Healing Tree Path takes root at Bruyère Health's Centretown Site
10/01/2026
A new initiative is taking root at our Centretown Site. On September 25, Bruyère Health launched the Healing Tree Path pilot, an initiative designed to encourage connection with nature and support well-being.
Led by Nichelle Bradley, a member of our Social Work team, the Healing Tree Path is a planetary health and social prescribing initiative that encourages patients, residents, loved ones, staff, volunteers, and community members to experience the benefits of meaningful connections with nature.
Research shows that spending time among trees can help reduce stress, improve mood, support mental health, and foster a greater sense of connection. Trees also release natural compounds called phytoncides, which research shows can help reduce stress hormones and enhance our sense of well-being.
The path supports Bruyère Health's commitment to reconciliation and planetary health by creating a deeper connection to the land on which we stand, and acknowledging that our work takes place on the unceded and unsurrendered Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.
Over the next three years, Healing Tree Path stations will be introduced across our sites, with a long-term goal of creating 10 stations at each location.
We invite you to visit the four designated trees outside our Centretown Site. Follow the signage to guide your reflection, take a seat on the bench, and give yourself a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself and nature.
Learn more about this initiative by watching the introductory video below, and taking part in the guided meditation, here.
