Embedded Files
What is Ecotherapy?
What is Ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy is both a theory that human and environmental health are interconnected, and a set of practices that cultivate wellbeing through engagement with nature. It prioritizes building a deep relationship with the natural world to foster health and healing in individuals, communities, and the environment. On a college campus, Ecotherapy looks like nature-rich spaces, outdoor classes, nature prescriptions, and programs that make time outdoors part of everyday student life. This is the work of the Campus Nature Rx Network, co-founded and co-directed by PERL’s director, and it is happening right here at W&M.
Resources
Click the dropdowns for more information.
Time in nature boosts mood, reduces stress, and can even improve sleep and memory. You can try a nature intervention at W&M by getting a customized "park prescription." PERL Park Ambassadors will match you with an outdoor space!
Fun fact: PERL's Campus Park Rx program (established in 2014) is one of the first programs of its kind in the country.
Get insider knowledge on the best outdoor spots on campus with the Campus Greenspace Map. You can find the perfect nature spot based on your specific needs, whether you are planning on socializing, relaxing, or birdwatching. The Campus Greenspace Map even has tree tours!
TAP offers student-led outdoor activities - including hiking, camping, and zip-lining - for W&M students. TAP also runs the Matoaka Boathouse, which rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to students for free! Boathouse hours are posted here (it closes around November when the weather gets too chilly).
Community Events
Community Events
Looking for outdoor activities on-campus or within driving distance? Check out these local event hubs:
Williamsburg Regional Library: Search the library calendar for nature-related gatherings. You may want to try out your green thumb at their annual Fall Plant Share or join their Natural Readers Outdoor Book Club to meet eco-conscious members of the Williamsburg community. You can also see their programs here.
Colonial Williamsburg: Connect with nature at the world's largest living history museum. See their events calendar, which include Old & Remarkable Trees Tours and Birding on the Bassett Trace Nature Trail. CW is also a lovely place for a walk, particularly in the spring and fall. Pick up your free student pass at the Lumber House for full access.
Other Williamsburg Events: For special events in the area like live music and festivals, check out the Visit Williamsburg and Williamsburg Families calendars. Note the Williamsburg Farmers Market on Saturdays in CW, as well as the monthly Second Sundays Art & Music Festival. Also see the websites of local parks.
Volunteering: Outdoor volunteering is a great option to engage with nature and give back. On-campus and local organizations include: the Trail Crew, Williamsburg Community Growers, Life with Pigs Farm Animal Sanctuary, Waller Mill Park, and the Williamsburg Botanical Garden. For more information on volunteering opportunities, click here.
W&M Events: From sunset yoga at Lake Matoaka to outdoor music, campus offers a plethora of opportunities to connect with nature and other students. Explore community events through AMP, Student Assembly, W&M Events, or Tribelink. Join an outdoor or environmental club on campus for a clean-up, birdwatching session, or nature walk. Engage in mindfulness and movement through Fitwell classes and wellness pop-up events (such as meditation, yoga, or sound baths), which are free for full-time students.
Ecotherapy Menu for Busy Bees 🐝
Ecotherapy Activities for Any Schedule
I'm booked!
I'm booked!
Eat lunch outside
Study outdoors or in a nature-rich indoor space (check out the Wellness Center!)
Between classes, put away your phone and look up at the tree tops
Pick up a natural item on your way to class (ex. acorn!) and put it in your pocket
Open a window and let in some fresh air
I have 5 minutes.
I have 5 minutes.
Climb a tree
Green microbreaks (e.g. walk, cloud-watching, stretching)
Breath work or visualization in nature
Slow down and engage your senses by picking up a leaf, enjoying the smell of the rain, or listening to bird song
Get a personalized "park prescription" from PERL's CampusRx team
I have 15-30 minutes.
I have 15-30 minutes.
Do a "color walk" (follow the color yellow, etc.)
Outdoor meditation or nap
Organize an impromptu game of tag or frisbee with your friends
Check out the fish tank at the Keck Lab
I have an hour.
I have an hour.
Sit by Lake Matoaka (maybe bring some art supplies!)
Set up a hammock
Go for a run or do some yoga in a nature-rich space
Try your hand at tree identification (take a look at this tree tour!)
I have a day!
I have a day!
Go for a hike around Lake Matoaka
Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard at Matoaka Boathouse (free for students)
Zipline or hike with the Tribe Adventure Program (schedule and registration here)
I have a weekend.
I have a weekend.
Sit by Lake Matoaka (maybe bring some art supplies!)
Set up a hammock
Go for a run or do some yoga in a nature-rich space
Try your hand at tree identification (take a look at this tree tour!)
I have a car.
I have a car.
Swim at Jamestown Beach
Walk or bike the Greensprings Interpretive Trail
Visit the Williamsburg Botanical Garden at Freedom Park
I want to bring friends.
I want to bring friends.
Practice "nature play" together (it could be an organized game like Capture the Flag or tag, or you can figure it out as you go)
Have a picnic on Sunken G or in a local greenspace
Try out the Campus Bird Scavenger Hunt
Connect with PERL
For upcoming events and ecotherapy inspiration
For more information or to get involved in PERL
To keep up with outdoor events in Williamsburg
To our ecotherapy playlist
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse