On June 2, come hear from Dr. Sabine Thomas about Anchoring Our ROOTS, a program rooted in restorative and nature-embodied practices, designed to support the health and wellness BIPOC childcare providers. events.uw.edu/event/NHComm...

After coming together with such a collaborative, compassionate, and dedicated group during the ninth #NHSymposium, our team is feeling hopeful and inspired. The energy was palpable, and it was uplifting to be in community with so many who are invested in a healthier and more inclusive future for all

Today is your final chance to grab a spot at the 9th annual NW Nature & Health Symposium! Join 13 inspiring national and regional experts who are leading the way in greenspace policies and programs and working toward a more equitable and healthier future for everyone. events.uw.edu/event/2026NH...

We're thrilled to welcome a new addition to the #NHSymposium lineup — Benjamin Brockie! Ben is a scholar, public health advocate, and emerging legal professional dedicated to advancing equity for Indigenous and system-impacted communities. events.uw.edu/event/2026NH...

A new article from Usha Varanasi and Kathleen Wolf explores how building a more reciprocal (two-way) relationship between people and nature can improve both environmental and human health. doi.org/10.1177/1942...

In a culture that often treats productivity as a measure of worth, Daniel Winterbottom emphasizes the importance of leisure as a foundation for cognitive health. His work explores how landscapes can support rest, recovery and renewed focus magazine.washington.edu/feature/leis... Credit: David Lasky

Jingjing (Tina) Tao is a PhD student with @uw-sefs.bsky.social. Her interdisciplinary research sits at the intersection of environmental, agricultural, and blue economics. During the #NHSymposium, Tina will share her preliminary work to quantify the cost savings of spending time in nature in WA. 🍃

For her dissertation, Sarah MacFarland is evaluating the effectiveness of a mobile app called NatureCollections. This app is designed to increase children's time in nature and their connectedness with nature. Come hear about Sarah's research during the #NHSymposium on April 29.

During the #NHSymposium, Soteria Li will discuss findings from the Outdoor Walking Project, a study conducted in the Human Interaction with Nature and Technological Systems (HINTS) Lab under the leadership of visiting doctoral candidate Xuanyi Wang. Learn more: events.uw.edu/event/2026NH...

During the #NHSymposium on April 29, Connor Lashus will share his research with the Environment & Well-Being Lab that focuses on how smell and the human #microbiome may shape the ways natural environments influence our health and overall well-being events.uw.edu/event/2026NH... @uw-sefs.bsky.social

Stacey Alfonso, PhD, is a nature-based curriculum content specialist. On April 29, #NHSymposium attendees will hear about Stacey's work to examine the social, ecological, & relational dynamics that shape child–nature connectedness in outdoor early learning environments. events.uw.edu/event/2026NH...

Come hear wisdom and insights from Ivy Harris, program manager with Land Together, during our #RestorativeJustice panel on April 29. Ivy believes that nature holds all the resources and lessons necessary to begin one’s healing journey. events.uw.edu/event/2026NH...

During our #RestorativeJustice panel on April 29, attendees will hear powerful insights from Gabriel S. Galanda, an Indigenous human rights attorney and the managing lawyer at Galanda Broadman, PLLC, an Indigenous rights firm in Seattle. Learn more: events.uw.edu/event/2026NH...

Join us on April 29 for a powerful Restorative Justice panel, where attendees will gain insights from Kelli Bush and her 16 years of experience with @sppevergreen.bsky.social. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how this innovative work is transforming lives & systems events.uw.edu/event/2026NH...

Gardens and greenspaces can play a powerful role in rehabilitation and have been linked to lower rates of reoffending after release. Learn more at our Restorative Justice panel moderated by Daniel Winterbottom, landscape architect. events.uw.edu/event/2026NH...

During the 2026 #NHSymposium, Anders Rydström, PhD, will talk about the @natcapalliance.bsky.social's randomized controlled trial of nature prescriptions for patients with chronic disease. Join us on April 29 to learn more about his work. events.uw.edu/event/2026NH...

Sasha Chavez explores the #sociocultural factors that influence #health and #wellness with a specific focus on active play in pediatric populations. During the #NHSymposium, attendees will have the privilege to hear about Sasha's insightful and impactful work. events.uw.edu/event/2026NH...

Aileen Cassinetto is an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellow. Her work underscores how #poetry can build regenerative and equitable communities. Come hear one of Aileen's poems and her reflections during April symposium: events.uw.edu/event/2026NH...

During the #NHSymposium, Courtney Aber will discuss the YMCA's landmark report on the effectiveness of using the outdoors as a tool for addressing some of the challenges young people are facing today. Learn more and register: bit.ly/26NHAgenda

We're thrilled to announce the lineup for our ninth annual Northwest Nature and Health Symposium on April 29. Together, we'll explore cutting-edge research, innovative policies and programs, and the power of reciprocal relationships. Learn more and register: bit.ly/26NHS

Public parks offer places to be active, relax, connect with others, and take part in programs and classes. They can help prevent cancer and support people who are living with or recovering from #cancer in at least five key ways. Read more ➡️ journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...

Research led by Connor Lashus, @uwenvironment.bsky.social @uw-sefs.bsky.social PhD student, is helping us close the gap in understanding the role that microbes in the human nose might play in the relationship between nature exposure and well-being sefs.uw.edu/2026/02/brea...

Today is your last chance to register for our February 10 Community Dinner with Rachel Berney, PhD. Gather with the community over a shared meal, learn about recent works that center equity in urban design, and ideate about a future where everyone has equitable access to nature bit.ly/Winter26Dinner

Drs. Usha and S. Rao Varanasi recognize the vital importance of Nature & Health — both for the health and well-being of our communities and the planet itself. That is why they established the Usha and S. Rao Varanasi Endowed Undergraduate Nature and Health Fund. environment.uw.edu/news/2026/01...

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...