Database

While emerging research has focused on quality of life (QOL) levels among farmers and ranchers with disabilities, much work is still needed on this largely understudied population. The AgrAbility Project, a USDA initiative, offers pragmatic solutions to increase farmers and ranchers with disabilities' QOL and ability to work and live independently (ILW).

This study used a smartphone app called Urban Mind to track how exposure to nature in urban environments affects mental well-being in real time. Over one week, 108 participants completed over 3,000 assessments. The results showed that natural features had both immediate and lasting positive effects on mental health, especially for individuals with high impulsivity—a trait linked to greater mental health risk. These findings highlight the importance of integrating nature into urban design to support mental well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations.

A balanced diet and regular exercise are fundamental for good health, and a daily dose of nature may be equally important. Nearly 40 years of research has demonstrated that “metro nature”—nature found in urban environments, such as parks or tree-lined streets—provides positive and measurable health benefits and improves people’s quality of life.

At a time of increasing disconnectedness from nature, scientific interest in the potential health benefits of nature contact has grown. Research in recent decades has yielded substantial evidence, but large gaps remain in our understanding.

This abstract discusses the evolving scope of environmental education, highlighting its shift toward a multidisciplinary approach that considers the complex relationships between social and natural systems. This contrasts with earlier models that focused mainly on the physical environment and emphasized natural sciences. The authors argue that environmental education extends beyond these models, both in theory and in practice, offering a broader and more integrated framework.

People can make choices to improve personal health, such as going to the gym or eating organic food, but what about just sitting under a tree?

This article reports the outcomes of a systematic review of observational park-based physical activity (PA) studies.

We are pleased and honored to introduce this milestone report from The Nature Conservancy. The authors have worked carefully to present a comprehensive analysis of current evidence on how our human communities need nature in and around them to thrive. This report presents a panoramic view of how our cities and towns benefit from nature—on the streets, next to schools and hospitals, outside our windows; everywhere people are, we can benefit from nature.

Nearly forty years of research confirms that contact with nearby nature is profoundly important for human health and wellness. 

How can we promote improved health and wellness for elders? For older adults, generally defined here as people who are 60 or older, the health benefits of being near urban green spaces can play a meaningful role in wellness and quality of life.

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.