UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Nature and Art Rx initiative will host its second annual kick-off week from Sept. 14-18, offering a variety of programs and events designed to help students connect with nature, art and one another while supporting their mental and physical well-being.
Throughout the week, students can participate in activities ranging from nature walks, birdwatching and forest bathing to creative programs, outdoor recreation and opportunities to connect with campus resources. The weeklong lineup will take place across University Park and at locations including The Arboretum at Penn State, Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, Stone Valley Recreation Area, the HUB-Robeson Center and the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm.
Nature and Art Rx is a collaboration between Penn State Student Affairs, Penn State Outreach, and the College of Arts and Architecture. Launched in 2024, the program connects students, faculty and staff with nature, art and culture as ways to support community mental and physical well-being.
“Engaging with nature and art can provide accessible opportunities to pause, recharge and connect,” said Jason Erdman, associate director with Campus Recreation. “Kick-off week gives students a chance to explore some of the many resources available across Penn State and discover activities they can incorporate into their lives throughout the semester.”
Beginning Monday, Sept. 14, students can visit University Health Services for the Passive ART program, “Meet Haven,” which will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Additional events throughout the week include:
Tuesday, Sept. 15
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Nature Crafting Drop-In, 1:30-3:30 p.m., 112 HUB-Robeson Center
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Nature Sketching, 10-11:30 a.m., Arboretum
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Shinrin-yoku, 4-5:30 p.m.
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Paddleboard Pilates, 6-8 p.m., Stone Valley Recreation Area
Wednesday, Sept. 16
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Shaver’s Creek Migration Morning Bird Walk, 7:30-9 a.m.
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Shinrin-yoku, 5-6:30 p.m.
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Yoga in the Gardens, 6-7 p.m., Arboretum
Thursday, Sept. 17
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Migration Morning, 8-9:30 a.m., Arboretum
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Harvest Fest, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm
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“Climbing Mt. Everest” with Alan Mallory, 6 p.m.
The 2026 kick-off week events build on Nature and Art Rx’s goal of encouraging members of the Penn State community to explore the connections among nature, art and well-being. More information about Nature and Art Rx and upcoming programs is available online.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs 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.