2026 Northwest Nature and Health Symposium
Since 2016, the Center has been hosting symposia to bring together researchers, community members, and decision-makers to learn about new discoveries, discuss new policies and programs, and advance partnerships in the field of nature and health.
“These Sacred Hills” Film Screening
The Center co-hosted a screening of “These Sacred Hills” on Thursday, November 6, 2026.
The documentary featured elected member of the Yakama Nation Council Jeremy Takala, Rock Creek Band elder Elaine Howtapat, Rock Creek Band Chief Bronsco Jim Jr., and Rock Creek Band activist and UW alumnus Elaine Harvery.
Fall 2025 Community Dinner
On October 14, 2025, 71 members of the Nature and Health community gathered at Fremont Brewing’s Urban Beer Garden for our fall community dinner. At this dinner, participants learned about programs, policies, and research that are advancing equitable engagement with nature around Puget Sound.
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International Conference on Forest Therapy | Nature and Health Speakers
The second International Conference on Forest Therapy will be held at the University of British Columbia from August 9-11. This conference offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Vancouver’s stunning natural landscapes while connecting with internationally acclaimed experts.
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Spring 2025 Nature and Health Community Dinner
Our June 10, 2025 community dinner featured speed talks from three JPB Environmental Health Fellows. Established in 2014, The JPB Environmental Health Fellowship was developed in response to the urgent need for a new interdisciplinary group of young environmental health leaders.
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2025 NW Nature and Health Symposium
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.
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Community Dinner with Dr. Adithya Vegaraju
Our community dinners unite people from different backgrounds to explore new ideas, discuss policies and programs, and strengthen partnerships in the field of nature and health. Our November 2024 dinner featured a speed talk by Dr.
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National Nature Assessment Public Engagement Event
The US Global Change Research Program is leading the first-ever National Nature Assessment to evaluate U.S. lands, waters, wildlife, biodiversity, and their contributions to our economy, health, culture, climate, and equity.
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2024 Nature and Health Symposium
On May 1, 2024, over 100 researchers, community members, students, and policy makers attended the seventh annual Northwest Nature and Health Symposium at the wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House. Seven speakers from institutions across the US, in addition to a panel from the Greening Research in Tacoma project, presented on topics centered on the interconnections between nature and human well-being.
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Discussion on Global Mental Health and Climate Change
The 2023-24 Global Mental Health Speakers series is a collaboration between the UW Consortium for Global Mental Health and the Population Health Initiative. Each event is followed by a 30 minute informal reception to build community and connection among the people gathered.
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