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Campus Nature Rx

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University and college campuses offer greenspaces even in developed urban areas. Many schools are embracing this space as a resources to support their students “social, physical and mental well-being, university performance, [and] education outcomes” (Foellmer, 2021).

I have been working with staff and students at both NC State University and University of North Carolina Wilmington to provide opportunities for students to engage with nature and improve their overall health. These skills can carry forward with the students for the remainder of their lives and provide them with a readily available tool to build self-efficacy to better cope with the challenges they face throughout their lives.

At NC State I work with Housing Student Resident Assistants to create planting activity each semester. Students are offered the opportunity to choose and pot up a houseplant to take to their dorm or apartment. Care sheets for each plant are that also list some of the benefits of keeping houseplants. I also work with an Interpersonal Violence Response Coordinator to provide plant material they can use with students seeking services through the Women’s Health Center. Our focus on easy care plants including aloe vera, highlighting its healing properties.

Flyer to promote houseplant planting on the NC State campus

Flyer to promote houseplant planting at NC State

On the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus, I have worked with the Gardening Physical Activity and Wellness Lab to explore ways to improve health with plants. U also work with public health students to develop nature-based activities. Examples include, yoga in the garden, brochures on Reconnecting with Nature through Art and Embracing Nature.

Cover of brochures promoting engagement with nature "Reconnecting with Nature through Art" & "Embracing Nature"

Cover of brochures promoting engagement with nature

I am looking forward to continuing to develop activities for students in higher education and open a door to enjoyment of nature for years to come.

Resources:

NC State – How Parks and Green Spaces Can Improve Your Health

Nature RX | Sustainability | Elon University

Campus Nature Rx Network

Cornell Health Nature Rx

Nature RX at Penn | Wellness at Penn

Nature Rx – The Conservation Foundation

References:

Foellmer, J. Kistemann, T & Anthonj, C. (2021). Academic Greenspace and Well-Being — Can Campus Landscape be Therapeutic? Evidence from a German University, Wellbeing, Space and Society, Volume 2, 100003.