Community members are invited to reconnect with nature during a special session of gentle outdoor yoga at the Purcellville Mini-Forest on Sunday, May 31. The program, part of the ongoing Discover Nature’s Secrets series, will begin at 4 p.m. and will include a relaxing yoga session followed by an opportunity to explore the mini-forest. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or towel. Space is limited to 25 participants. Register online in advance by completing the required waiver form at: https://purcellvilleva.gov/FormCenter/Parks-and-Rec-Forms-2/2026-Yoga-in-the-Purcellville-MiniForest-277.
The yoga session will be led by Jacqlyn Riposo, who is currently completing her yoga teacher training through Yoga Time Studio. Inspired by outdoor yoga classes that combined movement and nature, Riposo is passionate about helping others experience the joy and calm of practicing yoga in natural settings.
The Purcellville Mini-Forest project was launched in 2024 with support from the Virginia Department of Forestry and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Since its establishment, volunteers have contributed hundreds of hours planting native trees and shrubs, installing and monitoring protective fencing, and removing invasive plant species that threaten the young ecosystem.
The mini-forest was created using a method developed by renowned Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. The Miyawaki Method, refined over four decades and implemented in cities around the world, focuses on planting diverse native species at high density in nutrient-rich soil to encourage rapid growth and biodiversity.
Discover Nature’s Secrets is a monthly series of nature walks and environmental programs designed to inspire appreciation for the natural world. The program is hosted by the Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, often in partnership with the Tree and Environment Sustainability Committee and the Purcellville Arts Council.