Milner Gardens is a participating partner in a program to encourage more people to venture outdoors in a safe setting. (Milner Gardens & Woodland)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

a hike a day

Doctor prescribed nature pass program takes effect at Milner Gardens

Jul 4, 2022 | 4:30 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — Popular Milner Gardens & Woodland in Qualicum Beach has joined a national program designed to make it easier for people to benefit from spending more time outside.

The 70 acre Vancouver Island University property located at 2179 W Island Hwy W. is included in a BC Parks Foundation initiative where licensed health professionals can prescribe patients to access national parks, historic sites and other urban outdoor settings free of charge.

Vancouver based physician Dr. Melissa Lem stated in a news release the aim is to reduce barriers to increase access to nature.

“One of the great things about gardens is that they’re typically more accessible. Not everyone may feel comfortable heading out into the backwoods or into a forest away from amenities, especially if you’re elderly or have mobility issues,” Lem stated.

She noted another goal of the program known as PaRx is increasing pro-environmental behaviours, pointing out research showing people more connected to nature are more likely to protect it.

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“It’s part of an overall push to try to get people to care about the green spaces in their neighbourhoods, to care about nature and our planet, and want to protect it.”

Milner Gardens executive director Geoff Ball stated there is a sense of security people feel on the property since it’s staffed by volunteers and other users, making it an ideal fit for a program like PaRx.

He has seen first-hand the benefits being in nature has on visitors to Milner Gardens.

“They start to breathe easier, be more relaxed and they comment that it is so tranquil and peaceful here. I have seen it time and time again,” Ball stated.

PaRx was launched in the province nearly two years ago and has since expanded across the country.

More information on the PaRx initiative is available on the movement’s website.

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