Rx for Nature Festival set for Aug. 12 at Knoch Knolls Nature Center

Did you know that doctors are beginning to prescribe outdoor activities as a way to boost health?

Dr. Daphne Miller, a physician and associate clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco, posted an article for the National Parks Conservation Association describing why she writes nature prescriptions such as "45 minutes of exercise in a park" for her patients, either to maintain or recover their health.

With the health benefits of time spent in nature widely documented, Naperville Park District decided to host a new, free event for the community at Knoch Knolls Nature Center focusing on healthy outdoor activities.

The Rx for Nature Festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at the Nature Center and on the grounds of Knoch Knolls Park, located at 320 Knoch Knolls Road.

Those attending the event will be able to learn more from area vendors about activities including camping, dog walking, electric biking, hiking and kayaking.

Fort Hill Fitness instructors will offer free mini-sessions of yoga, zumba, meditation and Shirin-Yoku.

A children's area will feature crafts, face painting, a bean bag toss game, practice with fish casting, and an obstacle course. Local conservation organizations also will share ways that people can help the environment while enjoying healthy activities in nature.

"We're pleased to be able to offer another free festival this year at Knoch Knolls Nature Center and Knoch Knolls Park," said Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman. "We began a tradition of inviting the public to Knoch Knolls Park for free summer events in 2015 and 2016, hosting two different nature art exhibits. Last year's Monarch Festival attracted more than 700 people and we expect that the Rx for Nature Festival also will appeal to a wide audience."