Human Nature is a 3 night/4 day nature connection immersion at Red Clover Ranch in Soldiers Grove, WI - August 28-31 2025. This retreat is led by certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Gwen Ripp of Intentionally Outdoors. 

Together we will nourish ourselves by nurturing our intrinsic bond with the Earth and embarking on a sensory immersion designed to reconnect you with the natural world and, ultimately, with yourself. We will gather among the Driftless land where you will have the freedom to be with nature to find your own authentic human nature.

Human Nature is not simply a retreat it is an arrival home to your body and to the Earth. A return to our true essence as humans to be with nature, to nourish our bodies with the bounty of the land, to return love and care to the Earth and to create connections with other humans. 

You do not need to have any experience with Forest Therapy to participate in this retreat. First-time participants are warmly welcomed and encouraged to join.

Please read the terms and conditions for this retreat: Terms and Conditions 

What is Forest Therapy?

Forest Therapy, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing, involves immersing yourself in nature through all five senses. Unlike a hike or exercise, Forest Therapy focuses on nurturing your relationship with nature and yourself, fostering relaxation and rejuvenation. Your guide will lead you through a series of sensory-based invitations designed to encourage mindful interactions with nature. During a guided walk we move at a leisurely pace with opportunities to connect and share with fellow participants.

Potential Health Benefits:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Improved quality of sleep
• Improved cognitive functioning and creativity 
• Burnout prevention
• Deeper connection with nature
• And more…

Gwen Ripp is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy guide. Nature and Forest Therapy Guides are not licensed therapists and do not diagnose or treat mental or emotional health conditions. Their role is to facilitate a nature-based experience for personal enrichment and connection.

This retreat is for you if you… 

• Desire the balance of alone time and moments of genuine human connection.
• You honestly just need some time away from the noise of everyday life.
• Desire to slow down.
• Enjoy spending time outdoors or being immersed in nature.
• Spending time outdoors is not something you often have time for in your everyday life but it sparks your curiosity and calls to you.
• Want to connect with yourself and your body through movement and presence. 
• Value farm-to-table food and want to nourish yourself with the bounty of the Earth. 
• Want to breathe in fresh air, feel the sun on your face, lay beneath the stars and see the beauty of this unique landscape of the Driftless region.

We will arrive at Red Clover Ranch beginning at 3pm Thursday. We will gather to set our intentions for our time together and begin weaving connections through arriving in our bodies, meeting each other and the land. Then we will arrive in the main dinning space to snack on appetizers and drinks before dinner. After dinner spend time around the campfire, in the sauna or an after dinner walk.

Spend your morning sleeping in, or going for a walk. We will gather together at 8:30am for breakfast. (Coffee and tea are available starting at 7:30am). After breakfast Gwen will guide the group on your first Forest Therapy walk of the weekend. Lunch will be served midday.

The afternoon offers the choice to participate in a yoga or dance session or the spaciousness to honor what your body desires - a trip to the swimming hole, laying in the grass reading a book, going for a hike… As the evening arrives we will gather for dinner. After dinner spend time in the sauna or gather for epic stargazing or campfire chats.

Spend your morning sleeping in or perhaps going for a walk to greet the day. We will gather together at 8:30am for breakfast. (Coffee and tea are available starting at 7:30am). After breakfast Gwen will guide the group on your second Forest Therapy walk of the weekend. Lunch will be served midday.

In the afternoon the group will set off on your own solo exploration of the land. This is your time to explore, create, and deeply connect with the land and yourself. After our solo wanders we will gather for sharing and storytelling. Dinner will be served in the evening. After dinner spend time in the sauna or gather for epic stargazing or campfire chats on our last night together.

Before breakfast we will gather to share gratitude with the land and revisit our intentions. We will come together one last time for a hearty send off breakfast. After breakfast we will say our goodbyes and depart by 11am, until next time.