At a time when mental health challenges are rising and nature feels increasingly out of reach, the BC Parks Foundation’s PaRx program is charting a bold path forward—one where time outdoors isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. In May’s ECHO Digital Session, Nature Rx: A Dose of the Outdoors, with Jennie McCaffrey, Vice President of Health and Education at BC Parks Foundation, we explored how Canada’s first national nature prescription program, PaRx, is transforming healthcare, advancing conservation, and changing the way people see their local parks, gardens, and zoos. With over 1.3 million prescriptions and growing global recognition, this conversation illuminated what’s possible when nature, health, and equity align.
Here are five takeaways from our discussion that might just change the way your organization talks about health, nature, and impact.
TESSERE’s Takes:
1. Nature As The Fourth Pillar of Health
We often talk about sleep, diet, and exercise as the cornerstones of wellness—but what if nature belonged in that same category? The PaRx program is helping make that shift, backed by research showing that just 20 minutes in nature can reduce cortisol levels, and that hospital patients in rooms with plants heal faster and require less pain medication. This isn’t just a feel-good idea—it’s evidence-based preventive care.
2. Conservation’s Hidden Ally: Public Health
PaRx may be rooted in human health, but it’s also creating the conditions for deeper conservation impact. When people feel better outside, they care more about protecting it. Connecting communities to nature improves individual wellbeing—and builds broader public support for protecting wild places. Framing conservation through the lens of public health can be a gateway to long-term environmental action.
3. The Messenger Matters
Doctors remain among the most trusted voices in Canada—and that credibility is fueling PaRx’s success. When nature prescriptions come from a healthcare provider rather than a park ranger or bird-watching uncle, they shift from a nice idea into a health imperative. It’s a powerful reminder: the right message from the right messenger can drive real behavior change.
4. Nearby Nature Is the Goal
You don’t need a multi-day trek or national park pass to experience the health benefits of nature. PaRx emphasizes “nearby nature”—walkable green spaces woven into everyday life. Whether through car-share partnerships, discounted access to local zoos and gardens, or integrating nature into school and community infrastructure, the goal is simple: make nature reachable.
5. Good News Is Contagious
When the Toronto Zoo joined PaRx, the story made international headlines—and sparked real action. Strategic partnerships with organizations like botanical gardens, art galleries, and transit providers not only reduce barriers to access, they also reframe places like zoos and aquariums as essential public health resources. These collaborations build momentum, welcome new audiences, and position organizations as catalysts for community wellbeing.
Be a Part of Growing a Movement
For individuals or organizations looking to join or launch a similar initiative, the best place to start isn’t with infrastructure—it’s with people. PaRx’s success is rooted in collaboration with healthcare providers and in breaking down barriers to access. As Jennie shared, “The equitable access piece would be a place to start.”
Whether you’re a zoo, park, school district, or employer, you can help build a culture where time in nature is not an exception—but an expectation. Begin by shifting the message: emphasize the mental and physical health benefits of time outdoors—not just its educational or entertainment value. Together, we can help make nature part of daily life, for everyone.
If you’re interested in watching the full recording, send us an email at echo@tessere.com.
