Bridging the gap between nature and health.

Nature and Human Health Utah (NHH-UT) is a collaborative initiative based at the University of Utah that strengthens connections between nature, health, and community. We support research, programs, and partnerships that elevate the role of natural environments in public health, with a focus on equity, access, and shared impact across Utah.

Annual Conference

October 9th

Conservation Garden Park

West Jordan, Utah

In today’s divided world, nature offers a shared space that fosters belonging and connection across communities. This conference highlights how intentional, inclusive access to nature can create environments where everyone feels valued and connected—promoting health and well-being for all.

With keynote speaker José González and a panel on nature equity, alongside presentations from pilot projects, the event will showcase how nature can build bridges across differences and support collective healing.

Held at Conservation Garden Park, the conference will combine dialogue, learning, and an outdoor experience to emphasize that nature is a powerful common ground—when designed with belonging in mind.

2024 Annual Report

Thank you to everyone that contributed to our mission and helped to expand our reach in 2024. Check out our annual report to see all that we accomplished together.

Announcements

  • Nature Journal

    This journal is designed to help you deepen your connection with the outdoors through mindful observation and reflection. A study led by researchers in the Penn State Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management indicates that nature journaling can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and enhance mood by encouraging individuals to slow down and engage more fully with their natural surroundings. Whether you're in a park, your backyard, or on a hiking trail, this guide offers prompts to enrich your outdoor experiences.

    Click Here

  • May Member Meeting

    🌿 Thank you to everyone who came to our May Member Meeting! Special thanks to Ian Napper for his insightful talk on forest bathing and to Maddie and Conservation Garden Park for hosting us and leading a beautiful, informative garden tour. 🌼 We loved connecting with you all during the networking session and enjoying the evening in such a great space. 🌱

    Learn about Conservation Garden PArk

  • June Blog- Recharging Outdoors: Low-Cost Ways to Spend Your Summer in the Intermountain West

    With the rising cost of daily life, summer vacations can feel financially out of reach. But in Utah and the greater Intermountain West, nature is close, abundant, and often free. This blog explores budget-friendly ways to access parks, trails, and camping opportunities—reminding us that even in stressful times, the outdoors offers relief, connection, and restoration.

    Click Here

  • Forest Bathing with Ian Napper

    Join NHH-UT as Ian Napper leads a forest bathing activity at the Miller Bird Refuge and Nature Park. This experience will be grounding and is focused on restoration, stress relief, and connecting to the natural world. This is free to join but registration is required and limited to 15 people. Sign up while spots are available!

    Click Here

  • NHH-UT Launches Graphical Abstracts

    Have you seen NHH-UT’s newest version of our research briefs? We wanted to make research even more accessible and thus have created graphical abstracts that take the most important information from academic articles to share with you. Use the link below to access!

    Click Here

Research Briefs

Did you know NHH-UT produces monthly research briefs? Our research briefs aim to distill academic research into succinct and easy to digest information for practitioners to utilize. Access our library of research briefs below:

Interest in collaborating on a research brief? Reach out to myra.gerst@utah.edu

Connection to Research

A growing body of research links nature exposure to positive physical, emotional and mental health. However, myriad questions remain about how and why nature yields these benefits. Many of these research questions require interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral perspectives that bridge research and practice and that benefit from collaborations across many ways of knowing. Experts in parks, recreation and tourism, biology, environmental studies, urban planning and sociology, among others, will best position research teams to address the complex questions surrounding nature and human health.

Inspired by innovative research and projects produced by the similar Nature and Health program at the University of Washington, NHH-UT provides an arena in which experts from many societal sectors can collaborate. To learn more about NHH UT’s sister organization, Nature and Health Alliance, a research-collaborative that focuses primarily on advancing knowledge in nature and health, click the link below.

Utah’s Unique Position

With its urban and wilderness parks and monuments, natural resources, and recreational opportunities, Utah is uniquely positioned to foster this research collaborative. The University of Utah, along with partners across the state, has the expertise and resources to answer compelling questions about the nature and human health link, improve access to nature for all populations and increase awareness of the important role nature plays in human health and well-being.

Nature Equity

Not all people and communities are able to experience the health benefits of nature equitably. NHH UT is working to better understand the barriers to nature, and the address the inequities when it comes to accessing nature. To learn more about nature equity and our funding source, please visit the link below.

"Nature itself is the best physician.”   

— Hippocrates