Join the Arboretum and Nature and Art Rx for a lecture by Donald A. Rakow, all about how nature can bring benefits at any age and stage of life.
The benefits of spending time in nature have been known at least as far back as the Ancient Greek civilization. But in our fast-paced, technology-driven contemporary culture, the majority of the population spends little or none of their time intentionally engaging with the natural world. Starting in early childhood, and advancing through the teenage years, young adulthood, and all the way through to seniors, all persons can improve their mental and physical well-being by engaging with green and blue spaces on a regular basis. This lecture will provide easy approaches to leading a healthy, nature-filled life.
Dr. Rakow is an emeritus professor of horticulture in Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science. He served as the Elizabeth Newman Wilds Director of Cornell Botanic Gardens (then Cornell Plantations) from 1996 to 2013. He created and co-directed the Cornell MPS Program in Public Garden Leadership, is the co-author of Nature Rx: Improving College Student Mental Health, and founded the Nature Rx@Cornell program. He currently co-directs the nationwide Campus Nature Rx Network of over 90 campuses. In addition to his active involvement in public garden management, he is involved in efforts to make green spaces equally accessible and usable to all people regardless of race, ethnicity, or social status.
How to Attend
You can attend the lecture in person at the Freeman Auditorium on the Penn State University Park campus or register to join via Zoom.