Nature Rx - Connect with Nature for Health and Wellness

Health, Wellness and Safety

NatureRx at Quinnipiac is a university-wide initiative promoting spending time in nature as one positive mechanism for our students’ health and well-being. Extensive research studies have shown that spending time in nature — even just 20 minutes a day — has measurable improvements for mental health. At Quinnipiac, we continue to seek ways to incorporate our natural surroundings and bring healing in a hectic world.

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Connect to nature and improve mental health

Research shows that spending time outdoors can improve one's mental health and reduce stress.

At Quinnipiac, we are fortunate to call gorgeous campuses home, as well as be close to so many local parks and nature trails — including our Mount Carmel Campus being just steps away from Sleeping Giant State Park.

There are many ways to become involved on campus such as signing up for outdoor spin classes, leisure and wellness courses, and outdoor trips sponsored through the Recreation and Wellness Center. Students can also participate in sustainable activities to promote stewardship around campus such as The Big Event, pollinator garden planting days and Arbor Day activities. Faculty can also get involved in the NatureRx initiative by hosting a class outside.

What is Nature Rx and why does it matter?

Nature Rx stands for nature prescription. This program is supported by an oversight committee led by faculty, staff and students who promote the natural places around our campuses as one way to facilitate mental and physical wellness while raising awareness and understanding of the benefits associated with spending time in nature to reduce stress and anxiety, increase energy and have protected restorative moments. It can be recommended to anyone and everyone.

Coming out of the global pandemic, it was clear that students' mental health was negatively impacted. Prescribing nature is one of the ways students can disassociate from social media and other stressors they are experiencing.

Some of the benefits of spending time in nature:

Better sense of surroundings, breathing and sleep
Motivation to exercise
Prompts relationship bonding in nature
Peaceful horticulture helps decrease stress and anxiety
Can reduce symptoms of depression

Scenic places around our campuses

Our three campuses offer many options for catching a moment with nature, such as taking a short walk along our many brick paths, relaxing in a comfortable deck chair on the Quad, or sitting by one of our ponds.

Some ideas to get you started on places to reflect in nature across our three campuses:

Recreation and Wellness Center
- Four green living walls
- Breathing room complete with meditation cushions and eye pillows and views of campus
- Exercise machines with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking our scenic campus
- Outdoor amphitheater outside of the Recreation and Wellness Center
- Outdoor courtyard near Shake Smart in the Recreation and Wellness Center
- Exercise studios with retractable doors leading out to a deck overlooking Sleeping Giant State Park
- Complimentary outdoor and camping equipment rentals
Pollinator Garden at Albert Schweitzer Institute
Pat Abbate ’58 Alumni House & Gardens
Pond outside the Communications, Computing and Engineering building
Adirondack chairs spread out across campuses, including several with fire pits
Patio outside the Rocky Top Student Center on the York Hill Campus, with views of surrounding hills and Long Island Sound
North Haven Campus pond benches and outdoor patio

Have a spot you love on campus? Let us know! Send an email with your favorite place to relax, reflect or connect to nature at today@qu.edu

Friends walking on the Mount Carmel Campus — Walking paths across Mount Carmel Campus

Cherry trees in front of School of Business — Seasonal foliage around our campuses

Fountain sprinkling water over pond as students walk to class in the distance — Pond by the School of Communication and Engineering

Water flowing down layers of rocks with the School of Communications and Engineering in the background — Sitting garden by the pond adjacent to the Mount Carmel Campus Quad.

Two students sitting in wooden Adirondack chairs studying — Patio outside the Rocky Top Student Center on the York Hill Campus offers stunning views of surrounding hillside and Long Island Sound

Student sitting at table by Village with the fall foliage surrounding her — Tables by The Village residence hall

Students digging shovels into ground to make a hole to plant flowers — The Pollinator Garden

Students and faculty planting plants in pollinator garden — The Pollinator Garden

Beautiful sunny day as students walk past the Recreation and Wellness Center — Recreation and Wellness Center

Group of students sitting on a rock amphitheater, chatting — Amphitheater located next to Recreation and Wellness Center

Students sitting in wooden chairs by the fire on the quad as students walk by — Lounge chairs on the Quad

Students sitting out by the school of business, talking to each other — Several seating areas around the Quad and Bobcat Way

White colonial house with black trim and surrounded by nature — The Pat Abbate Alumni House & Gardens

River brook running through forest with leaves scattered on the ground and trees all around — Hiking trails on the Mill River

Students in workout gear standing outside by lake and are laughing — Clark's Pond by Mill River next to the Mount Carmel Campus

Orange leaves cascading over North Haven Lake — Pond on the North Haven Campus, featuring several outdoor seating areas

North Haven pond — North Haven Campus pond

Bench by North Haven Pond — Gardens and seating around the North Haven Campus pond

Hiking Trails

Our location gives us access to so many beautiful places to connect with nature. Explore hiking, biking and walking spots throughout Connecticut, including:

Know a great place to explore near campus? Send an email with your favorite places at today@qu.edu

Students enjoy the view of Quinnipiac from the top of Sleeping Giant. — **Sleeping Giant State Park** | Distance from the Mount Carmel Campus: Across the street

Located just a hop, skip and jump from Quinnipiac’s Mount Carmel Campus, Sleeping Giant State Park features more than 30 miles of trails to truly provide a unique experience every visit. The easiest trail is the tower trail which takes you on a 3.1-mile grated path up to the infamous tower which sits atop. This park is dog friendly and features a winding river along the base, perfect for a swim or to use one of the park's designated fishing areas. Learn more about Sleeping Giant State Park

Three students walk along the bank of a river with the sun reflecting — **Sleeping Giant State Park** | Distance from the Mount Carmel Campus: Across the street

Located just a hop, skip and jump from Quinnipiac’s Mount Carmel Campus, Sleeping Giant State Park features more than 30 miles of trails to truly provide a unique experience every visit. The easiest trail is the tower trail which takes you on a 3.1-mile grated path up to the infamous tower which sits atop. This park is dog friendly and features a winding river along the base, perfect for a swim or to use one of the park's designated fishing areas. Learn more about Sleeping Giant State Park

Two students hike up a rocky hill on an autumn day with the Sleeping Giant rock tower in the distance — **Sleeping Giant State Park** | Distance from the Mount Carmel Campus: Across the street

Located just a hop, skip and jump from Quinnipiac’s Mount Carmel Campus, Sleeping Giant State Park features more than 30 miles of trails to truly provide a unique experience every visit. The easiest trail is the tower trail which takes you on a 3.1-mile grated path up to the infamous tower which sits atop. This park is dog friendly and features a winding river along the base, perfect for a swim or to use one of the park's designated fishing areas. Learn more about Sleeping Giant State Park

Dozens of people bike along a trail on a fall day — **Farmington Canal State Park Trail** | Distance from Mount Carmel Campus: 0.5 miles (across the street from York Hill Campus), with several entrances throughout Hamden and Cheshire

The State Park Trail follows the path of the Farmington Canal which served the area from 1828 to 1847. The multi-use trail is 5.5 miles long and extends from Cornwall Street in Cheshire south to Todd Street in Hamden. The canal is free and open for use, including for walking, running, biking and even cross-country skiing. There is an entrance directly across from the York Hill Campus, or you can enter a several places along the route. Learn more about the Farmington Canal State Park Trail

Two students stretch on a wooden bridge on a fall day — **Lock 12 Historical Park, Farmington Canal Trail** | Distance from Mount Carmel Campus: 5.5 miles

This restored section of Farmington Canal Trail is the only remaining lock along the trail. Before trains became the preferred form of transportation, the lock operated from 1828 to 1848 as part of a bustling canal system from Long Island Sound in New Haven, Connecticut to the Connecticut River in Northampton, Massachusetts. The park includes a lock-keeper’s house and a museum filled with period artifacts and memorabilia. Learn more about Lock 12 Historical Park

Two students jog across a stone arch bridge on a fall day — **Lock 12 Historical Park, Farmington Canal Trail** | Distance from Mount Carmel Campus: 5.5 miles

This restored section of Farmington Canal Trail is the only remaining lock along the trail. Before trains became the preferred form of transportation, the lock operated from 1828 to 1848 as part of a bustling canal system from Long Island Sound in New Haven, Connecticut to the Connecticut River in Northampton, Massachusetts. The park includes a lock-keeper’s house and a museum filled with period artifacts and memorabilia. Learn more about Lock 12 Historical Park

American flag next to Hubbard Park Castle — **Hubbard Park** | Distance from Mount Carmel Campus: 14 miles

Hubbard Park’s nine trails give hikers a variety of difficulties to choose from as they have options on all ends of the spectrum. Sitting in Meriden with trails ranging from 68 to 1,443 feet in elevation, there is truly something for everyone. Surrounding Mirror Lake, these trails offer many options and combinations at this aesthetic, dog-friendly park. Learn more about Hubbard Park

Trees and hils at Hubbard Park — **Hubbard Park** | Distance from Mount Carmel Campus: 14 miles

Hubbard Park’s nine trails give hikers a variety of difficulties to choose from as they have options on all ends of the spectrum. Sitting in Meriden with trails ranging from 68 to 1,443 feet in elevation, there is truly something for everyone. Surrounding Mirror Lake, these trails offer many options and combinations at this aesthetic, dog-friendly park. Learn more about Hubbard Park

Water vastly traveling down rocks — **Indian Wells State Park** | Distance from the Mount Carmel Campus: 18 miles

This hidden gem, located in Shelton, is home to a scenic waterfall that doubles as a refreshing swimming hole. In addition, this spot features a shaded picnic area right on the water’s edge. This state park features vast trails offering the opportunity to explore the nearby woods leading to great views.

Waterfall on rocks — **Roaring Brook Falls** | Distance from the Mount Carmel Campus: 6.3 miles

If you are looking for more of a challenge, look no further than Roaring Brook Falls. Located in the town of Cheshire, this trail features a moderately difficult 1.5-mile loop. Open year-round, this is a dog friendly trail that features a steep ascent looping around to a beautiful waterfall. Learn more about Roaring Brook Falls

Water falling on to rocks — **Roaring Brook Falls** | Distance from the Mount Carmel Campus: 6.3 miles

If you are looking for more of a challenge, look no further than Roaring Brook Falls. Located in the town of Cheshire, this trail features a moderately difficult 1.5-mile loop. Open year-round, this is a dog friendly trail that features a steep ascent looping around to a beautiful waterfall. Learn more about Roaring Brook Falls

Stone tunnel on walking trail — **Wadsworth Falls State Park** | Distance from the Mount Carmel Campus: 20 miles

Shaded by trees, these relatively flat trails offer multiple routes to explore both "little falls" and "big falls." Featuring designated picnic, fishing and swimming areas located along each route, one can easily find their way back to either of the scenic waterfalls. Located in Middlefield and Middletown, this is a popular spot for mountain bikers and fishing enthusiasts. Learn more about the Wadsworth Falls State Park

Waterfall and greenery — **Wadsworth Falls State Park** | Distance from the Mount Carmel Campus: 20 miles

Shaded by trees, these relatively flat trails offer multiple routes to explore both "little falls" and "big falls." Featuring designated picnic, fishing and swimming areas located along each route, one can easily find their way back to either of the scenic waterfalls. Located in Middlefield and Middletown, this is a popular spot for mountain bikers and fishing enthusiasts. Learn more about the Wadsworth Falls State Park

Pond surrounded by trees and algae — **West Rock Ridge State Park** | Distance from the Mount Carmel Campus: 7.6 miles

Located in New Haven, Hamden and Woodbridge, visitors can choose from eight trails that feature a varying range of difficulties. West Rock Ridge offers opportunities for visitors to hike, bike, fish, boat, horseback ride and rock climb. With a wide range of difficulties, there is a trail for everyone, from the 7-mile-long Regicides Trail to Lake Wintergreen, as well as multiple caves ready to be explored. Learn more about the West Rock Ridge State Park

Stick huts in the middle of the forest — **West Rock Ridge State Park** | Distance from the Mount Carmel Campus: 7.6 miles

Located in New Haven, Hamden and Woodbridge, visitors can choose from eight trails that feature a varying range of difficulties. West Rock Ridge offers opportunities for visitors to hike, bike, fish, boat, horseback ride and rock climb. With a wide range of difficulties, there is a trail for everyone, from the 7-mile-long Regicides Trail to Lake Wintergreen, as well as multiple caves ready to be explored. Learn more about the West Rock Ridge State Park

View of the town and rocks — **West Rock Ridge State Park** | Distance from the Mount Carmel Campus: 7.6 miles

Located in New Haven, Hamden and Woodbridge, visitors can choose from eight trails that feature a varying range of difficulties. West Rock Ridge offers opportunities for visitors to hike, bike, fish, boat, horseback ride and rock climb. With a wide range of difficulties, there is a trail for everyone, from the 7-mile-long Regicides Trail to Lake Wintergreen, as well as multiple caves ready to be explored. Learn more about the West Rock Ridge State Park

About the Nature Rx Initiative

The initiative brings together the Hartford Healthcare Health and Quinnipiac’s Recreation and Wellness Center, Office of Community Engagement, Albert Schweitzer Institute, Students for Environmental Action (SEA), numerous people, and academic departments across the university promoting the benefits of being in and exploring nature on campus and in the surrounding communities. Quinnipiac NatureRX also exists to support Quinnipiac University’s sustainability goals of Live, Learn and Lead.

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Sunrise over the Rocky Top Student Center

Our Approach to Sustainability

We envision a Quinnipiac that is a model for sustainability in Southern New England, building its practices and leveraging its campuses to promote a healthy regional ecosystem, and to engage in practices that equip current and future students, faculty and staff to embody sustainable practices in their personal and professional lives, equipping them to thrive in a world increasingly influenced and affected by environmental disruption.

Learn more about our approach to sustainability

Three students talk next to a table with small pots and seed packets during the Earth Day celebration at Quinnipiac

Students for Environmental Action

Students for Environmental Action (SEA) is a club committed to promoting environmental stewardship at Quinnipiac and in the broader community. Past events include World Environment Health Day and fundraising for the Coral Sea Alliance. If you are interested in participating in sustainability initiatives around campus with a group of like-minded environmentalists, consider joining SEA.

Learn more about SEA

Two people talk at world summit day at the ASI table.

Albert Schweitzer Institute

The Albert Schweitzer Institute conducts programs that link education, ethics and voluntarism for the sake of creating a more peaceful and sustainable world. A dynamic presence at Quinnipiac, the institute has drawn notable humanitarians both to campus and to its board, and gives students of all majors opportunities to make a positive impact on local and global communities.

Learn how to get involved with ASI