Josephine County announced the opening and dedication of the EcoRECOVERY Trail at Fish Hatchery Park, marking a significant milestone in nature-based wellness initiatives across the region. The trail has been officially certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, making it the first designated Forest Therapy Trail in Oregon and the only certified trail of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The new designation places Josephine County at the forefront of a growing national movement that integrates outdoor recreation with therapeutic health practices.
A certified forest therapy trail is designed to promote healing, reduce stress, and enhance personal connection with the natural environment. These trails encourage participants to engage in slow, sensory-based experiences often described as forest bathing. Certification criteria include safety standards, accessibility elements, and ecological diversity. Trails must feature gentle terrain, varied plant life, and access to natural water, all of which contribute to the calm and reflective atmosphere that forest therapy seeks to create. Fish Hatchery Park met the required benchmarks after a thorough review of its natural characteristics, trail structure, and overall visitor experience.
The project was spearheaded by community member and EcoRECOVERY founder Dawn Cogliser, whose work focuses on integrating wellness, environmental awareness, and community engagement. Josephine County Parks partnered with EcoRECOVERY throughout the process, recognizing the value such a designation brings to public health and local outdoor programming. The county noted that residents have long expressed how natural spaces played a role in their recovery from emotional or physical challenges, and the new certification formalizes what many have already experienced firsthand.
Fish Hatchery Park has been a long-time favorite for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and hikers. The new EcoRECOVERY Trail adds a specialized layer of purpose for visitors seeking a more mindful or restorative experience. The trail’s layout highlights the park’s biodiversity, from native trees and understory plants to the nearby water features that contribute to the tranquil environment. These elements create an ideal setting for guided or independent forest therapy walks, which emphasize deep breathing, sensory awareness, and intentional observation of the surrounding landscape.
The introduction of the certified trail is also expected to help expand local tourism opportunities and promote Josephine County as a destination for wellness-based travel. Forest therapy trails in other parts of the country have drawn visitors seeking natural remedies for stress, anxiety, and fatigue. As the only certified trail in the Pacific Northwest, Fish Hatchery Park now stands out as a unique resource for both residents and travelers.
Guided forest therapy walks are currently offered on the last Sunday of each month, giving individuals the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sights, scents, and calming pace of the trail under the guidance of trained practitioners. Additional community events, educational programs, and wellness activities may be developed as interest grows and more residents learn about the practice of forest therapy.
The certification of the EcoRECOVERY Trail marks an important step in connecting public health with natural spaces. Josephine County leaders and community partners hope the new trail will serve as a model for similar wellness-focused outdoor projects in Oregon and beyond.