AUGUST HEALTH & WELLNESS MONTH
Focus on Health and Wellness in Nature
Spending extended time in nature has been documented to offer physical and mental benefits for people, including reduced stress and better heart health. Blue Heron Nature Preserve is delighted to partner with Northside Hospital for the fifth consecutive year for free August Wellness Month programs. Together, we promote extended time outdoors being informed, inspired, and active along the creeks, woodlands, and wetlands at the Preserve.
Join us for this year’s events!
Morning Yoga in the Woodlands
Saturday, August 2nd, 9am
Yoga is known to improve flexibility, balance, and mental clarity, and studies show that even brief exposure to forested environments can reduce stress hormones and boost mood. Enjoy the benefits of both as you start your weekend with an outdoor yoga class beside the flowing waters of Nancy Creek. Nestled among the trees of the Preserve, this all-levels session invites you to stretch, breathe, and move in rhythm with the natural world.
Certified instructor TJ Mangrum will guide you through mindful movement with a focus on accessibility and alignment. Variations are offered throughout to support different bodies, abilities, and experience levels, making this a welcoming space whether you’re brand new to yoga or returning to your mat.
We will meet at the Blue Heron main building and walk into the woodlands for class. Please bring a bottle of water, a mat or towel, and dress comfortably for movement.
Spaces are limited, and registration is required to attend. Sign up HERE→
Birds of Blue Heron: A Guided Walk
Saturday, August 9th, 9am
Spending time in nature can sharpen your focus and lift your mood—and birdwatching offers a perfect way to slow down and tune in. This gentle morning walk through the trails of Blue Heron will help you notice more of the life around you, guided by two experienced Master Birders.
Mamie Kerr and Mike Blakeney, graduates of the Birds Georgia Master Birder Program, will lead the way as we explore the Preserve’s woodlands and wetlands in search of feathered visitors. Mamie is also the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited of Atlanta, our wonderful neighbor just up the road, where backyard birders can find expert guidance and high-quality bird feeding supplies.
This walk is a relaxed, beginner-friendly experience for anyone curious about birds or seeking a quiet, meaningful way to connect with the outdoors. Please bring binoculars if you have them, and dress for walking on natural trails. We will meet at the Blue Heron main building before heading out together.
Spaces are limited, and registration is required to attend. Sign up HERE→
Healing Sounds in Nature
Saturday, August 16th, 10 am
Sound healing invites stillness, clarity, and rest—and in a natural setting, its effects can feel even more powerful. Join us for an immersive outdoor sound bath that blends calming frequencies with the steady grounding of the forest.
Guided by certified sound healing practitioner Corrie Roberson of The Seed to Star Collective, this session weaves together the sounds of quartz crystal singing bowls, gongs, and chimes to guide you into deep relaxation. These sounds help regulate the nervous system, ease stress, and support a meditative state—ideal for renewal in nature’s calming presence. You’ll be invited to lie down, get comfortable, and simply rest. Many participants report feeling lighter, more centered, and deeply restored after just one session.
No prior experience is needed. This is a non-movement class designed for quiet inner rest and nervous system support. Please bring a mat or blanket, water, and dress for comfort. We will meet at the Blue Heron main building and walk into the woodlands for the session.
Spaces are limited, and registration is required to attend. Sign up HERE→
Herbs & Healing Plants: A Guided Walk
Saturday, August 23rd, 9am
Plants have long offered healing to those who know how to listen. On this gentle trail walk, you’ll explore the natural medicine growing all around us and learn how herbs can support wellness in everyday life.
Led by local herbalist and integrative nutritionist Staci Rieder, this walk introduces you to the edible and medicinal plants that grow along the trails of Blue Heron. With decades of experience in herbalism and nutrition, Staci shares stories, identification tips, and guidance on how to build a deeper relationship with the plants that surround us.
Along the way, you’ll sample nourishing herbal infusions and gain insight into how ancient plant wisdom still has a place in modern wellness practices. Whether you’re new to herbs or have been curious for years, this experience offers a thoughtful and hands-on introduction to healing from the ground up.
Please wear comfortable shoes for walking natural trails, and bring a bottle of water. Meet at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve main building entrance to join.
Spaces are limited, and registration is required to attend. Sign up HERE→
Big thanks to our sponsor Northside Hospital for making this series possible and free to the public
