Primary Care in Rochester and Kasson

Let nature take care of you this fall

10/2/2025 by Muse Abdi, M.B.BS., B.BiomedSc, M.P.H., and Brian Lynch, M.D.

FallLeavesWalk

As the leaves turn and the air cools, Southeast Minnesota's parks invite us to step outside and reconnect with the land, with each other and ourselves. This fall, local parks are offering a wide variety of outdoor events that are fun, welcoming and good for your health.

Whether walking a trail, watching wildlife or simply sitting quietly under a tree, you're doing something powerful for your body and mind. And science backs it up.

Why nature is good for your health

Spending time in nature isn't just relaxing; it's backed by decades of research showing real health benefits. Here's what science has to say:

Mental health

  • Reduces stress and anxiety: Natural environments lower cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. Even 20 minutes in a park can make a difference.
  • Improves mood and focus: Green spaces are linked to lower rates of depression and better attention, especially in children and teens.
  • Supports emotional regulation: Nature helps calm the nervous system, making it easier to manage emotions and feel grounded.

Physical health

  • Lowers blood pressure and heart rate: Time outdoors can reduce cardiovascular strain and support heart health.
  • Encourages movement: Walking, hiking or even light play in nature increases physical activity, which helps prevent chronic diseases.
  • Boosts immune function: Exposure to natural environments may enhance immune response by increasing natural killer cell activity.

Social and community benefits

  • Strengthens relationships: Shared outdoor experiences build connection and trust among families, friends and neighbors.
  • Reduces loneliness: Parks offer a welcoming space for people of all ages to gather, which is especially important for older adults and newcomers.

What's happening in our parks

Here's a look at some of the events happening this fall. All are open to the public, and many offer accessibility support like ASL interpreters, mobility assistance, and sensory-friendly options.

Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo — Byron, Minnesota

  • Sept. 20: DNR K-9 Demo with Officer Schlag and Trapper.
  • Sept. 21: Feed the Deer and Elk.
  • Sept. 27: Treasure Trek Scavenger Hunt.
  • Oct. 5: Bats and Crafts.
  • Oct. 11: Prairie Hike and Seed Collection.
  • Oct. 19: History of Halloween Animals.
  • Oct. 25: Boo at the Zoo (costumes welcome!).

Chester Woods Park — Eyota, Minnesota

  • Sept. 27: National Public Lands Day (Seed Collection and Free Lunch).
  • Oct. 10: Outdoor Storytime with Rochester Public Library.
  • Oct. 18: Friends of Chester Woods Annual Meeting.
  • Oct. 25: Halloween Craze at the Maze.
  • Last night of camping: Oct. 18.

Quarry Hill Nature Center — Rochester, Minnesota

  • Oct. 11: Mindfulness in Nature Walks (separate sessions for adults and families).

Project Get Outdoors — Youth Programshttp://www.mnprojectgo.org/

You're invited Whether you're looking to explore, unwind or enjoy the season, there's a place for you in nature. You don't need to be an expert hiker or a nature lover — just come as you are. The trails, trees and open skies are waiting.

Muse Abdi, M.B.B.S., B.BiomedSc, M.P.H., has a background in medicine and leads nature-based health initiatives, including Park Rx/Exercise is Medicine, Healing Forest, and the cultural liaison program in the parks under the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant. He facilitates the SE MN Park Rx Coalition, a key component of the Park Initiative. He leads health equity and community engagement efforts through SHIP, including the MOVE (Mobilizing Olmsted Voices for Equity) project.

Brian Lynch, M.D., is a primary care pediatrician at Mayo Family Clinic Northwest in Rochester. He co-chairs the Primary Care Work Group of the Mayo Clinic Obesity Council and chairs the Primary Care Obesity Task Force. Dr. Lynch works closely with the Southeast Minnesota Park Rx Team to promote the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature with his patients and colleagues.