About the William & Mary Parks & Ecotherapy Research Lab (PERL)

The Parks & Ecotherapy Research Lab (PERL) is directed by Dr. Dorothy Ibes, under the Environment & Sustainability program at William & Mary. PERL's mission is to cultivate nature-connected communities that foster mental health, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. The PERL team does this by:

1. Conducting interdisciplinary, use-inspired research that enhances understanding of the connection between mental health and nature engagement;

2. Applyingcurrentresearchtoinclusivecampusoutreachandprogrammingthatsupports diverse students in spending more time engaging with nature and developing a meaningful relationship with the natural world.

3. Inspiringandequippingthenextgenerationofpractitioners,researchers,andadvocates in the field of greenspace and nature therapy.

Visit us at parksresearchlab.com to learn more about the PERL team, listen to podcast interviews about PERL work, read our research articles on mental health and nature engagement, watch the documentary Nurture with Nature: A story of ecotherapy, and learn more about PERL outreach, including :

● TheCampusParkRxprogram:Filloutashortformtogetafreeparkprescription;

● TheCampusBirdScavengerHunt:GetafreemapofcampusdesignedbyW&Mstudents, find the best places to spot local birds, and win a custom bird mug when you find one at each site;

● CampusGreenspacemap:Learnmoreaboutallthebeautifulplacesonyouroutdoor campus to study, socialize, relax, and restore, and more!

● W&MstudentscanalsoenrollinnatureandhealthcoursesbyPERLdirector,Dr.Ibes, including the COLL/ENSP 100: Mapping for Community Nature Rx, and ENSP 241: The Science & Experience of Ecotherapy.

The Haven provides confidential support and services to William & Mary students who are impacted by sexual assault and harassment, relationship abuse, stalking, or other gender-based discrimination.

The Haven Confidential Advocates provide:

A safe and confidential space to connect with a supportive peer or professional, including support groups

Trauma-informed crisis response and timely health and safety information

Resources and connection to multiple services and options on and off campus

Information on reporting options and William & Mary sexual misconduct policies and procedures

Assistance with modifications related to: class absences, classwork, exams, schedules, housing, campus living, and nocontact orders

Contact Information

Sadler Center 146P

(757) 221-2449 thehaven@wm.edu

Drop-In Hours

For current hours, please visit: www.wm.edu/thehaven