This fall, the inaugural PaRx Day at Scanlon Creek Conservation Area, hosted by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA), marked a significant milestone in the nature-health movement. The event celebrated the healing power of nature and showcased the growing reach of this community of practice. What started with healthcare providers writing individual nature prescriptions now extends to community-wide events, all driven by a shared mission: embracing nature as a cornerstone of health.

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A Day of Connection and Discovery

On October 5, Scanlon Creek came alive with activities designed to engage participants of all ages. From bird identification and a forest story walk to hands-on crafts like leaf stamp art, the event showcased the many ways to connect with nature. Children explored a mud kitchen and created activity books, while families wandered beautiful trails admiring the fall colors. The day embodied the ethos of PaRx: nature is for everyone, and every moment spent outdoors is a step toward better health.

Local physician and PaRx prescriber Dr. Jake Zamora, an endocrinologist, was among the driving forces behind the event. Reflecting on his involvement, Dr. Zamora said, “The opportunity to provide evidence-based recommendations rooted in nature adds a unique dimension to managing chronic illness. It is great to see an increasing number of conservation areas and parks take on the initiative to promote this relationship.”

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A Growing Network of Partnerships

The success of the event was amplified by the collaboration between health and conservation organizations. Nicole Hamley, Education Manager at LSRCA, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “One of our goals is to connect people to the watershed, building a positive relationship with nature, and local PaRx prescribers like Dr. Zamora have been prescribing nature time to local residents. We wanted to host an event that promotes the health benefits of nature and raise awareness about local parks for residents to fill their nature prescription at.”

This synergy is part of a larger wave. PaRx, an initiative of BC Parks Foundation, is endorsed by top health organizations like the Canadian Medical Association and Canadian Nurses Association, the largest physicians’ and nurses’ associations in the country, respectively, as well as featured by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an effective way to inspire protection and restoration of nature for our health. Conservation partners such as Parks Canada, BC Parks, Conservation Halton, and UBC Botanical Garden have also embraced the movement, ensuring nature spaces are accessible and inviting for all.

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The Power of a Community of Practice

PaRx’s strength lies in its ability to bring together diverse parties to promote the nature-health connection. With initiatives like LSRCA’s PaRx Day, the movement is expanding to include not just healthcare providers and conservation authorities but also community networks. Events like these inspire individuals to value and protect natural spaces, recognizing them as an intrinsic element of personal and community health.

The science supports this growing momentum. Studies show that spending just two hours a week in nature can significantly improve physical and mental health. In Canada, where health expenditures are rising faster than our economic growth, nature prescriptions offer an affordable and effective way to address chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health disorders. Globally, organizations like WHO are increasingly advocating for nature-based solutions to health challenges, emphasizing their role in preventative care.

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A Vision for the Future

The inaugural PaRx Day at Scanlon Creek is a glimpse into what’s possible when healthcare, conservation, and the community comes together. By creating accessible opportunities for the public to engage with nature, we’re promoting health and fostering a culture that values and protects the outdoors. This growing community of practice has the potential to transform healthcare, making nature an integral part of the prescription pad!

Dr. Zamora captured this vision perfectly: “The more people I can get outside, the more I hope people will also learn to value these areas. Both as a means to live a healthier life and to protect our green spaces.”

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Top image: Dr. Zamora and his family at PaRx Day. Photo supplied.