There is so much research coming out of why it’s beneficial to spend time outside that we wanted to share it with you. Once a month we’ll share a collection of some of the best tidbits along with other park prescription success stories.

Nature Therapy Is a Privilege
Science is learning more about the health benefits of going outside—at a time when access to wild spaces is ever-more unequal.

Look Up And Listen!
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Feist, Fleet Foxes, a talking wolf named Nick Offerman, and more join us on an audio odyssey designed to reacquaint you with the wonders of nature! Hosts Brendan and Rico — two city slickers — stumble their way through the great outdoors (and outer space!), gleaning wisdom from unexpected sources. This hour is best experienced OUTSIDE, so pack a night picnic, lay out a blanket… and look up and listen.

Vitamin N (nature): A small dose provides substantial stress relief
A midweek hike through Discovery Park in Seattle recently brought a surprising amount of tranquility to my life – after a short sunset excursion, my family and I found we were far more relaxed and optimistic, slept better and had more perspective on our place in the world…

All the trails: Riding all the mountain bike trails in Bellingham in three days
Because when we lose the ability to play, I believe we lose an aspect of our engagement with the world.

Vermont Physicians Will be Prescribing Day Passes to State Parks
This summer, Vermont physicians will be prescribing active play in Vermont State Parks to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic health issues.

Can trees heal people?
The establishment of dozens of “healing forests” is part of South Korea’s surprising prescription to improve its citizens’ health and wellbeing.

April Claxton

April is a co-founder and former co-Executive Director for Recreation Northwest. She has a passion for place and loves exploring, experiencing and sharing the beauty of the pacific northwest.  She is currently working with Ocean Conservancy to protect our oceans, specifically the Arctic.