News and Events | Nature and Health

Mar 3, 2021 | Events, Guest Speakers

Stepping into the Healing Power of Nature

When former collegiate athlete and competitive skydiver Sydney Williams unexpectedly found herself on the receiving end of a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, while grappling with unresolved trauma from a decades-old sexual assault, she set out on a mission: turn her pain into power.

Mar 2, 2021 | Community Dinner, Events

Spring 2021 Community Dinner

During spring 2021 online community dinner, the Nature and Health community heard from four regional experts in the field of nature and health:
Howie Frumkin, MD
Emeritus professor
Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
University of Washington School of Public Health

Jesús Aguirre
Superintendent
Seattle Parks

Amber Fyfe-Johnson, ND, PhD
Assistant Research Professor
Initiative for Research and Education to Advance Community Health (IREACH)
Elson S.

Feb 10, 2021 | Events, Guest Speakers

Beyond Inclusive Design: Creating a Welcoming, Accessible, Nature-Based Park

Public parks define our neighborhoods and shape our communities, yet too few are holistically designed to be inclusive and even fewer in a nature-based setting. On February 10, 2021, founders of The Eli’s Park Project shared their roles in designing a welcoming, accessible and nature-based park for all at Burke-Gilman Playground Park in Seattle.

Jan 20, 2021 | Events

Community Highlight: Wild Grief Virtual Hike Habits

Wild Grief Virtual Hike Habits are an opportunity to come together for grief peer support and nature connection from the comfort of your own home.
This Virtual Hike Habit will start with an opening circle via video chat, similar to the opening circle on our in-person hikes.

Click here to register!

Jan 2, 2021 | Diversity and Equity, Events, Guest Speakers

SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIPS WITH BIPOC COMMUNITIES FEATURING CHEVON POWELL AND FLORENCE “FLO” SUM

Chevon Powell (she/her) is the founder of Golden Bricks Events (GBE). In 2018 GBE repositioned to focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the outdoors through consulting, event management, and ownership of signature events such as the Refuge Outdoor Festival—an annual outdoor recreation camping experience geared toward Black, Indigenous, People of Color.

Dec 2, 2020 | Events, Guest Speakers

Public Lands in Public Hands: Innovations in Outdoor Recreation Science and Stewardship

On December 2, 2020, four regional experts shared their wisdom with the Nature and Health community. This session explored innovative research and stewardship aimed at creating sustainable, welcoming, and well-maintained recreation opportunities for everyone to enjoy public lands.

Jul 8, 2020 | Events, Guest Speakers

GirlTrek

In 2019, GirlTrek, Washington Trails Association, and the USDA Forest Service’s PNW Research Station came together to learn about mutual interests in trails, health, and inclusive outdoor spaces, with an interest in getting more people outside enjoying the benefits of time in nature.

Jun 17, 2020 | Events, Guest Speakers

Reclaiming Relationships with Nature

Institutional racism remains present in Black and Indigenous communities—especially with COVID-19 and the recent murders of our Black relatives. During this June 2020 talk, Nat, Jessica, and Jules came together to discuss how our intersectional identities weave experiences in relationships with nature.

May 13, 2020 | Events, Guest Speakers

The Importance of Relative Wildness in an Urban Landscape: A Case Study of Discovery Park

While there is a growing body of evidence in support of the importance of nature for human health and well-being, the effects of interacting with relatively wild forms of nature – compared to more “urban” forms – are not as well understood.

Apr 29, 2020 | Events, Guest Speakers, Talks

Older Adult Walking Programs in Urban Park and Indoor Environments – Implementation and Perceived Restorativeness

Green exercise, or exercise performed in a natural environment, has additional health benefits than exercise alone. However, older adults may experience barriers to getting outside including distance from natural spaces. Therefore, urban parks and forests provide older adults with an opportunity to engage in accessible green exercise.