Many people may anecdotally be familiar with the benefits of spending time in nature as a way to boost their mood or unwind, but did you know that there are scientifically proven health benefits to spending time this way?

Making this common knowledge for all is part of the mission of the Nature and Health Alliance (NHA), an organization comprised of scientific researchers and health practitioners, who want the public to consider nature exposure as important to their health as a healthy diet, exercise, and sleep.

While research in this area isn’t new, key players in the arena realized the importance of centralizing and spreading this information as imperative to public health thus, NHA was born.

Though the group is still in its infancy, they have big goals and have been diligently working to build a solid foundation. 

As they catapult to a new stage of development, NHA is looking forward to their inaugural Nature and Health Conference in 2025, which the organization says will be “A pivotal event in shaping the future of how we understand and leverage nature for human health and well-being.”

Kinute recently caught up with Taylor Kennedy Frenchi and Dr. Jay Maddock from the organization to discuss NHA’s work, how people can incorporate more nature into their lives, and what their goals are for the future.

Catalyst Sports empowers people to get outdoors with adaptive adventures. (Photo: Courtesy of NHA)

Can you describe how researchers draw conclusions regarding nature’s positive benefits on human health?

Two types of studies are generally used to examine the relationship between nature and health. The first is called an ecological study. This lets us use big data sets to assess if people who live in greener neighborhoods or cities or live closer to a park are healthier than those with less access to green space. This lets us look at the effect of nature on populations, but other factors like socioeconomic status and demographics potentially confound it. Researchers try to control these factors as best they can, but there are limitations.  

The second type of study is experimental. In this type of study, people are randomized into groups. For example, one group may walk in the woods, and the other group may walk in the city. Results can test for differences in physiology and also on psychological scales. This type of study is limited by how long people can be in the study, with many studies lasting only 30 minutes and longer ones lasting up until one weekend. 

Old-school map reading has proven to have benefits like boosting problem solving skills and developing connections with the land. (Photo: Big City Mountaineers Facebook)

What are some noteworthy studies in this area?

A study done early this year in 1,169 urban zip codes in Texas found that neighborhoods with a higher level of greenness as measured by NatureScore had lower utilization of mental health services for depression, anxiety, and bi-polar disorder.   

A recent randomized trial had participants take a 40-minute walk in either nature or an urban environment. Participants who walked in nature had improved mood and also a reduction in brain function related to executive function. This appears to give the brain a break and may explain some of the reasons why spending time in nature restores the ability to pay attention.  

Big City Mountaineers works to break down barriers to getting youth outdoors. (Photo: Courtesy of NHA)

NHA is an interdisciplinary group made up of researchers and practitioners—what type of practitioners are members of the organization?

The Alliance boasts a diverse membership comprising researchers and practitioners from various fields. Among our practitioners, many are medical professionals, including pediatricians, psychiatrists, and lifestyle medicine physicians, etc. who integrate nature into their therapeutic approaches. Additionally, we have a growing number of nature therapists and forest therapy guides, as well as professionals who play a pivotal role in connecting people with nature including green design professionals, nonprofit leaders, conservationists and many more. We are always searching for members of different expertise to expand our perspective on the intersections of nature and health.

A peaceful meditation moment outdoors. (Photo: Big City Mountaineers Facebook)

One initiative that NHA is prioritizing is proliferating information about the connection between nature and health to historically underserved communities. What are some ways that NHA is working toward that goal? 

Right now, having just opened membership to the public in January 2024, we're in the early stages and are focused on building a solid foundation for this effort. We're expanding our membership to include experts from various fields, backgrounds, and locations, ensuring that our approach is diverse and inclusive. Additionally, we're maintaining a research database that compiles research from various academic disciplines and journals to ensure easy access to the data driving this effort. This groundwork is crucial as it helps us provide reliable, evidence-based information that makes the benefits of nature accessible and relevant to a broader audience. This foundational effort will enhance our ability to support evidence-based advocacy and education in all communities.

CHAMPS playspace, an intentionally designed, inclusive outdoor space. (Photo: Courtesy of NHA)

What are ways that people who live in urban environments and lack transportation can foster a relationship with nature?

All nature counts, from the micro to the macro dose. Small-nature interventions can have a positive effect. These can include nature screen savers, artwork, plants, pets, and aquariums in the home and office. Around even the most urban communities, there tend to be pocket parks and community gardens in many metropolitan areas. A scavenger hunt to find urban nature is a great way to spend a Saturday.

Kids get outside and enjoy the fresh air with a game of baseball in a residential park. (Photo: Big City Mountaineers Facebook)

I love the scavenger hunt idea. Can you tell us about NHA’s Learning Network? 

The Learning Network of the NHA is a newly created open source digital archive of case studies that demonstrate effective strategies for implementing designs and programs that increase access to high quality nature and improve health. It also is intended to bring academics, educators, students, design and planning professionals, and healthcare providers together to collaborate on projects that prioritize nature and health.

Treeline Enrichment, an immersive outdoor therapy practice for kids and families. (Photo: Courtesy of NHA)

Can you talk about some of the national policy implementations that NHA is currently working toward?

The Alliance aims to shape future national policies by initially educating legislators about the proven health benefits of nature. We are committed to effectively communicating and disseminating this vital evidence, in order to empower legislators with the data and insights needed to enact policy changes within their jurisdictions. 

What’s on the horizon that NHA is most excited about?

Our goal is to create a movement around nature and health. The amount of research in this area is exploding. We really hope to continue spreading the word about the healing power of nature to everyone. It would be amazing to see people consider spending time in nature as important to their health as physical activity, a healthy diet, and getting an adequate amount of sleep.

Taylor Kennedy Frenchi and Dr. Jay Maddock from NHA. (Photo: NHA)