Washington Trails: What Researchers are Discovering About how and why Being Outside is so Good for us.

Time spent in nature is good for you. Whether you’ve known that consciously or not, it’s likely that the physical and mental benefits have played a role in why you get outside and hike. 

UW Tri-campus Forest Bathing Map

The tri-campus Forest Bathing map represents the collective action of the UW Sustainability Action Plan Engagement Committee (Lauren Updyke, Lauren Brohawn, Toren Elste, Ellen Moore, Cheryl Wheeler, and Daimon Eklund). Daimon created the forest bathing map using Arc GIS StoryMap with site recommendations and photos provided by Alexa (UW Bothell), Cheryl (UW Seattle), and Ellen Moore (UW Tacoma). 

How Nature Nurtures Us in Seattle Parks on July 12th

On July 12, 2021, researchers and practitioners from Seattle explored the physical and mental health benefits of nature connection in an urban setting. During this online panel organized by Nature and Health, the community discussed questions like:

What does the research show about how nature is good for us? 

Generational Amnesia: The Memory Loss That Harms the Planet

Richard Fisher · BBC · June 24, 2021
Featuring Peter Kahn, Nature and Health researcher and Steering Committee member
According to Kahn and Weiss, we all experience this environmental form of generational amnesia. 

Livestream: Voice of the River Nature Community June 13

This arts and dance event was held in People’s Park on June 13, 2021. It incorporated spoken and written word, as well as dance and community-derived movement pieces. It was the Spokane/ Columbia River event for the Global Water Dances Project 2021. 

Miles of Medicine: When War Leads to Trauma, Trails May Lead the Way Out

Charlie Wakenshaw · Washington Trails Magazine · Spring 2021
Featuring Howard Frumkin and Gregory Bratman
Nature and Health researchers and Steering Committee members
In 2008, Joshua Brandon was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the military base near Tacoma, between his second and third tours of duty in Iraq. 

Scientific Reports: Associations Between Green/Blue Spaces and Mental Health Across 18 countries

Authors: Mathew P. White, Lewis R. Elliott, James Grellier, Theo Economou, Simon Bell, Gregory N. Bratman, Marta Cirach, Mireia Gascon, Maria L. Lima, Mare Lõhmus, Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Ann Ojala, Anne Roiko, P. 

Memory and Brain Wellness Center: A Memory Garden is Growing

Inspired by the continuing interest in nature and garden experiences in our community, the Memory and Brain Wellness Center is creating a memory garden for people living with dementia. This garden will be located at the Memory Hub, located beside the Frye Art Museum. 

2021 Nature and Health Symposium: Generating Understanding Across Communities and Disciplines

More than 300 participants from across the globe joined us for our first virtual symposium, Generating Understanding Across Communities and Disciplines. Over the three-day conference, over 100 speakers gave presentations related to disciplines such as social and natural sciences, humanities, health, conservation, planning and education that are currently shaping policies, programs, practices, and designs to benefit all people and nature in a variety of settings. 

Health Equity and Nature During COVID-19

On April 28, 2021 Dr. Jennifer D. Roberts and Dr. Gail C. Christopher joined us as guest speakers to discuss structural racism at the intersections of #BlackLivesMatter, COVID-19, health equity, and nature.