Case Studies

Below are a series of case studies about designed projects and programs that connect people with nature. To search design projects, click on case studies called PLACE. For programs, click on case studies called PROGRAMS. We hope you will look at all the incredible case studies that prioritize nature and health.

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Four sticks are bound together by twine, creating a frame around pink-colored leaves and pink paper hearts that say “I LOVE YOU MOM” in a child’s handwriting.

Program

Bearfoot Occupational Therapy

San Francisco, CA

Undeterred, a large group of students are gathered for a picture outside in the rain in a wooded area, some beneath umbrellas and others getting wet.

Program

Campus Nature Rx Network

Throughout the US

Two women sit across from each other in foldable chairs. With small smiles on their faces, both lean forward as they compare the leaves they hold in their hands. The ground itself is thickly blanketed with red, brown, and yellow leaves—the crisp colors of autumn.

Program

Center for Nature Informed Therapy

Towson, MD

Colorado AgrAbility’s logo; the motto reads “Cultivating Accessible Agriculture.”

Program

Colorado AgrAbility Project

Colorado

A young boy with blonde hair sits in a small plastic sled in a shallow stream surrounded by lush foliage. Holding a stick and wearing a red shirt and black pants he is enjoying an outdoor adventure.

Program

ConnectByNature Therapy Services

Fenwick, ON

The gated entrance to DUG’s community garden. A canopy of green leaves hangs above the gate like an awning.

Program

Denver Urban Gardens (DUG)

Denver, CO

An Adventure Group participant rides a recumbent trike with his service dog on a sunny day. Behind their path are some trees and scrub, separating them from the main road.

Program

Destination Rehab

Bend, OR

A participant is in a sit ski for a picture, with a DREAM volunteer and a seasonal staff employee posing on either side of her. The scenery behind them is an open ski slope covered with snow that shines bright from the sunlight.

Program

DREAM Adaptive Recreation

Whitefish, Montana

A butterfly garden is in full bloom with bright pink, red, and white native plants and wildflowers. The Garden Club has high hopes that this garden becomes a haven for pollinators for many years.

Program

Garden Club at Chicago-Read Mental Health Center

Chicago, IL

Two people with their backs to the camera have blankets draped across their backs and are looking at bombed out buildings while standing on a patch of grass.

Program

Helping Ukraine Heal Through Nature-Based Programs

Bainbridge Island, WA

A child in a blue shirt and a child in a red shirt are playing the game Twister outdoors, on a surface of dried grass and leaves.

Program

Integrative OT

Birmingham, AL

A young adult scales a steep rock face. The student is tethered by a rope and smiles at the camera with a sprawling forest below the cliff they are climbing.

Program

Kismet Rock Foundation

North Conway, NH

A group of participants pose with their arms up for a sunny picture in Belmar Park. Behind them is a vast lake surrounded by lush greenery.

Program

Live By Living

Lakewood, CO

Three children explore a creek, standing on rocks above the low water. They are working on balance, coordination, and building self-confidence in nature. In the background, trees are beginning to leaf out in front of a bright blue sky, and an adult explores further up the creek.

Program

Outdoor Kids Occupational Therapy, Inc.

Berkeley, CA; Oakland, CA; Madison, WI

A young girl with pink hair rappels down a rock face using rope. The girl is wearing blue jeans and a helmet.

Program

Outdoor Outreach

San Diego, CA

A group of people in summer clothes are standing with nearby ambulatory aids such as crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers. Two people are holding croquet mallets, with one leaning over and preparing to hit the yellow ball.

Program

Outdoor Rehabilitation for Everyone at Unicare Bakke

Halden, Norway

A young participant shows excitement for the bike ride; he is accompanied by a program staff wearing a neon vest.

Program

Portland Wheelers

Portland, ME

A close-up shot of Dan riding his trike with a confident grin.

Program

Spokes Fighting Strokes

Arizona City, AZ

A young child stands smiling, ankle-deep in the shallow seasonal creek, holding a jug from which he pours. Behind him, a large log bridges the water, foliage draped across it.

Program

Treeline Enrichment, LLC

Plant City, FL

Young child in blue rain suit and green knitted cap sitting in a mud puddle smiling widely.

Program

Well Wilderness Kids Therapeutic NaturePlay Center

Olathe, KS

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