Humans in Nature

The Beauty of Birdwatching

If you were to look outside your window right now, what is the first wild animal you would see? Whether your backyard is a lush forest, a concrete balcony, or somewhere between, your wildlife sightseeing will vary. However, regardless of your location, there is one animal group that you are likely to see within mere … Read more The Beauty of Birdwatching

Improving Access to Nature for People With Disabilities

How can we make nature more accessible for people with disabilities? Those who spend lots of time in nature on hiking trails and visiting local/state/national parks know how helpful it can be to have well-maintained trails and proper signage. Many parks don’t take this into consideration and what most don’t realize is how inaccessible these … Read more Improving Access to Nature for People With Disabilities

Psychological Benefits of Green Exercise

Research Exercise has been shown to improve psychological well-being. However, new research provides evidence that green exercise, which is exercising outdoors, has additional benefits. One study compared 4 groups of participants. The first group, called the green control group, cycled outdoors in greenery while the second group, the indoor control group, cycled indoors. The third … Read more Psychological Benefits of Green Exercise

Art & Nature

In a recent article, we discussed the importance of nature in art and how various artists use nature to inspire them. For this article, we explore how art and nature can be purposeful and sustainable throughout time. These ideas can allow individuals to be inspired while impacting the natural environment that they are in. We … Read more Art & Nature

Mental and Physical Benefits of Gardening

After COVID-19, there has been a spike in mental health issues that has affected people in many ways. Research has shown that green spaces and nature have a positive impact on mental health. Even a simple park with trees can positively impact one’s wellbeing. Gardening has also been shown to be beneficial to physical and … Read more Mental and Physical Benefits of Gardening

Stories

Articles, personal stories, multimedia features, and current news and commentary.Read more Stories

Research

Research by our group on nature and its effects on individuals and their relationships.Read more Research

Resources

Resources and tools for individuals, families, educators, and professionals.Read more Resources

Get Outside This Summer!

May 3, 2023May 1, 2023Blake Brown

get-outside

Spring Time Activities: Go Outside and Explore!

Spring Time Activities: Go Outside and Explore!

May 2, 2023May 1, 2023Samantha Iwinski, M.S.

Depending on where you live, you may or may not be experiencing spring weather! We created a few different activities that you and your family may want to explore this spring. It includes gardening, experimenting, and immersing yourself in nature.

Favorite Spring-Time Activities Students enjoy at The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Campus

May 1, 2023Kate Friedman

Why Animals Love the Outdoors

Why Animals Love the Outdoors

April 29, 2023April 28, 2023Terese Choe

Animals love their outdoor natural habitat where they can thrive and engage in natural behaviors. The outdoors is surrounded by diverse stimuli, allowing animals to play, explore and socialize. Furthermore, being outside provides them with the necessary elements for survival, such as food, water, and shelter. Here are some fun facts about animal behavior in nature.

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Nature Therapy for Hospitalized Children

Nature Therapy for Hospitalized Children

April 28, 2023April 27, 2023Bailey Branham

There have been many studies on nature therapy and how it is especially important to individuals struggling with long-term illnesses. The article, “A Review of Design Recommendations for Outdoor Areas at Healthcare Facilities” (Abdul et al., 2012) discusses how hospitals can be a scary and stressful place, particularly for hospitalized children. Research has also found that the entire family can be negatively affected, not only the patient. Incorporating landscaping that is calming and aesthetically pleasing can help to alleviate stress from the hospital environment and provide comfort during an extremely hard time in a child’s life.

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