About PERL
The Parks & Ecotherapy Research Lab (PERL) (formerly "Parks Research Lab") is directed by Dr. Dorothy Ibes, under the Environmental Science & Policy program at William & Mary, in Williamsburg, Virginia.
PERL's mission is to cultivate nature-connected communities that foster mental health, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. We do this primarily by:
Conducting interdisciplinary, use-inspired research that enhances understanding of the connection between mental health and nature engagement;
Applying current research to inclusive campus projects and programming that support diverse students in:
Spending more time engaging with nature, both indoors and out, and
Developing a meaningful relationship with the natural world.
Inspiring and developing the next generation of practitioners, researchers, and advocates in the field of greenspace and nature therapy.