More Resources

Science is a process of building knowledge. Research can address the important issues of society, and results are published in academic reports and journals.

Research outreach, also called science delivery or technology transfer, translates scientific results and evidence to provide messages and products for general audiences.

Below are outreach web sources about nature and well-being (updated March 2015).

Some content is specific to a city or region, while other content is national or even international in scope. Some of the reports focus on certain urban conditions, such as public housing or city parks, while others take a broader view.

Please acknowledge the source organizations and/or documents if you reuse any content.

Active Living Research

This important program is administered by the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, and supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers from the fields of public health, transportation, planning, and parks and recreation. The Tools & Resources webpage is flush with research summaries, presentations, videos, research tools, and case studies supporting outdoor physical activity for people of all ages, and access to nature for children.

Built Environment and Health Initiative (CDC)

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers many programs for health promotion and disease prevention. The Built Environment and Health Initiative (also known as the Healthy Community Design Initiative) works to better connect public health research with community planning and design. A collection of community planning tools as well as a Parks and Trails Health Impact Assessment Toolkit can help planners maximize the positive impact of community projects on health. CDC fact sheets summarize research and policy guidelines.

Human Dimensions of Urban Greening and Urban Forestry

This web site features research at the University of Washington (Seattle) on people’s perceptions and behaviors regarding nature in cities. The site addresses the following topics: nature and consumer environments, trees and transportation, civic ecology, and policy and planning. Materials include fact sheets, professional publications, and scientific articles.

Landscape and Human Health Laboratory

Social scientists at the University of Illinois studies the connection between urban greenery and human health. The research has produced important, practical findings concerning people and nearby nature. You will find information about the following topics: safety, crime, violence, and aggression; strength of community; well-being, coping, vitality, attention, executive functions, self-control, and learning. Materials include fact sheets, professional publications, and scientific articles.

The Trust for Public Land, Center for City Park Excellence

The Trust is a national nonprofit that conserves built and natural places for people to enjoy, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. TPL shares white papers about why city parks are necessary assets. Two specifically address human health and well being: From Fitness Zones to the Medical Mile, and The Health Benefits of Parks.

Healthy Parks, Healthy People

Many nations are committed to this global initiative to promote parks as a public health strategy. The National Park Service leads the U.S. program. A strategic action plan and a research plan guide efforts to better connect parks and human wellness.

Therapeutic Landscapes Network

This web site provides a knowledge base of research regarding healing gardens, restorative landscapes, and horticultural therapy. It features an extensive bibliography of published research as well as a directory of related organizations.

Children & Nature Network

The nonprofit network was launched after release of the book, Last Child in the Woods. It supports those who work to reconnect children with nature. A Research and Resources web page tracks recent studies on the influence of nature on children, including social benefits; study abstracts and some full text downloads are provided.

Evergreen, School & Workplace Greening

This nonprofit organization works to make Canada’s cities more livable by deepening the connection between people and nature. The School Ground Greening program is dedicated to transforming school outdoor landscapes. Evergreen also promotes more general community greening, such as in the workplace. Links share studies about the effects of urban greening on children, project case studies, and printable reports.

UK Forest Research

Forest Research is the science division of the U.K. Forestry Commission, and informs policy on woodlands and forests, from wildland to urban settings. A directory of ecosystem services research includes studies about social dimensions of urban forestry, economic valuation, and the role of trees in human health and well being.

United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Urban Forestry Community

The FAO is a neutral forum for international food security issues. One project is an informational program on Urban and Peri-Urban Forestry, which brings together people from across the globe to promote urban greening. The website tracks international research on the social benefits of trees in cities.

 

Do you know about other sites that report on nature and human health and well-being benefits? Info please!