Nature Prescription Calendar

• Create a family nature-inspired calendar for the upcoming month, where everyone can plan outdoor activities together. Be specific and realistic about when you’ll go for walks, hikes, bike rides, or just spend time in the yard or at the park. Consider seasons and weather when scheduling your nature adventures. Mix up the activities to keep it exciting, and try adding extra boosters like inviting a friend or pet, adding mindfulness practices, or going to a new nature spot. Planning in advance can inspire family connection and make it easier to follow through on your weekly Nature Prescription!

Nature Snack Jar

• Many of us enjoy spending time in nature in a variety of ways. As a family, create slips for all the small, easy outdoor activities you enjoy — like a quick walk, 5-minute garden break, 10-minute outdoor mindfulness session, or quick nature YouTube video. Think of this as “micro-dosing nature.” Whenever you need a little nature pick-me-up, pull a slip from the jar and enjoy a quick outdoor moment together. Consider incorporating the Nature Snack Jar into regular routines — to start the day, during a lunch break, or before a meal.

Nature Prescription Breaks

• Take every opportunity to get outside during the school day! Encourage students and staff to step outside for fresh air whenever possible, whether it’s for a quick stretch break, a nature walk between periods, or a mindful moment in the schoolyard. Nature has the power to recharge everyone and bring more focus and positivity to the school day!

Nature Challenge Day

• Host a school-wide Nature Challenge where students and staff try to spend a designated amount of time outdoors during the day — whether it’s walking to school, taking an outdoor lunch break, a reading break under the trees, or even going outside for a nature scavenger hunt or outdoor art session. Encourage everyone to meet the challenge by incorporating various outdoor activities into their day.

Nature for Happiness Bulletin Board

• Create a community bulletin board dedicated to sharing “Nature for Happiness” stories. Encourage people to post their favorite outdoor activities, go-to nature spots, photos of nature, and personal experiences with nature’s benefits. This space will remind everyone in the community about the simple joys and benefits of connecting with nature!

Host a Nature for Happiness Event

• Consider hosting a community event that brings people together in nature. You could organize a community hike, a nature-based picnic, or a “go green” day in a local park where people practice outdoor mindfulness, plant a tree, or join a nature scavenger hunt. Get creative with your event — any outdoor gathering will help raise awareness about the benefits of nature and inspire others to prioritize time in nature for their happiness.

Nature Prescription Newsletter Spotlight

• Consider spotlighting local nature spots, events, trails, volunteering days, simple ways to incorporate nature into daily life, etc. in your school or community newsletter. Provide details on where to access the nature spots or logistics for the event so that more of your community is aware of opportunities to connect with nature.