Wellbeing In Nature & Community (WINC) Project

The WINC Project works to increase connection and engagement with outdoor spaces to build and support mental health and wellbeing for all people.  Join us for fun, educational, and interactive gatherings in green spaces around Winona. Events will include opportunities such as: time spent in nature, education and tips focused on mental health, mindfulness activities and an opportunity to  connect with others.  These gatherings are led by local mental health providers and outdoor enthusiasts.

All WINC gatherings and activities are FREE and open to the general public thanks to the generous funding from the Winona Community Foundation.  

Ways to get involved!

The WINC Project partners with  Big River Climbing Guides for:

An afternoon of hiking and free outdoor rock climbing with a focus on increasing connection and emotional wellbeing in outdoor spaces.

Thursday, October 19th, 3:30-6pm, Sugar Loaf Trail, FREE
Space is limited to 12 participants (ages 16 years and older).  Registration is required- click here to register!

 Meet WINC Project Leaders, Trish Johnson and Shaylee Walsh, at the base of the Sugar Loaf Trail, 825 E Lake Blvd, Winona.  Enjoy fresh air, forest immersion and nature-focused mindfulness activities while hiking to Sugar Loaf.  At the top, Big River Climbing Guides (BRCG) will provide professional instruction and rock-climbing opportunities.  BRCGs uses the highest safety standards and participants can choose their level of engagement and challenge. All rock-climbing equipment will be provided.

 This WINC Project offering is FREE to all participants thanks to a generous grant from the Winona Community Foundation and the professional team from Big River Climbing Guides. The WINC Project is a series of nature-based offerings and events led by professionally trained mental health therapists.  WINC Project is a program of Winona’s Dharma River organization.

For additional information about Big River Climbing Guides- www.bigriverclimbingguides.com

September 2023 offerings

The WINC Project partners with the Winona Public Library and Driftless Regional Read for:

WINC Lake Walks and Gatherings
Description:
Join us for fun, educational, and interactive gatherings that include time spent in nature, mental health topics and tips for healthy coping skills, mindfulness exercises and activities,  and an opportunity to stroll around the lake with others.  These gatherings are led by local mental health providers and outdoor enthusiasts. Offerings are appropriate for individuals and families; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.  
Details and Logistics:
Meet at East Lake Lodge, 113 Lake Park Drive, Winona
Friday, September 8th 1-3pm
Saturday, September 9th -10am-12pm
Monday, September 18th – 4-6pm

WINC Nature Strolls
Description:
Join us for interactive nature strolls in our beautiful Winona community.  The WINC Nature Strolls focus on connecting people to nature and each other, with an emphasis on mental health and wellbeing.  They are led by local mental health providers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Details and Logistics:
Monday, September 11th, 10-11:15am to explore the Flyway Trail
(park and meet in Latsch Beach parking lot)
Friday, Oct 6th, 10-11:15am – to explore Prairie Island Loop
(park and meet in the former “deer park” parking lot,  915 Prairie Island Rd, Winona)

Please click here to register for the WINC Nature Strolls

WINC Retreat
Description:
Join the WINC Project for a nature & well-being retreat at the beautiful Holzinger Lodge in Winona.  This retreat is open to all ages 16 years and older and will provide connection with nature, conversation, education and helpful tips about mental wellbeing.  Trained mental health care providers and nature enthusiasts will lead interactive mindfulness practices, movement, hiking, art, play and ideas about how to stay engaged with nature all year long.  Hot tea and light snacks will be provided by Bluff Country Co-op.
Details and Logistics:
Oct 1st , 1-4pm at Holzinger Lodge
(meet at the lodge, 925 W Lake Blvd, Winona)

Please click here to register for the WINC Retreat