Clemson Nature Rx

Campus Nature Rx at Clemson University

Clemson University is committed to enhancing student well-being through their Campus Nature Rx initiative, which integrates nature-based interventions into campus life. The program promotes mental and social health, deepens connections with nature, and encourages pro-environmental behaviors among students. The program's cornerstone is the "Relaxation in Nature" Leisure Skills class, a vital component of REI Cooperative Action Fund-supported research. In this class, students engage in guided forest therapy walks and nature-based activities led by a certified forest therapy guide. These activities are designed to equip students with the attitudes and skills necessary for reconnecting with nature through the engagement of all five senses.

In this class, students have the unique opportunity to explore the abundant natural beauty of the South Carolina Botanical Garden, which is conveniently adjacent to the campus. This serene and diverse environment serves as a living classroom where students can immerse themselves in the tranquility and restorative power of nature. The program also facilitates students in exploring green, restorative spaces on campus that they can utilize every day, helping them incorporate nature into their daily routines.

Eventually, as part of the program, students will co-create a campus green space map that highlights these restorative areas, contributing to their ongoing health and well-being. Through various nature-based activities, students in the "Relaxation in Nature" class gain firsthand experience in how nature can enhance their well-being. The program fosters deeper connections with themselves, with others, and with the natural world around them, promoting a stronger sense of community and environmental stewardship. Clemson University’s Campus Nature Rx initiative is dedicated to creating a campus environment that values health, well-being, and sustainability, encouraging students to lead balanced, healthy, and environmentally responsible lives.