Nature and Health | University of Washington

Apr 3, 2023 | Seminars, Events, Diversity and Equity, Symposium

2023 Nature and Health Symposium: Healing Connections

On April 21-22, 2023, community members were invited to gather for the Healing Connections: Nature and Wellness Symposium and Community Day to celebrate Earth Day. The symposium was held at the Pagoda in Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, WA.

Mar 30, 2023 | Events, Symposium

Actions for Restoration, Sustainability and Health

In March 2023, Nature and Health hosted more than 30 scholars for a 3-day workshop at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. This conference, titled Actions for Restoration, Sustainability and Health, highlighted transdisciplinary research at the intersection of equity, health, nature, and well-being.

Mar 23, 2023 | In the News, Events, Diversity and Equity

BIPOC Research Collective at Nature and Health: Actions for Restoration, Sustainability and Health

Story by Allie Long
The traditional depiction of nature in research—as well as in US History, literature, art and most academic inquiries—is largely conceptualized to fit white-dominant narratives. More often than not, this comes at the direct expense and erasure of other cultures and experiences.

Feb 21, 2023 | Events, Guest Speakers

Exploring Personalized Virtual Nature as a Tool for People Living with Severe COPD Featuring Olivia McAnirlin

Olivia McAnirlin (she/her) is a fourth year Ph.D. Candidate in the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) program and the Lab Manager of Clemson’s Virtual Reality and Nature (VRN) Lab. Her research interests include studying the psychological and physiological impacts of nature and virtual reality, as well as using virtual reality as a form of storytelling.

Feb 9, 2023 | In the News

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.

Continue reading at On the Pulse

Jan 26, 2023 | Events, Community Dinner

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.

Jan 3, 2023 | In the News

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.

Continue reading at USA Today

There is a silhouette of five people outside in Bangladesh. There is a background of a yellow and grey sunset and tree to the left.

Dec 5, 2022 | In the News

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.

Continue reading at PR Newswire

Nov 9, 2022 | Publications

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.