Welcome to an exciting new electronic field trip (EFT) experience! In Cultivating Wellness: Nurturing Plants and People, students will embark on a 45-minute live journey streamed directly from the University of Florida’s Wilmot Botanical Gardens. Students will explore the powerful connection between plants and wellbeing, discovering the therapeutic benefits of horticulture while learning sustainable gardening practices. With interactive segments and expert insights from professionals, participants will see firsthand how nature supports mental and physical health, leaving them inspired to cultivate both their gardens and their own wellbeing.
The UF Wilmot Botanical Gardens are dedicated to advancing the science of therapeutic horticulture and promoting well-being through plants.The gardens serve as a living laboratory where research and education come together. The gardens focus on the healing properties of nature, providing opportunities for research in therapeutic horticulture while fostering a peaceful environment for visitors. Programs at Wilmot Gardens explore how plants can enhance mental and physical health, making it a hub for community engagement in wellness through horticulture.
Elizabeth “Leah” Diehl
Leah Diehl is the Director of the Therapeutic Horticulture Program at UF’s Wilmot Botanical Gardens. She also leads the Undergraduate Program in Horticultural Therapy, teaching students how to use plants to improve lives. As a registered horticultural therapist and licensed landscape architect, Leah designs healing gardens and develops programs to enhance well-being. With over 30 years of experience, including international work in Singapore, Leah is passionate about using nature to promote health. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge and love of plants during this EFT.
Lauren St. Clair
Lauren St. Clair is an Education Specialist at Wilmot Botanical Gardens, where she blends her love for plants with a commitment to education. A University of Florida graduate with a degree in Environmental Science and a Certificate in Horticultural Therapy, she gained hands-on experience during her internship at Wilmot Gardens. With a background in greenhouse management and sales, Lauren has always found comfort in nature and is passionate about sharing the healing power of plants, making her an essential part of the therapeutic horticulture community.
This EFT was geared towards students in seventh to tenth grade, but all classrooms and groups are welcome to watch the recordings. We offered the EFTs on two days.
October 31st at 2 p.m. EST:
November 14th at 5 p.m. EST:
Download the Educator’s Guide (PDF)
Science Standards
- SC.7.11.2 Investigate and describe the transformation of energy from one form to another.
- SC.8.L.18.1 Describe and investigate the process of photosynthesis.
Health Standards
- HE.7.PHC.1.1 Explain how physical, mental, social, and intellectual dimensions of health are interrelated.
- HE.912.PHC.2.2 Evaluate how environment and personal health are interrelated.
In addition, this program may assist in preparation for the following AEST certifications:
- Agricultural Communication: Exposing them to communication technologies and people who are pursuing agricultural/science communication as a career.
- Natural Resource Specialist: Showing small-scale agroecosystems in the form of greenhouses. Sharing soil, water, and plant science in a professional setting. Encouraging further exploration of the horticulture field.
- Agriculture Associate: Information about careers in horticulture and plant science.
- Agriculture Systems Associate: Will learn the basics of plant cultivation.
We hope students will be able to do the following after this Electronic Field Trip:
- Describe therapeutic horticulture.
- Understand how humans and plants can influence each other.
- Describe job opportunities related to therapeutic horticulture.
- Discuss the plant life cycle.
- Describe Wilmot Botanical Gardens.
Left to right: Olivia Lee, Astrid Ericson, Emma Poole, Aubrey Pearce, Patricia Escobar
Not pictured: Jamie Loizzo, Ph.D.
This EFT is presented in partnership with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. 