Nature and Well-Being Research Group @ CSU
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Leveraging The Well-Being Benefits Of Outdoor Recreation For Social And Environmental Outcomes
An emerging body of science has documented the importance of spending time connected to nature, particularly for our health and well-being. Our lab focuses on better understanding these benefits, with a particular focus on social and community benefit, as well as how this science can be used to support evidence-based practice.
The Collective for Nature Immersion and Practice
The goal of cNISP is to improve the impact of current nature-based programming while working with non-profits to expand the number of programs offered to community members, specifically those natural experiences that are intended to enhance human well-being. The collective, focuses on improving empirical research on nature and well-being and using that research to inform nature-based programming in Colorado and beyond. The collective is led by Dr. Sarah Walker from the Nature and Well-being Lab, Dr Sara LoTemplio from the RAIN Lab and Dr. Jill Zarestky from the School of Education.
Related Publications and Resources:
Healthy by Nature: Policy Practices Aimed at Maximizing the Human Behavioral Health Benefits of Nature Contact
Student well-being and nature immersion in higher education
This project combines both Dr. Walker’s teaching and research, and is a multi-year evaluation of the impact undergraduate course focused on the science of the health and well-being benefits of spending time outside. This work seeks to understand how we can improve student well-being through time spent outside and experiential science education.
Related Publications and Resources: Children and Nature Network Article cNISP Website
