Campus Nature Rx Network

About Campus Nature Rx (CNRx)

Research conducted for the book, ‘Nature Rx: Improving College-Student Mental Health,’ revealed that a number of colleges and universities had recently turned to an ancient source – time in nature – to contribute to their student’s health and well-being. 

To advance this burgeoning movement, in January 2019, representatives from four campuses -- Cornell University, University of California-Davis, University of Minnesota, and William & Mary-- met to discuss each school’s unique approach. During this meeting, members expressed the desire to find a way to share their successes, failures, and innovative ways of encouraging college students to engage with nature. This led to the creation of the Campus Nature Rx Network. 

Today, CNRx is a coalition of nearly 70 colleges and universities and over 100 professionals dedicated to supporting campus mental and physical health through inclusive and equitable nature engagement teaching, research, and outreach. 

Membership is free and open to anyone with an academic affiliation. Anyone can attend the free, virtual CNRx symposium held each fall, which keeps members connected and informed about novel approaches to campus nature engagement, while providing opportunities for cross-campus discussions and collaborations. 

Inspiration and resources for your campus are available on our Resources page. Also, please subscribe to our developing CNRx YouTube channel for additional Campus Nature Rx ideas, inspiration, and support.

Don Rakow (Cornell University) and Dorothy Ibes (William & Mary) are the co-directors of the CNRx network.

For more information on individual programs, contact information for campus representatives can be found on their members page.

CNRx is supported by generous grant from the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a community-driven nonprofit founded by REI that directly supports organizations creating more accessible and inclusive outdoor spaces and places for everyone. Learn more at REIfund.org