Early in 2024, the Arboretum and Public Garden collaborated with Healthy UC Davis and Student Health and Counseling Services to launch the nature prescription pilot program, which provides healthcare providers with a framework to "prescribe" time in nature to students  as a part of a holistic care program.

This pilot is just one piece of Nature Rx programming available to UC Davis community members based on research that shows that spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while improving cognitive faculties and enhancing mental and physical health.

The news segment, aired by ABC10 on June 11, covers the nature prescription pilot, benefits of intentionally spending time outdoors and the role the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden serves in supporting the mental health and well-being of the community.