Feeling depressed, stressed, anxious, or a long list of other maladies? Ontario’s Halton region physicians can now prescribe time in nature as an antidote.
In early December 2024, Conservation Halton partnered with Pa/Rx, a nature prescription program launched by the B.C. Parks Foundation in November 2020. The partnership allows physicians to prescribe 10 free visits to any of Conservation Halton’s eight parks, including Crawford Lake, Mount Nemo, Hilton Falls, Robert Edmundson, Mountsberg, Area 8, Kelso, and Rattlesnake Point.
Photo Courtesy Conservation Halton
“People can come hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing. You can do any of the free activities in our parks,” says Craig Machan, Conservation Halton’s director of parks and operations. “We’ve got 110 kilometres of trails that people can hike on and beautiful views of the escarpment.”
The B.C. Parks Foundation launched the Pa/Rx program in response to the rising number of mental and physical challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A growing amount of scientific research has shown that time spent in nature can improve health and an individual’s well-being.
How to turn your cottage walk into a stress-reducing “forest bath”
According to the Pa/Rx program, time in nature can reduce your stress-hormone levels; reduce your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes; boost your memory; and increase your lifespan.
A 2019 study found that spending two hours per week in nature is enough to reap the benefits. That’s why the Pa/Rx program recommends patients spend 20 minutes a day in nature, whether that means going for a walk through a forested area on your lunch break or even just sitting on a bench among the trees.
Photo Courtesy Conservation Halton
To prescribe a Conservation Halton pass, physicians must be registered with the Pa/Rx program. Halton Healthcare has partnered with Pa/Rx. It’s the first hospital system to partner with the program, and it means any physician associated with Halton Healthcare can provide a nature prescription. However, physicians don’t have to be based in the Halton Region to prescribe a Conservation Halton pass. They can be based anywhere in Canada, as long as they’re registered with Pa/Rx.
In 2022, Pa/Rx said that more than 10,000 prescribers had registered within Canada. That’s five per cent of all practising physicians in the country.
Here’s how the prescription works: the patient has to fill out a form on Conservation Halton’s website, which includes inputting a licence plate number. In return, the patient will receive a code via email. This code can be used to book 10 free park passes. When the patient shows up at the park, the gate will automatically open thanks to the registered licence plate.
Why time in nature makes you happier and healthier
A visit to one of Conservation Halton’s parks will normally cost you $10.50 if you book online, or $12 if you pay at the gate. In the first month, 22 patients registered for the pass, says Machan.
Photo Courtesy Conservation Halton
The Pa/Rx program has also partnered with Parks Canada, allowing registered physicians to prescribe an annual Parks Canada discovery pass—this gives patients free access to national parks for a year—as well as with the Toronto Zoo, which offers 50 per cent off admission. And doctors can prescribe 20 per cent off a Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Conservation Parks membership pass.
“You just feel better after spending a little bit of time in nature. It does a great job of improving the clarity inside your head,” says Machan. “You can get your blood pumping and you really do feel better when you get back to your car.”
Related Story The Bruce Trail Conservancy gets $2.4M in new government funding
Related Story A Prince Edward County family has turned 59 acres of land into a protected habitat
Related Story Land trusts can help protect ecologically sensitive land in cottage country. Here’s how they work