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Blog Entries - time in nature

A child closely studies a plant with a magnifying glass

Plant Identification with Kids

Kids tend to be curious and ask questions about the world around them. Spending time outside in natural spaces is a great way to help youth hone that curiosity and gain the skills they need to ask good questions,

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Dr. Horton stands in front of a hedge and smiles at the camera
Photo courtesy of Dr. Teresa Horton

Dr. Teresa H. Horton Joins NRF's Advisory Council

We are excited to announce that Dr. Teresa (Terry) Horton has joined the NRF Advisory Council. Dr. Horton is an accomplished researcher with a background in evolutionary biology, physiology, ecology, and animal

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A person stands with the back to the camera in a wooded area

Forest Therapy Shows Promise as a Well-Being Practice

Extensive scientific research now supports the idea that spending time in nature has positive impacts on our physical and mental health. Forest therapy builds on this idea to offer the healing benefits of nature in a

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A room is filled with gear stored on shelves and hooks
Photo courtesy of Outdoors Empowered Network

Gear Libraries Can Help Increase Access to Outdoor Recreation

There are all kinds of barriers that prevent people from participating in outdoor recreation where they want or how they would like. These include lack of leisure time, unreliable access to transportation, limited

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A young child stands on the beach staring at the camera.

Overcoming Bias in our Understanding of Nature and Mental Health

There’s a lot of research supporting the idea that time in nature has a positive effect on our mental health. Exposure to greenspace decreases stress, boosts mood, and helps our bodies’ systems reset and rejuvenate.

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girl with braces in the park

Time Outside Builds Resilience in Youth Mental Health

It’s clear by now that the pandemic is having a negative effect on our collective mental health, especially among young people. You can check out our February blog post to learn more about those trends. Adolescents

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