Donald Rakow

I conduct research on the effects of nature experiences for individuals in different life stages, as well as ways in which access to nature can be made more equitable. Among the specific issues I address are: the barriers to nature access for young people of color; the logistics of providing nature experiences to elementary students; the impact of nature experiences on college-aged youth; and ways in which nature is a healing element during the pandemic.

Selected Journal Publications

• Meredith, Genevieve, Donald A. Rakow, Erin R. B. Eldermire, Cecelia G. Madsen, Naomi A. Sachs, Steven P. Shelley. 2020. What is the minimum time dose in nature to positively impact the mental well-being of college-aged students and How to Measure It: A Scoping Review. Frontiers in Psychology. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02942.
• Sachs, Naomi, Donald A. Rakow, Mardelle Shepley, and Kathryn Peditto. How does Engagement with Nature in Middle Childhood Years affect Involvement with Nature in Currently Enrolled College Undergraduates? Accepted for publication in: Frontiers in Psychology
• Rakow, Donald A. and Sharon A. Lee. 2015. Western botanical gardens: history and evolution.  Hort. Reviews 45: 269-310.
• Kiers, A. H., Donald A. Rakow, Stacey Parker, and Carolyn Dewa. The Role of Formalized Nature-based Instruction in Mitigating Stress and Loneliness in University Students. Submitted to: The Journal of American College Health.

Other resources

• Rakow, Donald A. and Laura Brown. Anti-racism in the Outdoors: Resources related to inclusion, diversity, equity and access of black, indigenous and people of color in parks and greenspaces.

Books

• Rakow, Donald A., Meghan Z. Gough, and Sharon A. Lee. (2020). Public Gardens and Livable Cities Partnerships Connecting People, Plants, and Place. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY, USA
• Rakow, Donald A., and Gregory T. Eells (2019). Nature Rx: Improving College-Student Mental Health. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY, USA
• Rakow, Donald A. and Sharon A. Lee. (2011). Public Garden Management. A Complete Guide to the Planning and Administration of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, USA.

My instruction reflects my research and teaching foci as well as other horticultural interests.  Each fall, I offer:

• PLSCI 1125, Nature Rx
• Co-instruct PLHRT 3000, Annuals and Perennials in the Landscape.

 In the spring semester, I lead:

• PLHRT 4850, Public Garden Management
• PLHRT 2150, Coffee, Cloves, and Chocolate. 

In addition, each semester I coordinate:

• PLHRT 6000, Horticulture Seminar series. 

With Dr. Sonja Skelly, I also co-direct the Cornell MPS program in Public Garden Leadership.  This is a one-year professional degree program offered each year to 2 – 4 individuals.