How Nature Can Improve Your Mental Health

Students walking on a grassy path behind Wilson Hall.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. In the bustling modern world, time is always short, and the never ending stress is always piling on. The expectations set by peers, educators, […]

Understanding the 5 Love Languages

Rowan students hold hearts along Rowan Boulevard park area.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we thought it’d be a good idea to highlight the five love languages that can make any relationship a little sweeter! 

Everyone feels love in different ways. To some, nothing says I love you like a “good morning” text message. Some might want a hug to feel the love. Others might appreciate a sweet handwritten note. 

The love languages can help you discover how you give and would like to receive love.

Rowan students holding love language hearts.

Don’t be mistaken, though, you don’t have to be in a romantic relationship to learn about your love language. Understanding these love languages can lead to healthy relationships, work partnerships, and friendships. By understanding your own love language, you can set expectations for your partner and learn how they feel loved/appreciated!

Words of Affirmation – encourage, affirm, appreciate, listen actively

Receiving gifts – thoughtfulness, small gestures, make your partner feel like a priority

Group of students on Rowan Boulevard.

Physical Touch – non-verbal, use body language and touch to express love

Quality Time – uninterrupted and focused conversations, one-on-one time is important

Acts of Service – action-oriented, they want to know you’re with them and a part of their team.

Group making heart symbol.

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Information from: Mindbodygreen.com

Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major

Photography by: Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major

20 Minute Radius: Glassboro Wildlife Management Area [VIDEO]

Two students in Rowan gear sit at the nature preserve.

Join us as two Rowan students visit a nearby nature preserve.

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Video by:
Adam Clark, senior Radio/TV/Film major

Music by:
Louis Testa, junior music composition major

20 Minute Radius: Fall Fun at Hill Creek Farms

hill creek farms sign

Loredonna Fiore, a junior Public Relations and Advertising major, and Olivia Smithson, a Biological Sciences alumna, recently visited Hill Creek Farms in Mullica Hill to get into the spirit of fall just in time for Halloween. 

Looking for an aesthetically pleasing place to take photos and get in the fall spirit? Hill Creek Farms is the perfect spot. Located in Mullica Hill, this destination offers a wide range of attractions that make it a must-visit spot. 

Loredonna and Olivia at Hill Creek Farms.

On the 24-acre farm, Hill Creek Farms offers apple picking, pumpkin picking, vegetable picking, sunflower fields and cornstalk fields. This makes for a great socially distant atmosphere where you can enjoy nature and appreciate the colors of fall. 

Olivia smiling and picking apples.

Hill Creek Farms has a farmer’s market on-site that is filled with freshly made baked goods and household decorations. Apple cider and apple cider donuts are a staple for the market, which I highly recommend. Hill Creek Farms also has a wine garden with wine made with the apples that are grown on the farm. 

This is a great local spot to visit if you’re looking to get off campus for a fun afternoon. The views, food and friendly staff make this a great place to get into the fall spirit! 

Olivia picking apples.

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Story and photos by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major 

20 Minute Radius: Pitman’s Alcyon Park

an aerial photo of Jen in a blue kayak surrounded by lilypads in Alcyon lake.

Is the boredom of being quarantined at home (to prevent the spread of COVID-19) getting to you lately? Luckily, the weather has warmed up and there are plenty of outdoor spaces near campus that allow you to get a breath of fresh air while still maintaining social distance! 

the head of a blue kayak in a lake, facing trees, in Alcyon ParkIf you’re craving some sunshine, I recommend a trip to Alcyon Park in Pitman, NJ — less than a 10-minute drive from campus! Invite a family member, pet or roommate (if you’re safely quarantined together) and set out on your journey. I suggest taking a backpack along with you, with supplies including plenty of water, some granola bars, sunscreen, sunglasses or a hat, and anything else you might need during an outdoor adventure.

The park is home to several sports fields and a playground, but if that’s not your thing, there are hiking trails and even a boat launch! The boat launch is located at the coordinates (39.7284°, -75.1433°), which you can search in Google Maps to access. This is the perfect opportunity to take a peaceful kayak ride on Alcyon Lake, which is what my roommates and I did.

an aerial photo of Jen in a blue kayak surrounded by lilypads in Alcyon lake.
My roommate captured this photo of me with our drone camera!

Alcyon Park is a historic South Jersey location, and according to southjerseytrails.org, it used to serve as a racing track for horses and cars in the 1940s and 50s.

Information and photos about the park’s rich history is posted throughout the trails, so the further you walk, the more you learn. Pretty cool!

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Story by:
Nicole Cier, writing arts graduate

Pandemic Profs: Reconnecting with Family & Nature

Flowering teardrop plant Bianca discovered on her nature walks

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Bianca Torres, a junior isolating from her house in Morris County, NJ. Bianca is a Music Industry major with a minor in Marketing who normally lives in the Whitney Center on Rowan Boulevard.

I’m a very social and extroverted person, so when I realized that I really couldn’t go anywhere or see my friends, I was really upset. However, this whole experience has taught me something important and something that I’ve forgotten about — the importance of family and nature.

I have never been one to go on runs or walks outside. Whenever I wanted to get exercise into my day, I would just go to the gym. Now that the gyms are temporarily closed, I don’t have that option anymore. I’ll admit, I started to panic at first because I didn’t know what I would do to pass my time. I’m not a homebody either, so I really did not want to be stuck in my house for so long.

So, my immediate thought was that I would start to go outside more often. I’m very glad I made that decision because it has completely changed my perspective.

Luckily, I live in a pretty rural area of NJ so there are a lot of open spaces, trails and parks to go to. I make it a point to go outside at least once a day, weather permitting, and go for a walk or run. Now that we have some nice weather, the flowers and trees are starting to bloom and it makes everything so pretty!

Bianca's father looking into a river on the side of the trail. He is wearing jeans, a tan jacket and a white snapback hat.
My dad looking to the river on the trail we walk on.

These walks have also helped me reconnect with my family. Both of my parents work long days and usually, I would be working too. We were all never on the same schedule or had much time to spend a lot of quality time together. However, my whole family is in the house now and we only have each other. Now my family will come on these walks with me too!

Being in isolation has made me appreciate being lucky enough to be with my family during these crazy times. Being in nature has made me appreciate the environment and how good it feels to be outside. 

This whole experience has really made me come back to the idea that the world keeps turning even though our lives change. 

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Story and photography by:
Bianca Torres, junior music industry major

Three Trails Near Rowan to Celebrate National Take a Hike Day

Two pairs of hiking boots facing each other on a nature trail.Pack some trail mix and water and slip on your sturdiest shoes, because it’s National Take A Hike Day and we’ve got three awesome trails near campus for you to explore!

Hiking is a great way to get a breath of fresh air and exercise on a nice weekend day. And with plenty of nature and parks near Glassboro, there are always many options for trails. Grab some friends and head out there to disconnect from the stress of technology and finals season, and see all of the beauty that the area has to offer!

Jack stands by the sign for Ceres park.1. Ceres Park – Mantua, 7-minute drive

Ceres Park makes for a scenic, more intense hike, with steep hills, high ledges and winding paths. Tiny streams and creeks weave throughout some of the trails, providing a peaceful place to rest. No matter which season you visit, the view from the many overlooks and beyond the twisted tree branches is one of a kind. 

Also, if you like mountain biking, this is the place to go! There’s a great community of bikers and you can always find a friendly face to guide you through the many hills and obstacles of the park. 

Jack walks down the path at Washington Lake Park.
The trail at Washington Lake Park includes several boardwalk-like bridges over streams and marshy areas.

2. Washington Lake Park – Washington Twp/Sewell, 12-minute drive

When there aren’t any exciting performances happening at the amphitheater stage in Washington Lake Park, plenty of adventure can be found on the trails behind it! This location is ideal for beginners, because of its simple path and smooth walkway. Small bridges run over the marshy areas of the park, and you’ll probably see a few families with their children and dogs throughout the path.

Regardless of your skill level, this beautiful trail is the perfect study break or a remedy for a case of the Sunday Scaries.

Jack points to the sign in Blueberry Hill park.3. Blueberry Hill Trail – Gibbsboro, 30-minute drive

Though this trail may be a longer drive away than the other two, the one-of-a-kind view and terrain at the end make the trek worth it. Follow one of the many trails up the steep hill and wind through the woods until you get to the clearing. This is an ideal spot, up in the trees overlooking an open field, for golden hour. And if you’re feeling adventurous, make your way down the hill through the path to check out the rocks below!

What are some of your other favorite hiking trails nearby?

The sunset over Blueberry Hill Park is unforgettable!

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Story and photography by:

Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major