NatureRx: Nature’s prescription for mental health

In a world where mental health concerns among college students are mounting, three graduate nursing students at The College of St. Scholastica are on a mission to make a difference. “32% of college students visited a student health service for evaluation of mental health concerns,” Hannah Schmidt (DNP ’26) noted. “And of those, 22% met criteria for severe psychological distress or disorder.” The statistics speak for themselves; there is an urgent need for innovative solutions, which is where Schmidt and her classmates, Megan Semerad (DNP ’26) and Nicole Houston (DNP ’27), come in: bringing NatureRx to St. Scholastica.

As nursing graduate students, Schmidt, Semerad, and Houston understand the growing pressures of student life. “When I started my undergrad program and the stress of the nursing program and just more adult responsibilities came into play, I spent a lot of time outside with my friends, going on walks,” Semerad shared of the inspiration for their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) group project. This revelation encouraged them to explore nature as a therapeutic tool for students and staff members feeling the weight of academic stress.

Nurturing a deeper connection to nature

The NatureRx initiative transforms this inspiration into actionable support for mental health by integrating the therapeutic benefits of nature into daily routines. “It’s a nature prescription,” Semerad explained. “Your provider can write it up saying how often you should spend time in nature and what activities you can do.” The nature prescription provides tailored recommendations for outdoor activities to improve mental health, encouraging students to step outside and reconnect with the environment.

The goal is simple yet powerful: to offer the St. Scholastica community tangible options to improve their mental well-being while nurturing a deeper connection to nature. As Schmidt, Semerad, and Houston work to implement the NatureRx program, they look to create a healthier, more supportive campus environment at the College. “The hope of bringing NatureRX to St. Scholastica is to improve mental health, as well as physical health, for students and staff here at CSS,” concluded Schmidt.

If you’re struggling with mental health, you’re not alone. Nature can help, but it’s okay to ask for more. Connect with Counseling Services or other student services — support is available.

If you need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s free and confidential, 24/7.