2026 Nature Rx Day

9:30-11:00am 

• Nature Walk, The Resiliency of Oaks: Begin your celebration of Nature Rx Day with a guided nature walk and snacks! This is a White Oak masting year, an amazing natural phenomenon in which trees like oaks synchronize acorn production, deeply tied to healthy resilient ecosystems. Led by Jeff Plakke, natural areas manager, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA). Walk in the Arb, plant up an acorn, and enjoy snacks.

• During masting years, trees produce far more fruit than can reasonably be eaten by the animals that depend on them. This wealth of acorns from White Oaks results in tons of food for squirrels, mice and other animals that eat acorns. In turn, this increases the success of hawks, foxes and other animals that depend on acorn eaters for food. It also means regeneration of oaks for the future. It's an amazing natural phenomenon that happens periodically and is deeply tied to healthy resilient ecosystems. Humans benefit too; we enjoy the cooling shade of oaks and find beauty in their forms, and use Oaks as fuel and timber. Learn how White Oaks are critical to the biodiversity of species in a healthy ecosystem. Plant up an acorn to grow your own white oak at home!   

• This walk will take place on varied terrain, with some hills and uneven surfaces.  

• Participate for all of the walk, or just a short time, with easy routes to return to the Reader Center. 

• Location: Reader Center at Nichols Arboretum (1610 Washington Heights entrance). Sponsored by MBGNA.
  
  

11:30am-12:00pm 

• Welcome mixer and introduction to Nature Rx Day: We will provide fun activities and share resources for connecting with nature.

• Location: Hadley Family Recreation and Well-Being Center, Michigan Gymnasium.
  
  

12:15-12:45pm

• Virtual webinar, Reconnect and Recharge: Nature's Role in Mental Health: Please register for the webinar to receive the zoom link. Sponsored by MHealthy and Mental Health Counseling and Consultation Services.

• Discover and deepen your understanding of the connection between nature and mental health in this 30-minute webinar exploring how our relationship with the natural world influences emotional, psychological, and overall well-being. Participants will learn how spending time in nature can help reduce stress, improve mood, support emotional regulation, increase connectedness, and promote relaxation. The session will explore why connecting with nature can have a positive impact on our mental health and highlight the ways natural environments can help restore balance and build resilience in our busy lives. Participants will also discover simple, practical strategies for incorporating nature into everyday life. Led by Todd Sevig, PhD, psychologist and university outreach and education coordinator at MBGNA and lecturer, Program on Intergroup Relations. 

• Location: Zoom (register here)
  
  

12:15-12:45pm

• Watch party for the (above) webinar: Bring your own lunch and join others to watch the webinar in-person!

• Location: Hadley Family Recreation and Well-Being Center, Michigan Gymnasium.
  
  

1:00-1:45pm

• Nature Connection: Exploring the Five Pathways: How can we deepen our connection with the natural world in the middle of a busy campus day? Join Jessa Lytle of Adventure Leadership for a hands-on, reflective experience inspired by five pathways to nature connection: Senses, Beauty, Emotion, Meaning-Making, and Compassion. Through simple activities like sensory observation, noticing patterns and beauty in our surroundings, creative reflection, and exploring ways to care for the natural world, participants will have an opportunity to slow down, get curious, and discover new ways to connect with nature in everyday life.

• Activities will be low-barrier, with options to participate through observation, listening, reflection, drawing, writing, or sharing, depending on individual comfort and access needs. Movement will be gentle and self-paced, and participants will be welcome to remain stationary and engage with the natural environment around them. Activities will not require specialized equipment or prior outdoor experience, and participants can choose how they wish to engage.

• Location: North Ingalls Mall by the "Sunday Morning in Deep Waters" fountain.
  
  

2:00-2:45pm

• Fika Break at Marsal Education: Join Marsal Education and Nature Rx for a restorative Fika in the School of Education Courtyard. Inspired by the Swedish tradition of pausing over a warm drink and conversation, this open-house gathering invites all U-M community members to slow down, recharge, and connect. Enjoy coffee, tea, and pastries, along with optional conversation prompts exploring nature, well-being, stress reduction, and everyday joy. Whether you're hoping to meet someone new, share a conversation, or simply enjoy a restorative break, we invite you to come as you are and savor a few moments of connection. This event is open to all U-M community members; please feel free to come and go as it works best for you. 

• Location: Marsal School of Education Courtyard
  
  

4:00-5:00pm

•  Nature Engagement, Social Connection and Reducing Stress Panel: Learn about how U-M community members can broaden their nature engagement across all the dimensions of well-being. Learn from students and staff across different U-M organizations to see how you can continue to incorporate mental well-being through a variety of experiences. (***Registration required for this session)

• Location: Hadley Family Recreation and Well-Being Center, Michigan Gymnasium.
  
  

5:30-6:30pm

• Autumn in Verse, A Poetry Workshop with Caroline Harper New: In this poetry workshop, artist Caroline Harper New will guide a series of writing meditations that ask us to reflect on our relationship to the natural world. No prior art or writing experience is required; all levels are welcome and materials are provided. Bring your curiosity and love for the outdoors! Sponsored by ArtsRx and MBGNA. Registration required through Sessions signup.

• Location: Reader Center at Nichols Arboretum (1610 Washington Heights entrance).