nature – Humans in Nature

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.

Profiles of Humans in Nature: Montana Natural History Center

April 7, 2023April 3, 2023Samantha Iwinski, M.S.

Humans in Nature strives to combine applied research within outreach efforts to connect individuals of all ages to the natural environment. We wanted to hear from other organizations and communities on how they connect with others and develop a relationship surrounding nature. We interviewed Anka Rashed at the Montana Natural History Center (MNHC) in Missoula, MT, to hear more about what she does for MNHC and how they connect people with nature.

Greenery Helps with Indoor Isolation

April 5, 2023April 3, 2023Terese Choe

With the recent occurrence of the Covid-19 Pandemic, many people were forced inside to prevent the spread of the airborne illness. The virus has forced people to isolate themselves from their loved ones and the general public. Isolation for an extended period can eventually lead to anxiety and depression. To stay occupied and fight the feeling of loneliness, people go outside to take in nature and help benefit their overall well-being, as “many scientists have concluded that humans depend on nature for their physical, spiritual, psychological, and emotional needs” (Hassan 2018). Research supports that nature can help decrease stress and anxiety and improve mood and physical health. If those isolated indoors have limited access to the outdoors, why not bring the plants inside to help with their mental states?

Common and Ambiguous Scents of the Outdoors

February 24, 2023February 20, 2023Terese Choe

According to Jan Holden (2006), “smell influences the brain functions that link memory, behavior, and emotion”. When people smell particular objects from the outdoors, ideas and existing memories flow into their heads. For instance, when people smell flowers, there is a general consensus that it has a pleasant floral smell. We give flowers on Valentine’s day or place them on the graves of our loved ones due to their lovely sight and aroma. Therefore, it isn’t uncommon for everyone to agree that flowers are just floral, blissful plants. However, not all scents conjure the same image for everyone.

Connect with Nature During Winter with Greenhouses

February 22, 2023February 20, 2023Tess Levitt

Throughout the warm months of spring and summer, people spend time in nature by walking and enjoying fresh air, planting flowers, and much more. During the winter months it becomes increasingly hard to spend time with nature like we normally do. Luckily, there may be a solution: greenhouses. With the use of greenhouses throughout the winter months, people can change their winter experiences for the better by increasing their contact with nature even when it’s cold outside!