Funded by the Government of Ontario PROJECT PARTNERS Funded by the Government of Ontario

The program is designed to encourage and support the mental and physical health of students by exposing them to the combined benefits associated with the healing effects of nature, participation in physical activity, and engagement with their community.

OCASI was formed in 1978 to act as a collective voice for immigrant serving agencies and to coordinate responses to shared needs and concerns.

2018 Healthy Hikes Infographics Nature and Mental Health www.conservationontario.ca In 2019, Healthy Hikes will run from May 6 - October 31. Learn more at www.healthyhikes.ca. The new Guide to Conservation Areas in Ontario will be released in Spring 2019!

Mood Walks Program Manual Free Certified Safe Hiker and Safe Hiker Training for all participants, volunteers and staff members Access to the Mood Walks Website (www.moodwalks.ca) for additional resources Financial compensation at 50% up to $500 per Mood Walks site

Continuous support from the Project Coordinator Support in developing Community Partnerships with hiking clubs, conservation areas, other parks or green spaces, and local organizations An opportunity to engage Student Volunteers A Mood Walks Summit at the end of the project for knowledge exchange and celebration!

Mood Walks Newsletter that all participating groups and individuals will be invited to contribute and share their stories! Customizable Promotional Materials Share experience and knowledge with other post secondary institutions Retreat and support check in calls throughout the project Mood Walks Evaluation Tools and Support to document outcomes (emoji card)

Algoma University Algonquin College Brock University Fanshawe College George Brown College Georgian College Humber College Lakehead - Orillia University McMaster University Mohawk College Niagara College Northern College OCASI Queen's University Ryerson University Sault College Sheridan College St. Lawrence College – Kingston Campus University of Guelph University of Guelph Humber University of Ontario Institute of Technology University of Toronto Mississauga Western University Wilfrid Laurier University Wilfrid-Laurier University -Brantford

Ryerson University

Wilfrid-Laurier University - Brantford

Algonquin College

Sheridan College

Sheridan College

Western University

Northern College

UofT Mississauga

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

At Laurier in Waterloo, we had a strong group of returning students who regularly looked forward to our walks. Students were happy to see that nature was right around the corner in the City of Waterloo. We even encountered wildlife like donkeys, alpacas, and chickens (at the park). Our students can't wait to keep walking! It really did improve my mood, and built a sense of community among those who participated” "It influenced me to go for walks alone, in my own time during the evenings, when I was feeling stressed outside of work." "It forced me to take a break, breathe fresh air during the day, and relax even if briefly.“ Not only did I notice a difference in how it feels physically to walk and take a break, it added to our self-care which we all so desperately need. Lastly, I noticed the social connectedness it created. Giving ourselves space to interact, social and emotionally and perhaps even to our surroundings.

“Change in environment and reminder to take a break away from my desk” “I grew up living on a tree plantation and this reminds me of home” – International Student from India, Environmental Studies Those who participate, whether they attend every week, or come just once or twice, all walk away with feelings of peace, calm, and excitement about the beautiful natural world that surrounds our campus. Like many Mood Routes participants, I experience decreased stress and fatigue, restored focus, and a lifted mood after each route. There is also a real sense of community developing as participants return each week and get to know each other. “I grew up living in the bush and this reminds me of home” – Nursing student from Northern Ontario  

Feedback has been fabulous from all who have come out Feedback has been fabulous from all who have come out. Several participants who have returned have shared the positive impacts on their mental health and wellbeing. This simple act of taking a walk through nature provides them with break from their busy lives, a few minutes for self-reflection among peers, and generally feeling better and more productive for the remainder of their day.