Encouraging the younger generation to take a break from routine and reconnect with the natural world, Ngalam—an initiative led by Communication Studies students from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU)—collaborated with RIMBAPALA Faculty of Forestry USU to hold the Touch The Grass event at Cadika Park, Medan, on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Running from 14:30 to 17:00 WIB, the event carried the theme "Look closer. Feel it. Connect with nature."

In this free public event, RIMBAPALA Fahutan USU deployed four student delegates to act as facilitators. These facilitators guided participants through activities designed to heighten environmental awareness through immersive, accessible, and engaging experiences.

The Touch The Grass itinerary included:

  • Nature Walk: Strolling through park areas while actively observing surrounding biodiversity.

  • Nature Hunt: Identifying and cataloging various natural elements in the ecosystem.

  • Nature Journaling: Recording and drawing personal observations and reflections on nature.

  • Touch The Grass Corner: A designated space for participants to experience a direct sensory connection with the earth.

Through these activities, participants were encouraged to slow down, notice ecological details that are often overlooked, and foster a deeper bond with the environment. The initiative also highlighted urban green spaces as vital environments for experiential learning, personal reflection, and well-being amidst daily routines.

The joint effort between Ngalam and RIMBAPALA Fahutan USU demonstrates that environmental stewardship can be cultivated through relatable, community-centered approaches. Environmental consciousness is advanced not only through formal education but also through direct experiences that inspire people to observe, feel, and appreciate the natural world around them.

This initiative directly aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by promoting outdoor activities that enhance mental and physical health, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through the active utilization of urban green spaces for community education and recreation, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by fostering youth engagement in nature conservation and biodiversity appreciation.