By William J. Dagendesh
A local business is being recognized for inspiring clients to explore nature as a way to heal emotionally, mentally and physically.
Caring Nature LLC, based in Colorado Springs, seeks to draw clients into nature and add nature into their life for wellness, learning, adventure, community and joy through classes, experiences and consultations.
Owner Sheree Lynn, who started the business in September, believes nature possesses healing powers, and research confirms the healing and restorative effects of nature on the body and mind.
This nature-related therapy is often referred to as ecotherapy, forest therapy, forest bathing, Shinrin-Yoku or Sami Lok.
Studies show that some trees emit invisible chemicals called phytoncides that can help reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure and improve immunity. The growing popularity of nature’s natural healing power, ecotherapy and wilderness therapy inspired Lynn to open Caring Nature, she said.
“Nature cares for us by providing food, water, medicine and mental health. Nature is caring and we should care for her. I opened Caring Nature to get people, businesses and kids out into nature, and to get nature into their ‘spaces’ to benefit their mental health,” Lynn said.
To do this, Caring Nature offers healing hikes in Garden of the Gods, one of the world’s most beautiful classrooms. Lynn has a park permit to conduct her business activities there.
Also, she provides outdoor professional development for businesses and experiential learning for schools.
Caring Nature offers art therapy courses during which people work with only natural elements. Lynn also offers seasonal-themed hikes focusing on wellness or team-building hikes tailored for organizations.
Indoor and outdoor space design for homes, schools and businesses, unique professional development for business, nature classes (gardening with native plants or art with nature) or Colorado travel consulting also are available. Outdoor experiential education includes social-emotional, ecology, environmental justice and adventure-oriented education.
“My mission is to get people back to nature for wellness and education,” said Lynn, who believes nature is the best classroom and teacher.
Lynn has a wealth of education and experiences as diverse as the clients she serves. She earned a master’s in geography and environmental science from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, a master’s in math/computer science and a master’s in educational leadership.
A Colorado Springs resident for two decades and an educator for almost that long, Lynn worked in Telluride schools and in School Districts 11 and 20, and served as an environmental scientist in Aspen. She holds a principal license for California, Colorado and Florida, and once served as a mathematics department chair and teacher.
A community activist, she leads environmental science professional development for teachers worldwide, teaches social emotional strategies to counselors from Cameroon to Fiji and has volunteered with the Camaronal Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica. Each of these experiences assists Lynn in her mission.
So far, her most popular services have been designing indoor and outdoor spaces and the art therapy courses.
“After the pandemic, there has been a mental health crisis at work and school. I use nature to improve wellness at work, home and school,” Lynn said.
Caring Nature improves sense of community, and could support the ambiance of Manitou Springs’ businesses, homes and schools, she said.
“I’m writing for a grant to provide experiential education for schools, and consult with businesses on unique professional development ideas.”
Lynn said her business offers “unique, fun, experiences that make you feel healthier. No one offers what I do.”