May 20, 2025
The UW Center for Nature and Health (the Center) is proud to announce a renewed partnership with the REI Cooperative Action Fund (REI Fund), which has awarded us a $200,000 grant to advance our strategic priorities and deepen the Nature and Health movement across the Pacific Northwest.
On May 21, 2025, more than 100 students, researchers, healthcare professionals, and community advocates joined together for our 8th annual symposium. We came together with a shared purpose—to deepen our understanding of the profound connection between nature and human well-being and to advance bold, inclusive strategies that ensure everyone has access to the healing power of green and blue spaces—especially those who have long carried the undue weight of environmental and social injustice.
Read moreDear Nature and Health Community,
Here in Seattle, the bigleaf maples are beginning to unfurl their leaves, salmonberry blossoms brighten the trails, and the cheerful calls of yellow warblers once again fill the air—sure signs that spring has truly arrived.
Libby Denkmann and Alec Cowan · KUOW · April 22, 2025
Featuring Phil Levin, member of the Center’s Research Collaborative
“Our world is changing. It’s changing rapidly. Like, we can see climate changing our world as we speak, but also, we’re losing nature at unprecedented rates, and there’s an equity crisis as well.”
That was University of Washington professor Phil Levin two years ago.
Phillip Levin, PhD · NY Times · April 22, 2025
Levin is a member of the Center’s Research Collaborative
It started with a text in late January: “Call me.”
I was in the Sonoran Desert, fleeing the Pacific Northwest’s winter gloom, and I pulled into a gas station to make the call.
Lauren Kirschman · UW News · April 21, 2025
Featuring multiple members of the Center’s Research Collaborative
Think of your last memorable moment in nature. Did you spot a bird you’ve never seen before?
Continue reading at UW NewsMeera Nambiar · The Daily · April 21, 2025
Featuring Usha Varanasi, Steering Committee member
There is nothing like the feeling of fresh air. The calmness, the sense of wonder when looking at the towering trees or vast ocean, seeing the beauty of the world.
Continue reading at The DailyCelebrate Earth Day with a Powerful Talk on Nature and Wellbeing
This Earth Day, join an inspiring conversation with Gregory Bratman, PhD—a leading voice in environmental health and co-director of the Center for Nature and Health.
Ever Meister · REI · March 3, 2025
At REI Co-op, we know that time spent outside is more than just recreation: It’s pivotal for our well-being. To better study the correlation between nature and health, the REI Cooperative Action Fund has partnered with research and academic institutions exploring how and why and time outdoors can benefit us all.
Continue Reading at REI
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.