Federal Agencies Study New Methods for Monitoring Recreation on Public Lands

Rachel Cohen · KUNC · July 8, 2026
Featuring Spencer Wood, Center researcher

Last year, Congress passed the EXPLORE Act, a package of measures to boost outdoor recreation access as record numbers participate in outdoor activities. 

Community Dinner with Amy Wagenfeld and Daniel Winterbottom

Want to spend an evening in community with an interdisciplinary group of students, professionals, and retirees who are passionate about advancing health equity and access to nature? Want to enjoy a shared meal while learning about novel programs, policies, and research designed to get people outdoors and fully realizing the benefits of what nature has to offer? 

Why Kids Should ‘Take Your Brain Out’ This Summer

Colorado Parent · June 24, 2026
Featuring Dr. Pooja Tandon, Center advisor and researcher

Generation Wild, a movement from Great Outdoors Colorado that works to connect kids with the outdoors, today launched ‘Take Your Brain Out,’ an initiative aimed at offsetting the effects caused by screens on kids’ brains. 

Generation Wild Encourages Northern Colorado Families to Get Kids Outdoors This Summer

North Forty News · June 9, 2026
Featuring Dr. Pooja Tandon, Center advisor and researcher

“Time spent in nature is restorative for the brain, helps with emotional regulation, improves mental and physical health, reduces symptoms of ADHD, and can have benefits for sleep and memory,” said Dr. 

The Surprising Science-Backed Reason Being in Nature Makes You Feel Good

Ashley Abramson · June 5, 2026
Featuring Gregory Bratman, PhD, the Center’s co-director

Spending time in or near nature has many potential benefits. A 2021 review found that being in nature (especially while engaging in physical activity) is linked to improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure and reduced risk factors for chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes. 

Community Dinner Featuring Dr. Sabine Thomas

Our June 2, 2026 Community Dinner featured a speed talk from Dr. Sabine Thomas. Sabine is co-owner of JSOL STUDIOS LLC, a family-wellness centered and nature-embodied organization dedicated to nurturing thriving ecosystems within families and organizations. 

Spring 2026 Newsletter

May 20, 2026

Dear Nature and Health Community:
After spending the day with more than 100 members of the NW Nature & Health community at our 9th symposium, we’re feeling genuinely energized, hopeful, and inspired. 

Cities Are Investing Tax Dollars … On Trees. Here’s Why It Works

Caleigh Wells · May 19, 2026
Featuring Kathy Woldf, PhD, member of the Center’s Research Collaborative and Coalition

“If you wind all that up across a full population and entire city, then you start to see the benefit of these tree-planting programs,” said Kathleen Wolf, research social scientist at the University of Washington. 

Federal Scientists, a Great American Invention: A Letter to Our Federal Colleagues

Co-authored by Josh Lawler, PhD, co-director of the Center

A recent analysis by Science found that 10,109 PhDs in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and health fields in the US federal government voluntarily left or involuntarily lost (collectively hereafter, “departed from”) their jobs in 2025. 

Reconnecting With Nature, Right on Campus

Mary Andolina · The Daily · May 15, 2026
Featuring Kathy Wolf, Center researcher

UW is often regarded as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation. In addition to drawing in swarms of tourists every year to see the famous cherry blossom trees bloom, community members say the campus’s lush scenery can provide them with a sense of grounding and escape.