Nature Rx Day on November 4th, 2026 offers many activities to highlight how engagement with nature can reduce stress, improve well-being, and strengthen community connections.
Since Nature Rx Day falls on National Stress Awareness Day, we will explore nature-related practices that:
- reduce stress
- support mental, physical, and spiritual well-being
- strengthen connections
- highlight the growing social prescribing movement.
This campus-wide event will introduce programs, resources, and activities that help participants take nature breaks suited to their preferences, comfort levels, and abilities. U-M units will offer activities highlighting the connections among nature, health, sustainability, and well-being--especially relevant during this Human Health and Well-Being theme year. Participants will be encouraged to engage with nature in new ways—for their health, research, studies, or enjoyment.
All students, staff, faculty, and members of the public are invited to participate in sessions that align with their schedules. Registration is strongly encouraged since it helps with event planning and allows us to send you helpful reminders and activity updates. This event is free and open to the public.
Events include:
Nature Rx Day will include multiple sessions on Central Campus in Ann Arbor for attendees to participate in. Attendees are welcome to join whichever events they would like throughout the 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. 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: Get to know your fellow nature-lovers with fun activities! We will also share resources for connecting with nature and share a brief introduction to the day. 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: Explore how connecting with nature can reduce stress, improve mood, support emotional regulation, and build resilience. Participants will learn simple, practical ways to incorporate nature into everyday life and enhance overall well-being. Led by Todd Sevig, PhD, psychologist and university outreach and education coordinator at MBGNA and lecturer, Program on Intergroup Relations. Please register for the webinar to receive the Zoom link. Sponsored by MHealthy, Mental Health Counseling and Consultation Services.
12:15-12:45pm - Watch party for the 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. Space is limited in this session. Location: North Ingalls Mall by the "Sunday Morning in Deep Waters" fountain.
2:00-2:45pm - Fika 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. 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. Following the panel, please join in for a reception from 5:00-5:30, featuring resources from well-being partners and light refreshments.
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).
Collaborators: Adventure Leadership, Arts Initiative, Experience Rx, LSA Sustainability, Marsal Family School of Education, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, Mental Health Counseling and Consultation Services, MHealthy, Michigan Recreation, NatureRx, Planet Blue Ambassador Program.
