Database

This report is designed to introduce vocabulary, understanding, and research evidence that supports the idea of small ‘s’, or civic sacred in communities.

Urbanization has many benefits, but it also is associated with increased levels of mental illness, including depression. It has been suggested that decreased nature experience may help to explain the link between urbanization and mental illness.

As biodiversity declines rapidly due to human pressures, we are beginning to recognize the important health benefits of experiencing nature. This study reviews existing research on the links between biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human health. While there is strong evidence connecting nature exposure to health benefits, especially through microbial diversity, many studies lack depth and causal clarity. The authors call for more rigorous research, better land-use planning focused on human well-being, and collaboration across disciplines to strengthen the connection between nature and health for greater resilience in both people and ecosystems.

This study investigated the impact of nature experience on affect and cognition. We randomly assigned sixty participants to a 50-min walk in either a natural or an urban environment in and around Stanford, California. Before and after their walk, participants completed a series of psychological assessments of affective and cognitive functioning.

The State of the Dallas Urban Forest Report summarizes six years of research on the structure, function, and value of Dallas’ urban trees. Led by the Texas Trees Foundation and the City of Dallas, the report combines data from four major studies to guide better tree management, policy, and planning. It highlights how trees benefit the environment, improve health, and enhance quality of life across the city.

Nearly 40 years of research provides an extensive body of evidence about human health, well-being, and improved function benefits associated with experiences of nearby nature in cities.

This study explored how "mystery" in natural settings—scenes that suggest the possibility of new information—affects attention and memory. Using a recognition memory task with 144 participants, researchers found that images rated high in mystery led to better recognition performance, especially with longer viewing times. This effect was mediated by increased feelings of fascination, supporting the idea that mysterious nature scenes more effectively engage effortless attention. The findings align with Attention Restoration Theory, suggesting that not all natural environments are equally beneficial for cognitive restoration.

Every person, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or age, is entitled to live in a home, neighborhood, and city that supports wellness and good health.

Environmental institutions have been working on diversity efforts for the better part of five decades. This report discusses the findings of a study of three types of environmental institutions: 191 conservation and preservation organizations, 74 government environmental agencies, and 28 environmental grantmaking foundations.

A holistic, optimistic approach to health supports productive individuals, and livable communities where people can thrive.

Stress has become a constant for many city residents. Tragic or traumatic situations and events may disrupt people’s lives, but are no longer the most common sources of stress.

Scholars spanning a variety of disciplines have studied the ways in which contact with natural environments may impact human well-being. We review the effects of such nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health, synthesizing work from environmental psychology, urban planning, the medical literature, and landscape aesthetics.