Recreation, Outdoor Education & Wellness at Temple Ambler offers nature-based wellness programs and outdoor activities that encourage participants to unwind, reconnect with nature and enjoy the natural surroundings of the Ambler Arboretum.
What Are the Benefits of Spending Time in Nature?
Research suggests that spending time outdoors and in natural environments can support cognitive function, mood, social connection and physical well-being. For many people, opportunities to spend time in nature can be limited by urban and suburban environments, long commutes and time spent indoors at work or school.
Increasing time outdoors can provide opportunities to:
- Improve concentration and attention
- Support a positive mood and overall well-being
- Build social connections and strengthen relationships
- Support physical health and well-being
How Can I Experience Nature at the Ambler Arboretum?
The Ambler Arboretum offers opportunities to experience nature through self-guided wellness activities that can be incorporated into walks and hikes across campus. Activities may include nature-based plant identification, scavenger hunts, labyrinth self-discovery and personal reflection.
When facilitated by Temple Ambler staff, nature and wellness programs typically last 60 minutes. Program themes and timing can be customized to meet the goals of specific groups and teams.
What Is Nature Rx at Temple Ambler?
Nature Rx encourages people to spend time outdoors as a way to pause, recharge and reconnect with the natural environment. Research on time spent in nature has explored connections with mood, stress and productivity.
The Ambler Arboretum, which encompasses the Ambler Campus, provides a natural setting for Nature Rx activities and opportunities to experience the benefits of spending time outdoors. Learn more about Nature Rx at Temple Ambler.
Where Can Temple Students Find Wellness and Counseling Resources?
Temple University provides students with additional resources to support mental and emotional well-being.
Tuttleman Counseling Services offers free, confidential services for Temple students, including individual counseling, support groups and educational programs.
The Wellness Resource Center (WRC) at Temple University's Main Campus provides wellness education, resources and prevention services to help students make informed decisions about their health. Many services are free or low cost and confidential.
Learn more about Temple University's counseling, health and wellness resources.
References:
Holdship, D. (2022, December 17). Nature vs. nurture? It's both. Michigan Today.
Cornell Health. Nature Rx.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. (2018). Urban Nature for Human Health and Well-Being: A Research Summary for Communicating the Health Benefits of Urban Trees and Green Space. FS-1096. Washington, DC.