Harley School & Rochester Ecology Partners Launch Weeklong “Health Benefits of Nature” Series

ROCHESTER, N.Y. —The Harley School, in partnership with Rochester Ecology Partners, will host a weeklong, community-centered event series from April 6–11 exploring the powerful connection between nature and human health.

The “Health Benefits of Nature” initiative will bring together students, families, educators, researchers and community members for immersive, hands-on experiences and conversations designed to deepen understanding of how time outdoors supports mental, physical and emotional well-being.

“This is about more than getting outside,” said Ecology Partners Chris Widmaier. “It’s about helping young people—and the adults in their lives—understand how meaningful engagement with nature can improve health and shape lifelong habits.”

A Week of Learning, Exploration and Action

Throughout the week, programming will engage participants of all ages:

• Nearby Nature Lessons (April 7–8): Rochester Ecology Partners educators will lead outdoor experiences for Harley’s Lower and Middle School students, using evidence-based practices to explore how nature supports mental health.

• Commons Series speaker (April 8): Environmental researcher Tania Konstantina Ploumi will present on the concept of mental health as an ecosystem service, connecting scientific research with everyday life. Free and open to the public—6:30 pm at The Harley School.

• Cornell University Field Experience (April 9): Harley students will travel to Cornell University to participate in the Nature Rx program, including a guided immersion experience at the Cornell Botanic Gardens and discussions with faculty and students about integrating nature into daily routines.

• Public Panel Discussion (April 9): A featured community event, aligned with the Connecting Youth to Nature Panel and Discussion, will take place at 6:30 pm at Harley. The panel—featuring local health professionals, educators and parents—will explore practical ways to help children spend more time outdoors both at school and at home. The discussion will include audience Q&A and opportunities for community dialogue.

• Vitamin N Day (April 11): Harley and Horizons at Harley families are invited to campus for a hands-on outdoor experience inspired by the Children & Nature Network’s “Vitamin N” initiative. Activities will include nature crafts, wildlife exploration, mindfulness exercises and interactive stations designed to turn awareness into action.

Connecting Research to Real Life

The series is guided by key questions: What are the health benefits of nature? What does meaningful engagement with nature look like? And how can schools and families create more opportunities for it?

By combining academic research, experiential learning and community dialogue, the initiative aims to spark lasting change in how young people connect with the natural world.

Rochester Ecology Partners, which serves the Greater Rochester community through nature-based learning and programming, is coordinating the series in collaboration with Harley and regional partners, including healthcare professionals and environmental educators.

Open to the Community

Several events, including the Commons Series and panel discussion, are open to the public. Parents, caregivers, and community members are encouraged to attend and participate in the conversation.