In a world where stress and mental health challenges are prevalent among college students, more educational institutions are turning to the great outdoors as a therapeutic resource. A 2018 study published in Frontiers of Public Health underlines the multifaceted benefits of spending time in nature, ranging from improved attention and cognition to reduced stress and anxiety, better sleep, emotional stability, and an enhanced sense of well-being.
Monicka Fosnocht, an associate therapist at San Diego State University (SDSU), with expertise in natural public medicine, concurs with these findings. She emphasizes the significance of outdoor exposure for students facing mental health struggles. Fosnocht explains, “For a lot of students that are struggling with mental health, or even students who don’t and are just stressed, it’s really helpful to get a nice, big dose of vitamin D and get outside so that we can get our brains functioning optimally.”
SDSU has embraced the idea of leveraging outdoor resources for mental health support. Among these resources, the “turtle pond” has emerged as a favored sanctuary for students seeking respite from their academic pressures.
The origins of the turtle pond trace back to 1973 when the campus community’s request for more green spaces was answered. Initially populated by koi fish, the pond gradually became known for its resident red-eared slider turtles, hence its informal namesake. Within this area, students find hammocks, slacklines, trees, ample seating, and, of course, the pond itself—all offering a mental health boost.
Mental health professionals, including Tri Nguyễn, a faculty member at SDSU’s counseling and psychological services, increasingly acknowledge the therapeutic effects of outdoor spaces. Nguyễn notes, “Therapists are moving a lot more outdoors. There are providers who do therapy outdoors, by hiking or going on a walk. It’s no longer just within the confines of an office space.”
It’s worth noting that individuals aged 15 to 21 face higher stress levels than older generations but are also more willing to discuss their struggles and seek help. Fosnocht expresses optimism about the younger generation’s ability to destigmatize mental health conversations and explore unconventional approaches to addressing mental health issues. She states, “I’m really hopeful for Gen Z and the generations to come that are decreasing the stigma around mental health and also connecting it to very accessible things like being in nature, hanging out with the turtles, talking to other people, and taking the time to connect with people in person.”
One frequent visitor to the turtle pond is Natale Canepa, a fifth-year journalism and media studies major, known as “The Turtle Pond Whistler.” Canepa’s music has added to the charm of the pond, and he has garnered attention on Instagram. Beyond self-expression, he regards the pond as a place to savor life’s quiet, reflective moments.
Canepa shares his sentiment with others like Lauren DuBose, a fourth-year business administration major, who visits the pond almost daily to disconnect from academics. Even during brief 15-minute breaks between classes, DuBose finds solace at the pond, socializing with friends, listening to music, and practicing mindfulness.
Moreover, SDSU’s counseling and psychological services offer a unique outdoor amenity involving a pair of therapy dogs named Baxter and Luna. These four-legged companions frequently participate in school events, including “Lunch with Luna” at the turtle pond.
Beyond SDSU, campuses across California are recognizing the benefits of outdoor engagement. The University of California, Irvine encourages its community to take part in “Wednesday Wellness Walks” through city parks and marshes, while Chico State University offers a guided forest therapy program inspired by the Japanese practice of “forest bathing.”
In the spring of 2022, the University of California, Davis introduced the “Healthy Outside” initiative, aiming to motivate students to spend more time outdoors. The program incentivized participation with rewards.
Fosnocht emphasizes that the practice of mindfulness should extend beyond campus boundaries and into the local community. She states, “We don’t have to limit it to campus alone. When I work with students, I encourage them to use all the outdoor spaces throughout San Diego. We’re very close to Mission Trails as well as Cowles Mountain and the beaches.”
As universities continue to explore innovative ways to support student mental health, the healing power of nature remains an invaluable resource in promoting well-being and resilience.
