Make like a tree and leaf into the great outdoors! Where are these supposed “Great Outdoors” in the concrete jungle of Columbus? I’m glad you asked savvy reader! The Olentangy Trail runs along the Olentangy River and is perfect for walking, running, and biking. Behind Lawrence Tower is Tuttle Park, where you can find a cricket field, hockey rink, and of course the Olentangy Trail. Here are some other less commonly known green spaces on campus:
Labyrinth Garden, Learning Gardens and Chadwick Arboretum
The Labyrinth Garden features a labyrinth pathway that allows you to take a contemplative walk as you follow the ever-winding path that typically takes 20 minutes to complete. The labyrinth can provide a centering experience as well as an excellent place to meditate. The Learning Gardens is an outdoor lab for both teaching and research, so as a result, there is a diverse collection of plants to enjoy and learn from, and with such a diverse group of gardens, different and unique plants are grown in each one. The Chadwick Arboretum Walking Tour App allows you to browse what the arboretum has to offer in real time by accessing the link on your smartphone or computer. See the Resources section below for more information!
Biological Sciences Greenhouse
If you’d rather stay on campus, or pop into a greenhouse in between classes, then the Biological Sciences Greenhouse is the perfect place. The BioSci Greenhouse is located on top of 12th Avenue Garage and accessed through Aronoff Lab. It’s open 8:30am – 4:30pm and serves as a research and teaching greenhouse space. The Labyrinth Garden, Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens, and Biological Sciences Greenhouse are some great green spaces that are close to campus that you can either walk or bus to. It’s more important now than ever to go outside and get some fresh air because the majority of classes are online.
Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC)
Another great way to go outside and remain active is to visit the Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC)! Top rope and bouldering are available by reservation. Whether you’re going on a short walk, or on your way to the OAC, as little as five minutes in nature can improve your mood, and being outside can improve your focus, allowing you to work more efficiently.
So, get out there, wear your mask, socially distance, and explore all the great nature, parks, gardens, trails, and so much more that’s right around the corner at Ohio State!
Resources:
- Biological Sciences Greenhouse Website https://bioscigreenhouse.osu.edu/about
- Chadwick Arboretum Walking Tour App http://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/index.html?appid=68e50fb35deb4c07aeff19e3b9e45f5e
- Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens https://chadwickarboretum.osu.edu/
- Tuttle Park https://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/parks/Tuttle-Park/
- Olentangy Trail Website https://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/trails/Olentangy-Trail/
-Simon Ren, Stress Wellness Ambassador