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Research on the Benefits of Nature

The following are links to research on the effects of the experience of nature and its benefits:

Yale Environment

How immersion in nature improves your health, Robbins, Yale Environment, 2020.

National Library of Medicine

Exposure to natural environments has been linked with decreases in anxiety and rumination, which are associated with negative mental health ...NIH, Jimenez, 2021

Mental Health Foundation

Nature is an important need for many and vital in keeping us emotionally, psychologically and physically healthy..a summary of the evidence of how and why our relationship with nature is so important and beneficial to our mental health

National Library of Medicine

The great outdoors? Exploring the mental health benefits of natural environments”, David Pearson, National Institute of Health

University of Essex

 Mind, a mental health organization, study conducted by the University of Essex, “Taking a walk in nature reduced depression in 71% of participants.”

University of Michigan

“The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature…Nature can promote improved cognitive function and overall wellbeing” University of Michigan, 2008

Stanford University News

“Time in Nature found to have a positive effect on mood and aspects of cognitive function, as well as a dampening effect on anxiety”, Gregory Bratman, Stanford Psychophysiology Lab and Center for Conservation Biology

Laureate Institute for Brain Research

“Nature Experience Reduces Rumination and Subgenual Prefrontal Cortex Activation’, J. Paul Hamilton, Laureate Institue for Brain Research, co-author. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

Stanford Report

Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, “Study finds that walking in nature yields measurable mental benefits and may reduce risk of depression”, June 30, 2015

Washington Post

“New research suggests nature can help your brain work better, study finds”  June 29, 2015

Healthy Living Magazine

“Benefits of Ecotherapy: Being in Nature Fights Depression, Improves Mental Health and Well Being", Lecia Bushak, October 26, 2013

Our own followup questionnaire survey demonstrates the efficacy of our Access Nature Project work:

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Our own followup questionnaire survey demonstrates the efficacy of our Access Nature Project work.

Get Involved

Join Us

The Access Nature Project has many opportunities for involvement. We run regional community programming from April through November. Contact us to discuss a program for your group or organization. If you work with outdoor organizations, contact us to learn more about incorporating this type of programming at your organization.

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Volunteer

Sign up to help at one or several of our programs. No experience necessary! Bonnie Robins will guide you on what to do and you will soon be experiencing the fulfillment and joy in participating in these meaningful programs.

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Donate

All Access Nature Project programs are 100% free to our partner organizations and participants. We exist only by the generosity of our donors. Please consider making a donation to sustain our work.

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