Cornell University

Nature Rx

Holistic well-being through connection with nature

Wildflowers in the foreground overlooking Beebe Lake at Cornell, with the lake's serene waters and surrounding foliage creating a peaceful natural scene.

About Us

A student sitting comfortably in a tree while reading a book, with sunlight filtering through the autumn leaves in the background.

Nature Rx @ Cornell is a campus-wide initiative that envisions holistic well-being of the Cornell community through connection with nature. As a Health Promoting Campus, Cornell recognizes that the well-being of people, places, and the planet are interdependent as well as the positive impact nature can have on well-being. 

Our initiative includes a nature prescription program, a student organization, academic and physical education courses, and campus-wide events. The Cornell initiative aims to promote diverse and accessible opportunities and resources that encourage members of the Cornell community to nurture holistic well-being by exploring, connecting to, and learning through nature. 

Nature Rx consists of Four components:

About the Name Nature Rx

"Rx" is commonly used to signify a medical prescription. “Nature Rx” is an abbreviated way of saying “nature prescription,” emphasizing the relationship between nature and health.  Cornell’s Nature Rx initiative was built on a model, called Park Rx America first developed between pediatrician, Dr. Robert Zarr and the National Park Service, in which nature was prescribed to patients during their medical appointments. While only one part of our campus initiative involves medical and mental health providers prescribing nature to support wellness, the name serves as a reminder that connection with nature is integral to our health and well-being.

Cornell is one of 70 college campuses that now have a Nature Rx program. Learn more about this movement and the Campus Nature Rx Network.

We would like to acknowledge some of the people whose early vision and dedication shaped Cornell’s Nature Rx initiative: David Cutter (University Landscape Architect), Timothy C. Marchell (former Director of the Skorton Center for Health Initiatives, Cornell Health), Don Rakow (retired faculty, CALS), Catherine Thrasher-Carroll (former Mental Health Promotion Program Director, Skorton Center for Health Initiatives, Cornell Health), Laura Santacrose (Associate Director, Skorton Center for Health Initiatives, Cornell Health), Gregory Eells (former Director of Counseling & Psychological Services, Cornell Health), Marianne Krasny (faculty, CALS), Nancy Wells (faculty, College of Human Ecology).