The 2026 Nature as Medicine Program

Partnering with the Missouri Department of Conservation to integrate natural spaces directly into clinical patient care.

The Vision & the Partnership

Bringing Medicine and Nature Together

The Open Field Health Collaborative, in partnership 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 directly into clinical medicine, 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 lifestyle medicine, showing how prescriptive access to nature can treat and prevent chronic, stress-induced conditions.

For Clinicians & Faculty

Nature as Medicine Accredited CME Session and Hike

  • Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026

  • Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

  • Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center

  • Who: CoxHealth Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers.

  • Refreshments: A selection of light, whole-food, plant-based refreshments will be served, reflecting the nutritional pillars of lifestyle medicine. This gathering is proudly co-sponsored by Open Field and the CoxHealth Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group, with generous support from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

This accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME) seminar equips clinicians with the evidence-based science, tools, and local resources required to utilize nature as a formal health intervention. 

CoxHealth has approved this live activity for a maximum of 1 credit AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Core Learning Objectives

  • Understand the Science of Nature as Medicine: 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. 

  • Learn to Write Meaningful Nature Prescriptions: 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.

Register for the August 27 CME

For Patients & the Community

Weekly Community Health Circles

  • Timeline: Wednesdays 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm throughout October 2026

  • Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center

  • Who: CoxHealth patients

Community Health Circles Section

Launching in October, these weekly community health circles bring lifestyle medicine to life in a relaxed, supportive group setting. Co-facilitated by Department of Conservation staff and Family Medicine physicians, these circles offer CoxHealth patients a path to healing from stress and chronic illnesses.

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 culture 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.