Nature as Medicine: Forest Immersion De-Stress Experience
Sonoma State University Native Plant & Butterfly Garden
September 17, 2026,
Thu, Sep 17, 12:00 pm
– 1:30 pm
October 15, 2026,
Thu, Oct 15, 12:00 pm
– 1:30 pm
November 19, 2026,
Thu, Nov 19, 12:00 pm
– 1:30 pm
December 10, 2026,
Thu, Dec 10, 12:00 pm
– 1:30 pm
Admission Fees: none
(Each participant should register separately)
Pre-registration appreciated but not required.
Join us for a stress-relieving Nature as Medicine session in the SSU Native Plant and Butterfly Garden. The session will be led by Sarah Murphy, MD, a Family and Integrative Medicine physician who works at the SSU Student Health Center.
This will be a mellow, calm, tech-free immersion in nature where you will pay close attention to sensory details around you to develop a sense of presence and connection.
Studies on forest immersion experiences like this have demonstrated they decrease stress levels, anxiety, and increase mood, attention, feelings of connectedness and well-being, and even help boost the immune system. We hope the experience will help you feel refreshed, grounded, and mentally recharged.
If you have questions reach out to Dr. Sarah Murphy at murphysa@sonoma.edu
Presenter
Sarah Murphy, MD is a Family and Integrative Physician who works part-time at the SSU Student Health Center. She is passionate about the health and wellness of her patients, and our planet. Dr. Murphy is a licensed Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy.
Logistics
No previous experience or knowledge is required to participate.
This is an electronic device-free experience.
The maximum distance will be 0.5 mile on flat ground.
We will meet on the main SSU Campus at the Butterfly Garden, within the Native Plant Garden, located in the northeast corner of campus near Parking Lot G.
If you are not sure where the Butterfly Garden is...
- Type the following coordinates into google maps: 38.342690, -122.671951
- Look at the Campus Map: The Butterfly Garden is between the Gymnasium and Copeland Creek.
- Recommended parking: Lot G (if you do not have a parking pass remember to purchase a Daily Parking Permit in advance), or use public transportation
What to Bring
Please dress warmly with footwear appropriate for walking around the Native Plant & Butterfly Garden. Tennis shoes should be fine, and remember to bring a water bottle.
How to Sign Up
See registration links above. Each person should register separately. These events are free of charge.
About the Center
Sonoma State University’s Center for Environmental Inquiry empowers university students to work with community members on the environmental challenges of the North Bay. Our mission is to create an engaged and environmentally ready society, one where all people have the skills to find solutions to the challenges facing our earth. SSU Preserves are open to everyone engaged in education or research. Reservations are required at the preserves.