County Social Services: Become a Certified Forest Therapy Guide
Published on November 24, 2025
The Los Alamos County Social Services Division is excited to announce the opportunity for community members to become a Certified Forest Therapy Guide. This “train-the-trainer” cohort, hosted by the County and in collaboration with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides (ANFT), introduces the practice which draws on developing connections with nature and creating experiences centered in mindfulness, as ways to help improve physical and mental wellbeing. Applications are open now for the program beginning January 26, 2026.
The program consists of a 6-month remote training, meeting once a week from 2-4 p.m. Participants will complete weekly assignments, learn hands-on experiential lessons, lead small groups into nature, and report back on their experiences through an online learning platform. The virtual training will be followed by an in-person immersion in Los Alamos with the entire cohort in late May 2026.
To apply, interested parties may submit a letter of interest by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. Applications will be reviewed and scored by a committee and individuals will be notified of their acceptance on Friday, Dec. 19. More details about the application and certification process can be found on the Social Services webpage.
This free program is open to all community members ages 18+. There is no assumption of minimum fitness ability; applicants of all backgrounds, abilities, and lived experiences are welcome to apply. ANFT is a global leader in Forest Therapy Guided Training. Visit their website for more information.
To experience nature therapy, all are invited to register for Forest Bathing: An Introduction by Kristie Coblentz, to be held at Mesa Library on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 1-3 p.m. Kristine Coblentz recently became certified as an ANFT Guide with the first cohort of trainees. 15 seats are available.