Campus Nature Rx

Campus Nature Rx @ Pennsylvania State University,  Schuylkill (Est. 2022)

Our campus promotes health, wellness, and environmental stewardship through a variety of Campus Nature Rx-type experiences that encourage meaningful interactions with nature. Students have opportunities to engage with the outdoors through our Sustainability Club, which supports hands-on learning in our community garden and our ArbNet Accredited Level II Arboretum. These spaces provide opportunities for recreation, environmental education, and stress reduction while fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.

Our Beekeeping Club further enriches outdoor engagement by offering pollinator education, discussions about ecosystem health, and hands-on experiences working with honey bees. Throughout the year, the campus hosts events such as A Walk in Penn’s Woods, where participants explore campus landscapes while learning about the physical, mental, and environmental benefits of trees. Our annual Earth Day Fair introduces students to sustainable lifestyle practices that support both personal well-being and environmental health, while the Arbor Day Celebration engages students, employees, and community members in appreciating trees and the ecosystems they support. 

As an ArbNet Level II Accredited Arboretum, we regularly host educational programs focused on the health benefits of green spaces, the importance of biodiversity, and the impacts of climate change on native plant communities. These programs highlight the role that nature plays in enhancing quality of life and building resilient communities.

Nature-based wellness is also integrated into the curriculum. Students in BISC 3 Environmental Science participate in activities such as forest bathing, nature walks, and mindfulness exercises designed to promote well-being and environmental awareness. Our Chem 130 introductory chemistry courses incorporate mental health and nature-focused learning through mindfulness practices and dedicated nature walk days, helping students develop stress-management skills while experiencing the restorative benefits of spending time outdoors. Together, these programs create a campus culture that values nature as an essential component of health, learning, and community engagement.