Rx for Nature in Naperville Park District

More and more 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 community event 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, 320 Knoch Knolls Road.

Attendees 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 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," nature center Manager Angelique Harshman said. "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."