Fallen tree trunks became balancing beams: nature play as a means for emerging adults to identify with ecological systems

In Western society, the lifestyles of emerging adults (ages 18 to 25) are increasingly structured and digital, resulting in heightened disassociation from the natural world. To improve student quality of life, nationwide initiatives such as Campus Nature Rx have promoted engagement with campus environments, thereby fostering biophilia. However, there remains a significant need for nature-based, embodied experiences in post-secondary education spaces. These experiences may restore one’s sense of place in the world, enabling students to recognize their role as a part of ecological systems. Given the significant benefits of green space exposure and play for people of all ages, unstructured, interactive play in natural settings is a promising strategy for shifting “us-it” paradigms between humans and non-human nature. In this Perspective, we make a case for the practice and promotion of nature play to enhance student well-being and reassociation as nature. College campuses are particularly formative spaces for shaping perspective, identity, and belonging in emerging adults. We therefore conclude with three practical recommendations for encouraging nature play on college campuses, aligned with Campus Nature Rx initiatives.