Rooted in Connection

Hosted by Planting Seeds Counseling Services, LLC & Inner Strength Counseling Services, LLC

Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – ~12:30 PM (timing may vary based on group flow)
Location: Sourland Mountain Preserve

About the Event

Rooted in Connection is a professional networking hike created specifically for nature-based therapists across New Jersey. This gathering offers space to step away from the office, connect on the trail, and build meaningful professional relationships grounded in shared values and a love for the outdoors.

We’ll hike approximately 2.5 miles through the wooded trails of Sourland Mountain Preserve. The terrain is rocky and uneven at times, ranging from easy to easy/moderate. Sections include natural rock formations and roots, so sturdy footwear is strongly recommended for comfort and stability. We will move at a casual pace, allowing time for conversation and connection, with our end time depending on the flow of the group.

Midway through the hike, we’ll gather at a quiet sit spot for an Intervention Exchange. Participants are invited to share a favorite outdoor therapy activity, experiential exercise, or creative nature-based tool. This collaborative exchange is designed to inspire new ideas, strengthen clinical creativity, and expand our collective nature-based toolkit.

Our intention is to cultivate a supportive, collaborative network of clinicians who recognize the outdoors as a powerful healing environment and are passionate about integrating it into therapeutic practice.

What to Expect

Casual-paced 2.5-mile group hike (rocky/uneven terrain; easy to easy/moderate overall)
Dedicated sit spot for intervention sharing and reflection
Intentional time for professional connection and collaboration
Community building with fellow NJ nature-based therapists

What to Bring

Please come prepared for time outdoors:

Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Weather-appropriate layers
Water and snacks
Sunscreen and/or bug spray as needed
Business cards
A favorite outdoor therapy intervention to share
Sit pad or small blanket for comfort during our sit-spot exchange

This event will take place rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe.

If you feel called to grow connection among New Jersey’s nature-based therapists, we would love to have you join us. Together, we can strengthen collaboration, share resources, and continue expanding how the outdoors supports healing in our clinical work. We look forward to walking alongside you and rooting this community more deeply in connection.