Trail Certification

Trail certification provides a new method for engaging your members, the public, and developing new partnerships. Let people know that your land is a place where they can experience Forest Therapy. Health care organizations, botanic gardens, resorts, spas and groups that promote healthy living are potential partners for developing Forest Therapy programs.

Having signs promoting a designated Forest Therapy trail increases public awareness of the health benefits of being in forests. People who see the trail sign will likely have their curiosity piqued about Forest Therapy and want more information about the practice and where they can find Forest Therapy scheduled events. This is an opportunity to direct them to your programming.

Two Categories of Certified Trails

ANFT Guided

Trails where an ANFT trained guide will conduct Forest Therapy walks. Trails in this category are designed to enhance the experience of guided Forest Therapy walks through basic infrastructure and accessibility alterations.

Self Guided

Trails where signage allows visitors to replicate the experience of a guided Forest Therapy session without a guide. Such trails are often modified through the addition of signage designed specifically to allow visitors to guide themselves.

Steps to Trail Certification

Phase 1

The focus is on assessing the trail, offering recommendations for trail modifications, and on matching forest therapy invitations to specific places along the trail. We conduct an on-site visit and complete the trail application, trail assessment, trail recommendations form, a trail map and document the trail with photo and video.

Phase 2

Land managers are responsible for making all recommended essential improvements to the trail and should consider the non-essential trail improvements as well. We will be available to answer questions during this process.

Phase 3

We return to revise the trail assessment, document site improvements, and within a few weeks you should receive your official status as a Certified Forest Therapy Trail!

Begin the Certification Process

Thank you for working to help people connect more deeply with nature! Please use this form to contact us. We will respond shortly to answer any questions and discuss details.