King5: Mental Health Benefits of Nature Should Influence City Planning, Says UW Study

City planners should consider the mental health benefits of green spaces when making plans for the future of their cities.
That’s according to a new study out of University of Washington that says urban green spaces can help improve mental health. 

2019 Northwest Nature and Health Symposium

This third annual all-day symposium explored our common goals and collective strategies related to the human health benefits of contact with nature. We recognize that we must amplify access and equity in all that we do. 

How to Consider Nature’s Impact on Mental Health in City Plans

Michelle Ma · UW News · July 24, 2019
Featuring Gregory Bratman, Nature and Health researcher and Steering Committee member
Almost one in five adults in the U.S. lives with a mental illness. 

How Going Outside Can Benefit Your Health

Julian Smith · Right as Rain · July 18, 2019
Featuring Josh Lawler, director of Nature and Health, and Dr. Pooja Tandon, Nature and Health researcher
Research shows we’re spending more and more time cooped up indoors. 

Spend Time Outdoors This Summer to Reap Health Benefits

University of Washington · Seattle Times · June 27, 2019
Featuring Josh Lawler, director of Nature and Health, and Dr. Pooja S. Tandon, Nature and Health researcher
Fresh air, lush foliage, open space, and sunshine. 

‘Nature Prescriptions’ Could Be the Next Health Revolution – And Washington Is an Early Adopter

Wilson Criscione · Inlander · June 05, 2019
Featuring Kathleen Wolf, Nature and Health researcher
Kathleen Wolf, a research social scientist at the University of Washington, says there’s value to more research on nature prescriptions. 

Smith Reintroduces Legislation to Enhance Healing and Recovery for Veterans

Matt Hadro · May 1, 2019
Featuring Gregory Bratman, Nature and Health researcher and Steering Committee member
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) on Wednesday reintroduced bipartisan legislation, HR 2435, to help military veterans heal and seek treatment through outdoor recreation, by providing them better access to federal lands. 

Are Outdoor Preschools Changing U.S. Education?

Shanti Hodges · REI · February 25, 2019
Featuring Dr. Pooja Tandon, member of the Center’s Research Collaborative

The U.S. saw a 66 percent increase in the number of registered outdoor preschools and kindergartens between 2016 and 2017. 

3 Steps to Boost Your Child’s Outdoor Time — And Health

Pooja S. Tandon and Kyle Yasuda · Seattle Times · December 28, 2018
Co-authored by Dr. Pooja S. Tandon, Nature and Health researcher
Kids today spend less time outside than any previous generation. 

A Dose of Nature: New UW Initiative to Spearhead Research on Health Benefits of Time Outside

Time spent in nature can reduce anxiety and help you sleep better at night, experts have found. It also offers promising benefits for a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, depression and obesity.