Publication in Press

Focusing Attention on Reciprocity between Nature and Humans
Can be the Key to Reinvigorating Planetary Health
Usha Varanasi, Ph.D., College of the Environment, University of Washington
In Press, Ecopsychology Journal, http://home.liebertpub.com/publications/ecopsychology/300/overview
Mary Ann Liebert Inc., Publishers
This timely essay raises the importance of shifting individual and societal attention to preventive and precautionary measures to maintain human and ecological health. 

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Finding Respite in the Nature Nearby to Combat Stress

Kiyomi Taguchi · UW News · April 17, 2020
Featuring Kathleen Wolf, Nature and Health Researcher
Taking a walk can make you feel better, but is there scientific research? Yes, says Kathleen Wolf. 

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Dose of Nature at Home Could Help Mental Health, Well-Being During COVID-19

Michelle Ma · UW News · April 16, 2020
Featuring Kathleen Wolf and Dr. Pooja Tandon, Nature and Health researchers
As residents in Washington and much of the nation are confined to their homes and apartments under COVID-19 restrictions, many people are missing their usual “nature escapes”: that hike to a serene lake, a mountain bike trail through the woods, or even a favorite campground by a river where you can relax and recharge. 

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Nature Interaction and Human Well-being: A Hypothesized Model of Feeling a Sense of Presence in Nature

Over the last three decades, there has been an increasing and convincing body of evidence for the physical and mental health benefits of interacting with nature. However, there has been surprisingly little focus on how people’s psychological states during a nature experience may influence these benefits. 

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Here’s a Mental Health Tip to get you Through Coronavirus Quarantine: Find Tranquility in Nature

Corinne Whiting · Seattle Times · April 13, 2020
Featuring Kathleen Wolf, Nature and Health researcher
At this bizarre moment in time, most are digging deep into internal “toolboxes” in an attempt to retain some semblance of zen. 

Continue reading at The Seattle Times

Reciprocal Healing: Nature, Health, and Wild Vitality

Peter Kahn writes: This small gathering of about 120 of us was focused on Reciprocal Healing: Nature, Health, and Wild Vitality. The organizer, Dr. Tom Fleischner, Executive Director of the Natural History Institute, says it this way: “The health of humans and nature are inextricably linked. 

Natural History Institute

Health and Nature During COVID-19

What does the emergence of COVID-19 mean for the nature and health movement that we’ve been building since 2014? During this March 2020 webinar, four nature and health experts from the Pacific Northwest led an in-depth discussion and Q&A on this topic. 

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Nature and Health in Alaska Airlines’ March Magazine

Alaska Airlines recently wrote about Nature and Health. From forest bathing to wellness retreats, there’s increasing evidence that time in nature has benefits for human health and wellbeing. The story begins on page 58. 

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The Great (Neighborhood) Outdoors: staying connected with nature during Coronavirus

Ah, the great outdoors. That intoxicating piney scent of an evergreen forest, the salty seawater glow on your skin after a swim, the parade of puffy clouds marching overhead while stretched out in a flowery meadow—being outside makes us happy and puts us at ease. 

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Humans Need the Wilderness to be Happy

Elizabeth Fernandez · Forbes · March 4, 2020
Featuring Peter Kahn, Nature and Health researcher and Steering Committee member
As we embed ourselves more and more in urban environments, it’s important to remember our need for a connection to nature. 

Continue reading at Forbes