Discover simple and inspiring ways to stay active, beat the winter blues, and connect with the outdoors. From skiing and snowshoeing to nature crafts and storm watching, this guide offers something for everyone—whether you're an adventure-seeker or looking for serene ways to enjoy the season. Embrace winter’s beauty and make it a season to remember!

This month, we spoke with Dr. Amy McDonnell, a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Cognition and Neural Science at the University of Utah. Amy’s research explores how nature exposure benefits our mental well-being, focusing on real-world settings beyond the lab to measure effects on attention and emotional states. Using tools like ECG and EEG, she’s uncovering the biological responses behind nature’s calming effects. Her team’s most consistent finding? Immersion in natural environments allows the brain’s attention networks to rest, promoting sharper focus and reduced mental fatigue. Amy also shares practical insights on how we can integrate nature into our lives for better cognitive health—whether it's through a walk in a park or taking meetings outdoors. Read on to learn more about her fascinating work and discover actionable ways to boost your own mental well-being with a dose of nature.

Access to nature is a crucial issue affecting many communities today. In this blog, we examine the disparities in access to natural spaces among different groups, including racial minorities, low-income families, the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities, while also exploring potential solutions to create a more equitable environment for all.

A storm moved across the Salt Lake Valley Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, as viewed from the University of Utah. (Elynn Bentley, obtained through KSL TV).