Join Kathleen Wolf, PhD, for a conversation about the importance of urban forests on Saturday, January 24. Kathy, a social science researcher and co-founder of Nature and Health, studies interactions between human and ecological systems. jefferson.mastergardenerfoundation.org/home/what-we...

Join us on February 10 for dinner, community updates, and a conversation with Rachel Berney, PhD. Rachel is an urban designer and scholar whose research examines the social, political, and spatial dimensions of public space in cities across the Americas. events.uw.edu/event/NHComm...

UW undergrads: Ready to tackle real-world climate + social justice challenges? 🌍 The EarthLab Summer Internship Program is back for year 5 with their biggest cohort yet! 9 weeks of paid, hands-on work, mentorship + a community of peers across disciplines. 🗓️ Apply by 2/17! bit.ly/ELIntern26

Researchers studied students over 8 weeks. Those who spent time in the #forest had a bigger improvement in #mood, with more positive feelings and less stress compared to those who stayed in the city. The forest group showed more nasal #microbiome diversity. natureandhealth.uw.edu/publications...

Kick-start the new year with fresh air, exercise, community, and the healing power of nature. Through First Day Hikes, many state parks offer free admission and guided tours on January 1. An interactive map of participating parks: bit.ly/Jan1Hikes  Wishing you a healthy, restorative, and joyous 2026

Join us on Feb 10 for a Nature and Health Community Dinner 🍽️and conversation 🎤 with Rachel Berney, PhD. Rachel will share 2 recent works centering equity and urban design. All are welcome. Registration required. events.uw.edu/event/NHComm...

As #climatechange accelerates, safeguarding refuges for vulnerable plants and animals is crucial for preserving biodiversity. Over the past 5 years, significant strides have been made in identifying and mapping vital refuges but management actions have lagged. Learn more ➡️ doi.org/10.1111/csp2...

Parks and greenspaces can improve physical health, mental well-being, and social connections. Because nonprofit hospitals are required to conduct Community Health Needs Assessments and in social determinants of health, they could be an ally in supporting access to high-quality parks lnkd.in/gqtF4fZT

Public land agencies need reliable visitor counts to help land managers protect the environment and understand the benefits that nature provides to the public. Researchers created & tested models that estimate visitor numbers using several kinds of digital mobility data. doi.org/10.1038/s415...

Researchers from many fields are measuring not just how nature helps reduce negative feelings, but also how it can boost positive emotions. Scientists are also making progress in understanding some of the pathways linking time outdoors to improved well-being. natureandhealth.uw.edu/publications...

During this year’s Doug Walker lecture, Marc Berejka shared reflections on how the global movement for nature & health was born, the lessons we’ve learned along the way, and how we can all play a part in helping our communities benefit from the healing power of the outdoors. youtu.be/iaBXNb69Q5k?...

For the third time, Gregory Bratman, PhD, has been named a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate. Bratman, the Center’s co-director, has co-authored 60 publications advancing the field of nature and health. 🎉 Congratulations 🎉 www.webofscience.com/wos/?mode=Ne... @uwenvironment.bsky.social

A group of interdisciplinary experts worked together to find a better way to choose and use green space buffers. Recommendations include using approaches that are tailored to individuals, take into account different scales and situations, and are clearly explained. www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...

On last week's episode of Hidden Brain, psychologist Marc Berman explored how spending time in nature can undo some of the harmful effects of our modern lives. It’s uplifting to see the nature and health movement taking center stage in major media outlets! www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/how-...

City #parks can play an important role in improving people’s #health and reducing #HealthDisparities. A new paper in the Journal of Park and Recreation Administration surveyed 30 park systems in Texas to better understand how city parks in Texas promote health. natureandhealth.uw.edu/publications...

Join us for a screening of "These Sacred Hills," which follows members of the Rock Creek Band of the #Yakama Nation as they confront renewable energy projects threatening their sacred mountain, Pushpum. 🗓️ November 6 | 🕣 6:30-8:30 PM 🏢 Kane Hall, UW Register 👉🏾 natureandhealth.uw.edu/news-and-eve...

While many studies have shown that #parks and #forests in cities can improve people’s well-being, we know far less about how community forests affect health. A new review looks at how community forests in the US might support #PublicHealth. natureandhealth.uw.edu/publications...

Most US children don't get enough physical activity or outdoor time. Project Nature is designed to promote active play in nature during well-child checks. A new study assesses whether Project Nature is practical and useful in real-world clinics. natureandhealth.uw.edu/publications...

A new paper from Li and Kahn introduces a concept called Interaction Pattern Design (IPD). IPD gives #landscape #architects a framework to plan #outdoor spaces that encourage people to form stronger, more meaningful connections with the #natural world. natureandhealth.uw.edu/publications...

Want to connect with other advocates for nature and human health over a shared meal 🥙? Join us at our next community dinner on Oct. 14. The dinner will feature a speed talk from Sarah Brandt, Environmental Policy & Initiatives Lead with King County Parks 🏞️. 🗓️ Register by Oct. 10 bit.ly/Oct25Dinner

A new systematic review of 1,550 studies examined how different green and blue spaces in cities support human health. The evidence shows a wide variety of positive health outcomes, including better physical and mental health and more physical activity. natureandhealth.uw.edu/publications...

Join us on Oct. 14 for a conversation with Sarah Brandt, environmental policy and initiatives lead. Sarah's team works to acquire, restore, and steward green space throughout King County, and ensures that Parks’ work aligns with conservation, climate, and equity initiatives. bit.ly/Oct25Dinner

Curious about what the Center has been working on lately? Want a sneak peek into what's coming this fall? Check out our fall newsletter. You'll find exciting updates on upcoming community events, our latest research publications, and new programs. natureandhealth.uw.edu/2025/09/fall...

National Park Service staff are noticing ways that #ClimateChange is limiting recreation access and affecting visitor health and safety. Researchers spoke to 63 park staff at 31 #NationalParks to better understand how climate change is affecting visitor use at their parks. bit.ly/CCParks2025

A recent study from Miles Richardson highlights how human relationships with nature have changed over the last 200 years. By evaluating nature words in publications, Richardson found that our connection to nature has declined by more than 60% since 1800. doi.org/10.3390/earth6030082

A new Viewpoint describes what researchers should consider before embarking on a community-engaged research journey with Indigenous communities. This paper is co-authored by Michelle Johnson-Jennings, PhD, member of the Center's Steering Committee. natureandhealth.uw.edu/publications...

Registration is now open for the fall NW Nature and Health Community Dinner. Join us for an evening of connection, collaboration, and envisioning what's possible for our communities. events.uw.edu/rmK4N0?utm_s... Community dinners are made possible by the REI Cooperative Action Fund 👏.

We're thrilled to welcome @phillevin.bsky.social, PhD to the EarthLab team! Phil has been a long-time leader in the field of nature and health and served as Director of the first-ever National Nature Assessment. Welcome, Dr. Levin! earthlab.uw.edu/2025/08/why-...

Today marks the 5th anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act! In honor of this anniversary, many state and national parks are waiving entrance fees. Use Find a Park from the National Parks Service to find public lands near you: www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm

The International Conference on Forest Therapy starts in 10 days! You'll hear from two Nature and Health members: Gregory Bratman, co-director of the UW Center for Nature and Health, and Kathy Wolf, member of the Nature and Health Research Collaborative. mint.forestry.ubc.ca/icft-2/

How do parks support social cohesion and civic engagement? Learn more in a new paper co-authored by Dr. Howard Frumkin. The study found that residents of cities with better quality park systems are more socially connected and engaged with their neighbors. www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

A new paper co-authored Josh Lawler details how biodiversity conservation will require planning for conservation mosaics—large, integrated landscapes, and seascapes composed of areas with different levels of protection and types of management—that cover the entire earth. doi.org/10.1111/gcb.70328

A special issue of American Psychologist, features groundbreaking research on decolonial & liberation psychologies. One paper explores the reconciliatory effects of a decolonized framework on Indigenous and ally community-engaged facilitators during a land-based healing lodge doi.org/10.1037/amp0...

In honor of Juneteenth, entrance to many state and national parks are free. Let's come together to celebrate our shared love for the outdoors and reflect upon the progress we've made—and still need to make—towards equitable and inclusive access to nature. www.nps.gov/subjects/nps...

This paper explores how to better understand what people value about public forest land by analyzing the comments the public submits to the US Forest Service. The authors developed new tools using natural language processing and machine learning to analyze 400K+ comments. doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70050

Join us on June 10 to hear from Mike Anastario. Mike is a sociologist who is interested in the ways that everyday storytelling can inform the development of quantitative methods used in rural and environmental health research. bit.ly/June2025Dinner

Join us on June 10 to hear from José Guillermo (Memo) Cedeño Laurent. His scientific and professional goal is to contribute to the creation of data-driven solutions in the built environment that helps us address climate change and social environmental injustice. bit.ly/June2025Dinner

Join us on 6/10 to hear from Na’Taki Osborne Jelks, PhD, MPH. She is a nationally-recognized leader in engaging urban communities and youth of color in environmental stewardship through hands-on watershed and land restoration initiatives, environmental education, and training. bit.ly/June2025Dinner

Yesterday, more than 100 members of the NW Nature and Health Community came together for our 8th annual symposium. Together, we explored fresh ideas at the intersection of human and environmental health, sparked meaningful conversations, and planted the seeds for new collaborations.

Join us on June 10 for a conversation with Harvard’s JPB Environmental Health Fellows. You'll get to hear about three projects from the 2022 – 2026 fellowship cohort and network with folx working at the intersection of human health, environmental health, and conservation. bit.ly/June2025Dinner

Today’s your last chance to register⏳ for the Northwest Nature & Health Symposium 🌿—a powerful gathering focused on health, environmental equity, and community connection. Join over 100 community leaders, researchers, and advocates from across Puget Sound for this one-day event bit.ly/2025-Symposium

There are only 5 days left to register for the 2025 Northwest Nature and Health Symposium. Don't miss your chance to learn from and network with the region's experts in environmental and health equity. events.uw.edu/event/2025NHSymposium

In this new study of U.S. women from diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds, researchers found that #women who lived closer to #greenspaces generally had better overall #sleep health. Associations were strongest among women with more social advantages. doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2025.121698

Friendly manages Friendly Hmong Farms, leveraging 20+ years of #SocialJustice work. Her understanding of the intersection between #FoodSovereignty, #LandReparations, and #RacialJustice was shaped by her childhood in Minnesota. On May 21, you can hear her story at the #NHSymposium bit.ly/Friendly2025

On this Earth Day 🌍 , we are deeply grateful for the leadership of Phil Levin and his team. In response to the cancellation of the National Nature Assessment, they have launched United By Nature—a bold initiative to fill the critical gap in understanding our natural world 🌳. weareunitedbynature.org

In a new feature from The Daily, Usha Varanasi—one of our Steering Committee members—touches on the importance of deeply connecting with #nature. dailyuw.com/special_sections/touch-grass-the-health-benefits-of-reconnecting-with-nature/article_0adecd2b-90ab-49aa-be77-8d60cf02fd7b.html

Launa Payne is a member of Xa'xtsa First Nation, an #Indigenous #educator focusing on outdoor education, a co-director of Rise Up Indigenous Wellness Society, and author of two books on Indigenous teachings and connection to the land. Learn about Launa's work at the #NHSymposium: bit.ly/Launa-2025

Hillarie Maddox is a community weaver, educator, and experience designer who explores the intersections of #land, #learning, and #liberation. At the #NHSymposium, you'll have get to hear about Hillarie's transformative journeys with Rewild Learning and Black Girl Country Living: bit.ly/Hillarie-2025

Jeff ᎦᏃᎭᎵᏙ Corntassel, PhD is the author of numerous publications about #Indigenous #self-determination, #resurgence, #internationalism, and #kinship. At the #NHSymposium, Jeff will be participating in a Land-Based Healing Panel alongside four other regional experts. Learn more: bit.ly/Jeff-2025

This year's #NHSymposium features a Land-Based Healing Panel, facilitated by Michelle Johnson-Jennings (Choctaw Nation), PhD. She is an expert in #Indigenous health and #psychology, the transformation of historical #trauma, land-based #healing, and #health promotion. Learn more: bit.ly/Michelle-2025