Spatial Patterns and Temporal Trends of Nature Exposure in a College Student Cohort

Nature exposure benefits physical and mental health, yet most evidence is based upon brief, self-reported data. We conducted a study using a GPS-enabled mobile app, NatureDoseTM, to quantify geographic and temporal patterns of nature exposure among college students (N = 315) at a university located in the northeastern United States over a 14-week intervention (January–May 2023) as part of a randomized controlled trial. Early in the semester, nature exposure was concentrated in urban areas, nearby parks, and ski mountain areas. Later, nature exposure increased near lakeshores and geographically broadened during the week of spring break, highlighting temporal shifts. Participants in the nature experiences intervention group gained nature exposure in significantly more census blocks than those in the control, physical activity, or therapy groups, suggesting the nature-based intervention encouraged wider geographic engagement. These findings suggest that nature-based interventions may enhance the quality and diversity of exposure among young adults.