All members of the University of Michigan community are invited to attend the inaugural Nature for Wellness Symposium, to highlight nature-focused practices and the impacts of nature for human health, well-being and flourishing.
The free event will take place Nov. 7-8 at the Rackham Amphitheatre. It is organized by Nature Rx at U-M and Nature Rx team member Samuel Kocurek, a graduate student in the School for Environment and Sustainability.
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Keynote speakers include Sara Newman, director of the National Park Service’s Office of Public Health, and Robert Ernst, U-M’s chief health officer and associate vice president of student life for health and wellness.
“This symposium is our gift to the university community,” Kocurek said. “The Nature for Wellness Symposium will hopefully encourage joy and connection while also bridging the discussions on campus about sustainability, well-being and health.”
Kocurek combined initial grant funding from a Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum student prize with grants from LSA, SEAS, Rackham, the Planet Blue Ambassador Program, Information and Technology Services, and the National Park Service into an inaugural symposium plan.
This event will focus on exploring and promoting nature-based interventions to enhance the health and well-being for students, faculty and staff.
“Nature can have many positive effects on overall well-being,” said Kelcey Stratton, chief behavioral health strategist in University Human Resources. “This symposium also aligns with Vision 2034 and Campus Plan 2050 initiatives around health, well-being and enhancement of natural spaces around campus.”
Through this symposium, organizers hope to center work currently being done and propel further utilization of nature for formal and informal practices, contributing to the “vibrant and health-conscious campus culture” articulated in the university’s Vision 2034 Plan.
“There’s a wealth of research into the benefits of nature on health, from lowering blood pressure and lowering stress, to elevating mood and reducing rumination, along with evidence-based research into positive impacts for diabetes and other health outcomes,” Kocurek said.
Samuel Kocurek
Woohoo!!
Nate Phipps
Looking forward to attending!