Five Ways to Get Kids Outdoors in Cold Weather
Ashley Speller · On the Pulse · February 9, 2023
Featuring Dr. Pooja S. Tandon, Nature and Health researcher
With a lack of summer sunshine, the ongoing days of winter and frigid temperatures can leave families and children feeling stuck indoors.
Assessing and Addressing Environmental Disparities to Improve Psychological Well-Being
Dr. Kim Meidenbauer is Assistant Professor at Washington State University’s Department of Psychology, Health Equity Research Center. During our January 2023 Community Dinner, Kim examined how features of the physical and social environment affect individuals’ brains and their behavior.
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As Outdoor Preschools Gain Traction After COVID-19 Pandemic, States Work to Unlock Funding
Leigh Giangreco · USA Today · January 3, 2023
Featuring Dr. Amber Fyfe-Johnson, Nature and Health researcher
At least one researcher is probing whether being outdoors helps children or whether those participating in outdoor preschool benefit from other types of privilege.
New York Times: Holidays. What to do When Stressed? Nature.
The New York Times offers healthy tips to ease stress during the holidays. Gregory N. Bratman, Nature and Health researcher and Steering Committee member, reminds us of the many benefits that nature has on our health and well-being:
“Benefits can range from increased feelings of happiness and emotional well-being to positive social interaction to decreased stress and anxiety.”
– Gregory N.
REI Cooperative Action Fund Celebrates First Year with Nearly $2 Million in new Investments in Nonprofits
REI Co-op · PR Newswire · November 28, 2022
The REI Cooperative Action Fund is announcing a new $1.98 million investment in 34 nonprofit organizations promoting justice, equity and belonging in the outdoors—including Nature and Health.
Recreation after Evacuation: How the Eagle Creek Wildfire Affected Recreation in the Columbia River Gorge
By Sara Adams
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re all too familiar with the effects of wildfire. From devastating loss of life and personal property, to reduced air quality and services, wildfires have acute and long-term impacts on our communities.
Exploring Factors Shaping the Constraints of Recreation in Forests for People of Color
Despite being the fastest growing group of the US population, people of color are underrepresented in forest-based recreation opportunities. Yet, the freedom for all people to recreate in forests is an important American tradition.
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Get Outside! Using Natural Environments to Support College Student Wellbeing: From Research to Practice Featuring Laura Allen, Ph.D. and Courtney Crim, Ed.D.
Laura Allen, PhD is a Professor at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, where she has taught since 1994. Her expertise includes child and adolescent development, emerging adulthood, and curriculum development.
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Can Hiking Help Heal Veterans with PTSD? Researchers Seek to Find Out
Suzanne O’Brien · REI · October 25, 2022
Featuring Gregory Bratman, member of the Center’s Research Collaborative and Steering Committee
One fall day on Washington’s Mount Rainier, Josh Brandon and a group of fellow active duty platoon leaders discovered something about the outdoors that could improve the lives of veterans.
NIH funds Wakaya: Grounded in Choctaw Indigenous Land-based Healing
The National Institute of Health/NIH R01, Wakaya, is led by Choctaw Nation enrolled members, Dr. Michelle Johnson-Jennings (UW Full Professor, Public Health and Social Work, and Director of Environmental Health and Land-based Healing Division, IWRI) and Dr.
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