Winter 2025 Newsletter
Updates From the Center for Nature and Health Team
Even in these tumultuous times, amid challenges for environmental and human health and uncertainty about the future of public lands, we are drawing strength from the solidarity of our Nature and Health community. Our values remain steadfast. We are committed to advancing access to nature, especially for those who carry the undue weight of environmental and social injustices. We look forward to continuing our work with communities and partners whose eyes, minds, and hearts are focused on this mission. We are determined to push forward with the exciting momentum of the Nature and Health movement, and are grateful for the inspiring community of our many partnerships.
Yours in solidarity,
The Nature and Health team
UPCOMING EVENTS
NW Nature and Health Symposium: May 21
Intellectual House | Seattle, Wa
Registration is now open for the 2025 Northwest Nature and Health Symposium! This year’s convening will be held on May 21 at the wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House in Seattle, WA. Our symposia bring together researchers, community members, and decision-makers to learn about new discoveries, discuss new policies and programs, and advance partnerships. Our invited speakers work hand-in-hand to understand the needs of communities who have borne the brunt of social and environmental injustices, who work to address health and access inequities, and who bring critical insights and perspectives on environmental history as well as outdoor recreation.
Invited Speakers
- Jorge ‘Coco’ Alarcón, Landscape architect, global health, University of Washington
- Quincy Henry, Co-founder Campfire Coffee, Campfire Explorers Club
- Amy McDonnell, PhD, Cognitive neuroscientist, University of Utah
- Esther Min, PhD, MPH, Clinical assistant professor, University of Washington
- Daniel Winterbottom, RLA, Landscape architect, University of Washington
Land-Based Healing Panel
Dr. Michelle Johnson-Jennings (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) will be moderating a panel on land-based healing. Michelle is the executive co-director of the Indigenous Wellness Research Institute. As panelists are confirmed, their bios will be added to the symposium website.
Latest Research
Our transdisciplinary Research Collaborative has been busy exploring the ways in which nature makes children happier and healthier, how natural environments may affect brain processing, and how spending time in nature can help children experience Presence. Take a peek at some of our latest publications below.
1. Digging Into Nature: Outdoor Adventures for Healthier and Happier Kids
In this book, pediatricians and nature experts Pooja Sarin Tandon and Danette Swanson Glassy make the convincing case that children and families will be happier, healthier, and more resilient when spending time in nature. They offer a wealth of suggestions for nature-based activities and suggestions for overcoming common challenges busy families face when trying to increase their outdoor time. Learn more
2. The Fundamentals of Environmental Neuroscience
This chapter explores the fundamentals of the field of environmental neuroscience, including defining the field, describing its roots, and outlining some of its distinguishing features. The authors also discuss some of the mechanisms through which natural environments may affect brain processing. Read the paper
3. The importance of (not just visual) interaction with nature: A study with the Girl Scouts
This exploratory research puts forward an initial conceptualization of Presence in nature, and how it may well deserve to be part of an account of human well-being. It suggests that Presence can be experienced by children; and that embodied—not solely visual—interaction with nature may be a powerful way for children to experience Presence. Read the paper
Get Involved
Celebrating the Power of Nature
While the National Nature Assessment has been discontinued, its poetry companion, The Nature of Our Times, lives on. This project invited Americans from across the country to share their poetic reflections on the profound significance of nature. The online gallery features over 1,200 poems that speak to the immense value of nature—for our children and future generations, for our own and the planet’s well-being, and the resilience and survival of our communities.
Your Voice Matters
There are many ways we can work together to encourage decision-makers to support and expand equitable engagement with nature. Across the country, Tribal Nations and other communities who have too often been left out of decisions about our public lands are calling for the protection of places sacred to them. Join Tribal Nations and community leaders in urging the Trump administration to designate and expand additional sacred places as national monuments.
Resources
Free National and State Park Days
From lush temperate rainforests and rugged coastlines to alpine meadows and glacier-capped peaks, the Pacific Northwest is home to an abundance of diverse state and national parks. During select holidays throughout the year, entrance to some parks are free. These fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite.
Self-Guided Forest Bathing
How do you relax and recharge? You are invited to learn and practice forest bathing, a nature immersion activity that has been shown to increase health and well-being. To get started, check out the handout or follow along with the audio guide, courtesy of UW Botanic Gardens.
UW Campus Nature
There are many different ways people interact with nature, and it can happen on various scales. UW Sustainability has put together some resources to help the UW community connect with nature, whether that means taking a quick break on campus or getting away from the urban environment for a hike or other activity.
Join Our Community
We invite you to join our different channels to learn more about the Nature and Health movement and to connect with others in the field.
- Opt into our newsletter
- Sign up for our listserv
- Join us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Interested in collaborating with us? Let us know at natureandhealth@uw.edu!
Support Our Work
Nature and Health’s cross-cutting research and policy engagement improves the lives of our communities. With your support, we can better understand how nature affects human health, how to best leverage these benefits, and how to implement policies that make nature more accessible to all communities.
Contributions of any size will help sustain our cutting-edge research, our community-building efforts, recognize equitable leaders in the field of nature and health, and support the next generation of researchers.