In January 2019, representatives from four campuses — Cornell University, the University of California-Davis, the University of Minnesota and William & Mary (W&M) — met to discuss approaches to promoting mental and physical health through campus nature engagement. From this meeting came the creation of the Campus Nature Rx Network — today, a growing coalition of 54 colleges and universities.
During that first meeting in 2019, participants expressed a desire to keep in touch to share best practices, lessons learned and innovative approaches for encouraging college students to engage with nature. Thus, the goal of the Campus Nature Rx Network is to support campus health through inclusive and equitable nature engagement programming, courses, communications and research.
The co-chairs of the coalition, Cornell’s Don Rakow and W&M’s Dorothy Ibes, said research for the book “Nature Rx: Improving College-Student Mental Health” initially revealed a growing number of colleges and universities were turning to nature to combat the mental health crisis on college campuses. This led to the idea of beginning the Campus Nature Rx Network between schools.
“New members are added regularly, and the list of members can be found at campusnature.com/members,” said Ibes. “Schools with active programs are on this page. A monthly newsletter and free, virtual annual symposium keep members informed, provides opportunities for cross-campus discussions and collaborations, and shares work with those outside the network.”
Nature Programming Ideas
To ensure inclusive and equitable nature programming, Rakow said Cornell has student-led Nature Rx partners with clubs led by students of color to cross-promote outdoor activities. Also, the school’s Nature Rx course PLSCI 125 regularly attracts students of various ethnic backgrounds and racial identities.
A few outdoor activities included in the program are group teambuilding exercises, lessons on how to read a forest and circus arts.
At W&M, Ibes said the Parks & Ecotherapy Research Lab (PERL) serves as a hub for campus nature research and outreach. “Lab students come from diverse backgrounds and disciplinary perspectives, as do students who enroll in my Environment & Sustainability (ENSP) courses — including The Science and Experience of Ecotherapy and Mapping for Community Nature Rx,” said Ibes.
Ibes said research and outreach through avenues like Campus Park Rx, the Campus Greenspace Map and the Bird Scavenger Hunt also support accessible nature engagement for all students, faculty and staff. More information on these programs is available at parksresearchlab.com.
Advice and Solutions for Campus Recreation
Ibes said the first step in offering equitable nature programming is understanding the barriers to engagement among underrepresented groups.
“In our 2021 research publication, we outline the myriad structural, psychological and socioeconomic barriers to nature engagement by youth of color — one of the most underrepresented groups in natural settings,” said Ibes. “The research is not limited to college students or a specific campus but is extremely relevant to anyone who wishes to understand the limitations to more diverse participation.”
Some of those top barriers found include accessibility, fear, social exclusion, a lack of resources and insufficient programming. As for campus recreation solutions to these barriers, Ibes and Rakow are finalizing a book chapter that outlines best practices for greenspace and park leaders interested in engaging a more diverse audience.
“The key themes we discuss are the need to partner with local groups or individuals who are well regarded in their communities, and the need to initiate programs that respond to expressed needs of community members,” said Rakow. “Also, bring programs to where youth spend time and are comfortable. Promote programs through social media and other venues that young people respond to.”
By first finding such limitations, then you can start filling the need and provide beneficial outdoor programming to everyone on your campus. Visit campusnature.com to learn more, sign up for the newsletter, join the network or join the free, virtual annual symposium.
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