UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Nature and Art Rx initiative will launch its inaugural Kick-off Week from Monday, Sept. 22, through Saturday, Sept. 27, featuring a week filled with art and nature programming and wellness offerings designed to foster student mental and physical well-being.
Nature and Art Rx is a collaboration among Student Affairs, Penn State Outreach, and the College of Arts and Architecture. The program, launched in 2024, seeks to connect students, faculty and staff with nature, art and culture to improve community mental and physical well-being.
“Engaging in nature and art has been shown to reduce stress, enhance creativity and improve overall mental well-being. Our goal with this collective effort is to provide our community with easy and effective ways to get started and recharge,” said Jason Erdman, associate director, Campus Recreation. “This kick-off week is a way for all students to see what is available to them during this week and beyond.”
Kick-off Week Events
All events open to students, most are drop-in; registration required where noted.
Monday, Sept. 22
Mandalas and Coloring — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Galbraith Lounge, HUB-Robeson Center. Students can pause, relax and color a mandala, either keeping their creation or leaving it for someone else.
Yoga and Meditation — noon to 1 p.m., Art Gallery, HUB-Robeson Center. Participants can enjoy restorative yoga and meditation surrounded by Camille Hoffman’s installation "Parenthetic Passages," which reimagines the romantic American landscape through a layered, immersive environment. A limited number of yoga materials will be available.
Tuesday, Sept. 23
Bookmark and Postcard Collage Making — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Galbraith Lounge, HUB-Robeson Center. Students can take a creative break and design a bookmark or postcard from magazines and collage materials.
Nurture in Nature Trail Walk — 2:30 to 3 p.m., Arboretum. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff will lead a guided wellness stroll designed to strengthen the mind-body connection outdoors.
Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing) — 4 to 5:30 p.m., Hartley Wood, Arboretum. A certified guide will lead participants in this slow, sensory-focused walk that encourages mindfulness in nature. Space is limited to 15. Registration is required for Shinrin-yoku.
Wednesday, Sept. 24
Migration Morning Bird Walk — 7:30 to 9 a.m., Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. Naturalists will help participants identify migratory birds by sight and song. Binoculars will be provided.
Microgreens Workshop — 3 to 5 p.m., Intramural Building. Attendees will sample fresh microgreens and take home their own starter kit.
Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing) — 5 to 6:30 p.m., Hartley Wood, Arboretum. A second guided forest bathing session will be offered; registration is required for Shinrin-yoku.
Vibe Out x Mindful Making — 4:30 to 6 p.m., 134 HUB-Robeson Center. Students can paint terracotta pots while enjoying a curated creative music experience.
Lakeside Sunset Yoga — 6 to 8 p.m., Stone Valley Recreation Area. A yoga session by Lake Perez will provide relaxation in a natural setting. Mats will be provided and a free shuttle is available from campus. Registration is required for Lakeside Sunset Yoga.
Thursday, Sept. 25
Bird Walk with Joe Gyekis — 8 to 9:30 a.m., Arboretum. Participants can drop in for birdwatching during peak fall migration. Binoculars will be provided.
Guided Forest Therapy Walk with Dr. Donald Rakow — 3 to 4:30 p.m., Arboretum. Rakow will lead a 90-minute immersive walk that encourages sensory exploration and reconnection with nature. Registration is required.
Cyanotypes with the Student Farm — 2 to 4 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center Patio. Students can use sunlight and natural materials to create unique cyanotype prints.
Art After Hours — 5 to 8 p.m., Palmer Museum of Art. The evening will feature a gallery conversation, collaborative mural-making, and interactive installations focused on ecology and sustainability. Light refreshments will be provided.
Move Mix Festival — 5:30 p.m., Eisenhower Auditorium. An international jazz and dance festival featuring oud musician Mohamed Abozekry will highlight global music and movement.
The Benefits of Nature for All Ages — 6 to 7 p.m., Freeman Auditorium, HUB-Robeson Center. Donald Rakow will discuss evidence-based strategies for incorporating nature into daily life across the lifespan. The event is open in person and via Zoom with registration.
Friday, Sept. 26
Enjoy an afternoon at the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm. Buses will depart the Berkey Creamery at 1:15, 1:45 and 3:15 p.m. for programming at the Student Farm.
Nurture in Nature Walk — 1:30 to 2 p.m., Student Farm. A CAPS staff member will guide participants through a wellness-focused nature walk.
Nature Journaling — 2 to 3 p.m., Student Farm. Students can collect natural materials and practice mindful reflection through journaling activities.
Floral Arranging Workshop — 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Student Farm. Attendees will learn floral arranging techniques and create their own bouquet to take home. Space is limited. Preregistration is required for the Floral Arranging Workshop.
Saturday, Sept. 27
Enjoy two of Shaver’s Creek ongoing programs:
Herp Program — 11:30 a.m., Litzinger Discovery Room. Visitors can learn about reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates with Shaver’s Creek ambassadors.
Aviary Program — 2 p.m., Klingsberg Aviary. Trainers will demonstrate positive reinforcement and enrichment techniques used to care for resident birds and discuss conservation efforts.
The kick-off week events invite students to explore resources available year round, such as trail systems, art and outdoor spaces — including the Arboretum, Palmer Art Museum, the Student Farm, and Nurture in Nature trails — and to integrate nature or art into their wellness routines.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, it helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills, and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.