Mental Health and Nature-Inspired ‘Thriving Outside in the Arboretum’ Pilot Program to Begin at FAU Jupiter

Students outside

by Bethany Alex | Friday, Oct 01, 2021

Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Environmental Studies (CES) in partnership with FAU Thrive, will host multiple mental health and wellness events in part of the new “Thriving Outside in the Arboretum” program, beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the Robert J. Huckshorn Arboretum, 5353 Parkside Dr., John D. MacArthur Campus, in Jupiter.

“ Thriving Outside in the Arboretum ” offers participants a mix of live and virtual events during the remainder of the fall semester. The purpose of the program is to provide students, faculty and community members with a nature-based avenue to help alleviate the impact of daily stressors and promote a sense of community well-being.

Events include nature walks, FAU Counseling and Psychological Services led meditation, Pet-a-Pup dog therapy, virtual art exhibits and nature-inspired photo scavenger hunt for social media users. Funding for the pilot “Thriving Outside in the Arboretum” program is provided by The Chastain Charitable Foundation.

“It is such an exciting opportunity to be able to provide the FAU Jupiter community with the chance to celebrate wellness alongside others in the beautiful arboretum. This past year and a half has been unlike any other in our lifetime,” said Alana Edwards, education and training coordinator for FAU’s CES. “The timing for this program gives us a perfect outlet to offer students opportunities for self-care and relief from the emotional challenges experienced daily, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Robert J. Huckshorn Arboretum was named to honor the service and legacy of FAU’s vice president emeritus and founder of the John D. MacArthur Campus at Jupiter, who passed away in December 2018. The arboretum is planted with Florida native plants, including typical species found in pine flatwoods, tropical hardwood hammocks, mixed hardwood swamps and oak hammock.

For more information on the program and event details and registration, visit www.ces.fau.edu/arboretum/thriving-outside-fall-2021.php .