An Autonomous, Contemplative, Educational, Alternative, Nature Park Experience Open to the Public

Wellness Woods

Nestled within 8000 pristine acres of PA State Game Lands 35 in the Endless Mountains of Susquehanna County PA, we offer a special place for groups and individuals to engage in wellness workshops, yoga, meditation, biodiversity, nature art, and other classes; as well as provide the public extraordinary hiking experiences for forest enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. By restoring and expanding our historic trails connecting our trailhead and lookout point to the waterfalls and 8th highest peak in the county just beyond our eastern border, we provide the public with a peaceful and harmonious alternative to conventional hunting culture. Individuals, families, groups, and programs visiting our grounds should support sustainability principles consistent with the Forest School Association, the International Union of Forest Research Organizations, the Peace Trails Initiative of the World Trails Network, the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance Network, and the Peace Forest Initiative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Come alone, with family, students, or your wellness group to explore our cathartic trails and experience all the flora and fauna our contemplative nature preserve has to offer.

A Word About Us

We are a federally-recognized, tax-exempt, nonprofit organization offering nature wellness experiences that foster and promote ecological preservation principles to inspire new generations of users at all recreational levels and abilities to live in harmony with the planet.

Wellness Woods will be open dawn to dusk daily starting in 2024 thanks to William J. Baker and Relief and Research International. Our day park is a nature preserve intended for educational and meditative purposes and is operated entirely by uncompensated volunteers. There are many species of wildlife throughout our mountainous forest habitat, therefore hunting, fishing, camping, drinking, smoking, or food consumption is strictly forbidden.

Because our privately-owned nature preserve is a Certified Wildlife Habitat and is home to a wide variety of designated endangered, vulnerable, and threatened species: fires, firearms (not even with a conceal carry permit), camouflage, other hunting attire or accoutrements, animal hormone attractants, garbage, metal detecting, drones, emotional support or other companion pets (even with a license), religious or political proselytizing, and all for-profit activities are prohibited. Sunscreen, bug repellant, and the buddy system are strongly recommended. Ability to access cell phone networks is highly unpredictable due to our fluctuating terrain that in places is 1800 + ft. in elevation. ADA-designated service animals for the disabled under control and on a leash with appropriate documentation are always welcome. For a full list of restrictions and restricted activities, see the Commonwealth of PA's DCNR Park Rules and Regulations.

Informal small private wellness and/or educational groups using our facilities are expected to make occasional donations on a sliding scale using an honor system. Reservations for larger group events (20 or more people) are required. Volunteers who can help maintain the grounds (especially mowing) are encouraged. Tax deductible financial donations are accepted by mail at the PO Box address provided or by using our Donate link below. Our activity archive is accessible by using our Document link below. An inability to donate money or time will never be an obstacle for individuals or groups to visit or use our nature preserve.

Home: About

Cultivating Community Gardens
and Future Farmers

Wellness Woods Nature Preserve is dedicated to reducing ecological distances and enhancing community preservation ethos through our various initiatives. Whether casual family outings, organized school groups, or senior environmental immersion days; we strive to offer deep ecological knowledge and experiences accessible for all.

Wheel Chair Trails

Despite several unsuccessful attempts to secure grant funding, we have been unable to develop a large scale wheelchair trail project. Instead, we are building our own (non-ADA compliant) sidewalk loop to allow our disabled friends and family to access at least some of our nature preserve's topographical features including our retention pond and newly-planted baby tree forest forming our riparian buffer. Please help us expand our inclusive 'Sidewalk for the Disabled' through donations of time, money, materials, and equipment to bring these goals to fruition.

Developing Cooperation and Leadership

Environmental immersion with groups and team leaders help young people develop survival skills and cooperative team work so crucial for wellness and inner harmony. Be a part of the global 'Forest School' movement at Wellness Woods Nature Preserve. Our children must become future stewards of the earth to save the planet.

Home: What We Do

Yoga and Mindfulness Education

Only by learning and practicing ancient principles of breathing and stillness will we begin to learn mindfulness, self care, and how to live in peace and harmony with all living things.

Practice Your Light Footprint

We are a humble nonprofit with no budget or staff for maintenance, therefore please practice reducing your footprint on our protected lands by removing all your garbage when you leave. If our trail cams capture any violation of these principles, as a privately-owned park we reserve the right to permanently deny entrance or services to any one person, family, or group who is polluting our park.

"The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe around us, the less taste we shall have for destruction."

Rachel Carson, Biologist
and author of 'Silent Spring'

Home: Quote

Contact us at Relief and Research International

Write to us at RRI to learn more about our work and find out why we'll need you to volunteer, donate funds or services, host your occasional group, have your one-time special event, or reserve our woods with your donation. Thank you for all you do to help us save our planet through alternatives ways of being.

PO Box 333 New Milford, PA 18834

reliefandresearch@gmail.com