Meet Your Guide: Ana Leilani Ka’ahanui
“Nature is not a place to visit. It’s home.”
For 20 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of sustainability and the built environment. But my heart has always lived in the “unscripted” wildness of the trees. As a Certified Forest Therapy Guide and Virginia Master Naturalist, I don’t just want to teach you about nature—I want to help you fall in love with it.
I co-founded Capital Nature to help our DC community realize that abundance is right outside their door. Whether I’m leading a forest bathing or community science walk, my goal is to use the environment as a teaching tool for the soul. View upcoming public walks offered by Ana.
My Favorites:
Favorite Trees: The Oak Family—a world of life in every branch.
Favorite Bird: The Great Blue Heron—tall and majestic, my spark bird.
My Favorite Words: Wonder & Joy—where every journey begins.
Testimonials
“Ana offered a wonderfully affirming presence and skillful guidance during the Forest Bathing experience. Her respect for life of all kinds was so apparent. Highly recommended!”
— Fran“I learned so much from Ana and with each class I take I learn more from her. Best way to spend 2 hours in nature is being led by a person that loves nature more than I do.”
— Sondra“I was a complete newbie to forest bathing but the experience with Ana was transformational. She is knowledgeable, truly kind, and approachable. I can’t wait for the next one!”
— KimberlyAna on the Air and in the News
Forest bathing: Why to slow down and enjoy the woods, NBC4 Washington, April 22, 2026
Forest Bathing and the Power of Nature Connection with Ana Ka’ahanui, Capital Nature (Ep 69, Part 1), Virginia Outdoor Adventures, Feb. 11, 2025
Forest Bathing and the Power of Nature Connection with Ana Ka’ahanui, Capital Nature (Ep 69, Part 2), Virginia Outdoor Adventures, March 5, 2025
Moths, owls and fungi with over 20,000 sexes...oh my! NPR ShortWave, Jan. 27, 2025
Alumna Brings Love of Nature to Washington Metro Residents, The Catholic University of America, Nov 13, 2023
Featured in this video (opening and closing) Trees: The Lungs of Our Community, City of Hyattsville, April 27, 2022
How trees can help lower blood pressure and ease depression, KCRW (Los Angeles NPR affiliate), May 28, 2021
Cleansing the soul and restoring the spirit with a spot of forest bathing, Washington Post, May 3, 2021