like both dogs and cats, but dogs chase deer and cats are hard on songbirds. So we allow the native wildlife here to live without fear of bullets or harassment by domestic animals. Now, fifteen years later, the deer have chilled out and no longer run away in terror. They sometimes look up if you drive by - but not always. Often, they are seen grazing in the pastures at dusk.
By casual birdwatching, we have identified 59 species of birds on the land. There are beaver, river otter, blue herons and wood ducks in the river. Bald eagles will do an occasional flyby. Sometimes a flock of wild turkeys will visit. And often we are entertained by the raucous laughter of a pileated woodpecker or startled by the pre-historic cry of a blue heron late at night or delighted by rabbits slowly hopping by.
Trail Building
About 1 1/2 miles of walking trails have been built at Well Being Retreat Center, often along forested hillsides with lots of rocks and roots to work our way through. Over 60 people volunteered to help build these trails over seven different work weekends. The trail building was hard work, but they have been enjoyed by many.