Welcome, I'm going for a walk in the rain tomorrow ...
... and here's why ...
Yes, despite likely rain here in Austin on Saturday morning, the 20th, I’ll be hosting my usual 7AM CDT walk in the Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park.
It won’t be focused on covering ground, but on being in the forest on a rainy day.
I invite you to join me.
As we walk we’ll take our time, even pause, to enjoy the opportunities to...
... hear water falling on ground, on cement, on each other
... feel the spray on our faces and clothing
... see and engage with the sky, clouds, rain, trees, flowers, and …
... smell that incredible aroma of terpines mixed with what scientists call petrichor
Petrichor occurs when soil bacteria release a compound called geosmin intermixes with the plant oils trees secrete and ozone ... that sharp clean scent created in the upper atmosphere. (See note below re: ozone.)
Petrichor and human beings are made for each other. It’s a major stress deflator, triggering a parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” response, which lowers stress hormones and boosts immune function.
Plus, the antimicrobial compounds in the plant oils contain phytoncides that, when inhaled, can increase the number and activity of those famous “Natural Killer” cells that fight off tumors and viral infections.
Common forest terpenes are also pulled into the air by rain. They act as natural antioxidants, helping to temper chronic inflammation and lower oxidative stress in the body. Regular exposure to these forest-related aromas can even improve depth and duration of sleep, giving us more energy, yes, but also a refreshed mind and body to use that energy.
All of this reduces mental fatigue, adds tools to your body’s ability to find balance, and lets your brain and cognitive processes rest and reset, while simultaneously boosting the immune system and improving sleep quality.
Many people also notice respiratory benefits thanks to an increase in negative ions that literally clear the air of dust, pollen and smog. The resulting clear, humid air can lubricate respiratory tracts and make breathing easier.
I hope to see you.
Don’t forget to join this substack to learn of more walks, and more cool things about forests and how closely our development and well-being as human beings are connected with that of trees and other forest dwellers.
And … ta-da!
Here are some directions:
To RSVP, just join the MeetUp group and click that you’re joining the event on June 20, 2026 … we’ll be making this part easier, so thanks for having patience :)
You’ll find a nice little map in MeetUp that will take you to a parking lot on Walnut Creek Park Rd, Austin, TX 78758 by the community pool. Park in the lot farthest from the pool.
I’ll be easy to find—No one can miss this wild white hair and I usually carry a cane or walking stick. Oh yes, and I love blue so I tend to wear it all the time :)
And if you aren’t local to Austin, take a walk near you and give us an update in a comment down below here.
Important Notes:
Be aware that, while petrichor is overwhelmingly beneficial, the high levels of ozone pulled down by severe thunderstorm downdrafts can act as a mild respiratory irritant for individuals with severe asthma.
Do wear appropriate clothing and footwear. We’ll probably stay on the paved walkways to allow us to focus on being with the forest in this weather and staying safe.
In the event of lightning, we’ll return to the parking lot, where we can enjoy the storm from within our cars ... windows cracked just enough to still share the experience with the forest.
Read more about why our bodies and minds just love a good rain.
Petrichor - The Smell of Rain, “Chemistry Clubs Infographics” American Chemical Society Education Division, American Chemical Society (ACS)
Explains that Actinomycetes bacteria secrete geosmin, which the human nose can detect at less than 5 parts per trillion. It also outlines how plant oils and lightning-generated ozone combine to form the scent profile of petrichor.
Rainfall can release aerosols, study finds, Jennifer Chu, “MIT News” Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Overviews the foundational 2015 mechanical engineering study by researchers Young Soo Joung and Cullen R. Buie. High-speed video captured how raindrops trap micro-bubbles upon soil contact, bursting to release trapped geosmin and soil bacteria into the air as frenzied aerosols.
Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function, Dr. Qing Li, et al, “Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine” PubMed Central / Springer Nature
Validates the physiological impacts of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku). Dr. Li’s clinical data proves that inhaling tree-derived antimicrobial phytoncides (like alpha-pinene) significantly boosts the numbers and activity of human Natural Killer (NK) cells and anti-cancer proteins.
Terpenes from Forests and Human Health, Min-Ju Cho, et al., Toxicological Research Journal, PubMed Central / Korean Society of Toxicology
Provides a comprehensive medical review on how biogenic volatile compounds like forest terpenes and monoterpenes operate in the human body. It shows they act as antioxidants and clear anti-inflammatory agents by actively reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers like NF-κB.
‘Petrichor’: How this earthy scent contributes to our well-being, Indian Express Lifestyle Desk, “Health & Lifestyle Features,” The Indian Express,
Verifies the mood-altering psychological benefits of the smell, outlining expert consensus on how smelling aerosolized geosmin prompts a soothing, immediate serotonin rush and nervous system relaxation.
By joining the walk, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Walnut Creek Healing, Lecia Papadopoulos, and all other participants.