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Southeast Minnesota Park Rx

Spending time in nature can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve your overall health. Southeast Minnesota Park Rx is a collaborative initiative connecting local healthcare providers, parks, and community organizations to incorporate outdoor activities into daily life. The goal is to help enhance the health and well-being of residents and visitors in Southeast Minnesota.     

Southeast Minnesota Park Rx is part of the larger Park Rx America movement, following their guidelines to promote the health benefits of nature. By aligning with Park Rx America, Southeast Minnesota Park Rx ensures our community benefits from practices that link outdoor activities with improved well-being. 

What is Southeast Minnesota Park Rx? 

Our initiative encourages healthcare providers to recommend outdoor activities as part of patient care, promoting better physical and mental health. Southeast Minnesota Park Rx helps you reconnect with nature and enjoy the beautiful parks in this portion of the state. 

Follow us on Facebook: Southeast Minnesota Park Rx 

Southeast Minnesota Park Rx Coalition 

Southeast Minnesota Park Rx is supported by a wide range of organizations, including: 

  • City of Rochester Parks and Recreation  
  • Mayo Clinic  
  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 
  • Olmsted County Parks 
  • Olmsted County Public Health Services 
  • Olmsted Medical Center 
  • Project Get Outdoors 

To join the coalition, fill out the Southeast Minnesota Park Rx membership form. 

Current activities 

Education and outreach: Raising awareness of nature’s health benefits through educational resources. 

Presentations on nature and health: View our recorded presentations. 

Campus Nature Rx: Promoting outdoor spaces for mental and physical well-being on campuses. 

Quarterly news articles: Stay updated on nature’s impact on your health through quarterly articles published by Mayo Clinic. 

Guided nature events: Participate in health-focused outdoor events. 

  • Walk for docs: Stroll with healthcare professionals and learn how outdoor activity boosts health. 
  • Forest bathing: Enjoy the calming effects of guided forest walks. 
  • Mindfulness walks: Reduce stress and relax through mindfulness in nature. 

Get involved 

Explore local parks, join a nature walk, or talk to your healthcare provider about incorporating outdoor activities into your health journey.

Participate in: 

  • Southeast Minnesota Park Rx monthly meetings: Second Monday of every month from 10 - 11 a.m. 
  • Education webinars: Learn virtually about the health benefits of nature. 
  • Community engagement planning: Help us create new ways to engage with the outdoors. 

Request a presentation 

Interested in learning more about the health benefits of nature or have an idea you want to present? Contact us at: 

  • muse.abdi@olmstedcounty.gov  
  • karlin.ziegler@olmstedcounty.gov  

Nature prescription activity booklet 

Download the Nature Prescription Activity Booklet and talk to your healthcare provider about how you can incorporate it into your wellness plan. You can also write your own nature prescription from Park Rx America. 

ParksRx Virtual Booklet Cover

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