Explore Outdoor Campus Resources

The University of Iowa is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and outdoor learning, offering a campus that functions as both a vibrant ecosystem and a dynamic educational resource. From its certified Bee Campus USA initiatives and flourishing native plant habitats to immersive living laboratories and participation in the global City Nature Challenge, the university fosters hands-on experiences that connect students, faculty, and the community with the natural world. These outdoor spaces not only enrich academic inquiry and ecological awareness but also play a vital role in promoting mental and physical health. Across campus, outdoor environments are used for teaching, research, recreation, relaxation, social connection, and personal wellbeing—making nature an integral part of daily life at the university.