Qualifications
Danielle Drew
- Founder of Nurture our Nature and Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Walks (2023)
- Bachelor of Social Work (2009)
- 15yrs Experience in Community Mental Health Services
- International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) Accredited Forest Therapy Guide (March, 2023)
- Current First Aid/CPR Certified
Story
About Me: Bridging Science and Nature for Lasting Well-being
My name is Danielle Drew, and I welcome you to my world. This is a world where the scientific benefits of nature converge with personal experience to offer you a path towards profound well-being. My journey has been a testament to the transformative power of the forest, and I’d love to share this journey with you.
A Lifelong Affection for Nature
I spent my childhood on expansive acreage. From early on, I felt an enduring love of nature —an affinity that would shape my life’s trajectory. Despite my journey taking me to high-stress urban settings and a career in social work and community mental health, the call of nature remained a constant.
A Familiar Ritual, a New Discovery
Every month, I found solace on Tamborine Mountain. A gentle walk amidst the trees was my refuge—a chance to escape the chaos and reconnect with myself. Little did I know this practice had a name—forest bathing. Discovering this term through Julia Baird’s work “Phosphorescence” was a revelation, validating the innate wisdom that had guided me all along.
Navigating Grief, Embracing Transformation
The year 2021 marked a profound shift in my life— my partner’s unexpected passing led me into a time of grief and reflection. I found sanctuary in Tamborine Mountain. Here, amidst the green of the eucalypt leaves and towering giants, I discovered a place of healing and renewal. In this period, the seed of a new purpose was sown.
From Heartfelt Calling to Scientific Pursuit
Guided by the desire to share my own healing experience, I embarked on a quest for knowledge. During my research, I discovered The International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA). This organisation implements and promotes Forest Therapy as an evidence-based public health practice through international partnerships with research institutions, government bodies and other relevant stakeholders. INFTA’s research and training unveiled the scientific foundation of forest therapy—a convergence of my personal journey with evidence-based practices. This revelation became my catalyst for change, prompting me to complete the INFTA Forest Therapy Guide training program and establish guided walks on the mountain.
Nature’s Symphony of Healing
Tamborine Mountain is not just a backdrop; it’s a canvas where science and nature come together. My mission is to reveal the harmonious symphony that unfolds—how the forest lowers stress, rejuvenates the mind, and fortifies the body. This is a space where personal experience and scientific understanding merge to offer a comprehensive approach to well-being.
I invite you to participate in this transformative journey. Join me on a guided walk where you can experience the forest and rediscover your calmer, wiser self.
Memberships & Partnerships
The INTERNATIONAL NATURE AND FOREST THERAPY ALLIANCE INCORPORATED (INFTA) was founded in 2017 as a not-for-profit association
Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens have been described as ‘The Jewel in the Crown of the Scenic Rim’.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife
