Our Mission

History

As college students face rising levels of stress and mental health challenges, Campus Nature Rx (CNRx) was created to harness the timeless healing power of nature to support well-being on campuses. The idea for the network grew out of the book Nature Rx: Improving College-Student Mental Health (Rakow & Eells, 2019), which highlighted the profound and positive impact nature can have on student health. 

Inspired by this work, representatives from Cornell University, the University of California–Davis, the University of Minnesota, and William & Mary came together in January 2019 to share their campus-specific approaches to integrating nature engagement into student life. Their collaboration led to the founding of the Campus Nature Rx Network—a dynamic coalition that now includes more than 70 colleges and universities and over 100 higher education professionals.

The mission of CNRx is to serve as a coordinating hub that supports individual campus programs by fostering connections and collaboration, sharing evidence-based practices, providing inspiration and practical resources, making a strong case for Campus Nature Rx initiatives, and advocating for institutional change that prioritizes inclusive student, staff, and community well-being through regular, meaningful, and equitable nature engagement. 

At CNRx, we believe in the power of community and shared knowledge. Our free, virtual symposium each fall connects members, fostering innovative ideas and collaborative opportunities across campuses. Our Resources page and developing YouTube channel provide ongoing inspiration and support for new and growing CNRx programming. A bi-monthly newsletter keeps the network informed and inspired, sharing the latest research, inspirational case studies, and tools for those passionate about this movement. 

We at CNRx welcome everyone interested in this work to join us in our mission. Please visit our members page to view a list of our network, join CNRx, find information on individual programs, and/or connect with campus representatives.