Nature as Medicine Initiative
Partnering with regional parks, greenways and conservation partners to bring the healing power of natural spaces into patient care.
Bringing Nature and Medicine Together
Launching August 2026
The Open Field Health Collaborative, in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservation, is launching an autumn pilot program designed for the CoxHealth community.
This initiative brings the healing power of the natural world into clinical care, using our beautiful local trails and conservation spaces as a natural extension of the clinic.
By moving care outside the traditional clinic walls, this pilot demonstrates a practical, localized approach to community lifestyle medicine, showing how prescriptive access to nature can treat and prevent chronic, stress-induced conditions.
For Healthcare
Nature as Medicine Continuing Medical Education and Hike
This free CME event is made possible by Open Field, CoxHealth Office of Medical Education and the CoxHealth Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group, with generous support from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
This seminar equips clinicians with the evidence-based science, tools, and local resources to utilize nature as a formal health intervention.
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center
4601 S Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804
Who: Healthcare professionals
What: Presentation and discussion followed by a guided hike
Refreshments: A selection of light and nourishing refreshments will be served, reflecting the nutritional pillars of lifestyle medicine.
CoxHealth has approved this live activity for a maximum of 1 credit AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
Core Learning Objectives
Examine the Science of Nature as Medicine and the Use of Nature Contact as a Therapeutic Intervention: Explore the clinical data and physiological evidence showing how intentional time in natural environments lowers stress hormones, reduces blood pressure, and strengthens both emotional and physical resilience.
Formulate Meaningful and Practical Nature Prescriptions for Use in Clinical Practice: Discover how to introduce and personalize "Nature Prescriptions" during routine patient visits, offering nature as a practical, supportive tool for managing chronic health conditions.
Discover Local Springfield Resources: Learn how to utilize the beautiful trails, pathways, and programs of the Springfield Conservation Nature Center and the broader Parks and Conservation network to create accessible, real-world wellness plans for your patients.
For the Community
Weekly Community Nature & Health Circles
Timeline: October Wednesdays 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center
4601 S Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804
Who: CoxHealth patient community
These weekly community health circles bring lifestyle medicine to life in a relaxed, supportive group setting. Co-facilitated by Family Medicine physicians and Department of Conservation staff, these circles offer CoxHealth patients a path to healing from stress and chronic illnesses. This pilot program is free to attend.
CoxHealth patients can self-refer below or be referred by their care team.
What patients will experience:
Practical Health Conversations: Friendly, evidence-based group discussions focusing on simple, real-world ways to reduce stress, improve sleep, and nourish your body.
Guided Nature Immersion: Peaceful outdoor experiences along the nature center trails, designed to help you reconnect with the environment, restore physical vitality, and build lasting wellness habits.
Heart-Centered Connection: A welcoming group dynamic that counters isolation, offering a safe space to share your journey and build a community of health and flourishing.
If you are a clinician looking to refer a patient or want to learn more about how to get involved, please reach out to us at info@OpenFieldHealthCollaborative.org.
