Tag Archives: nature

The Outdoor Industry Associations’ Outdoor Foundation has published the 2022 Outdoor Participation Report. 

Outdoor participation continues to grow at record levels. More than half (54%) of Americans ages 6 and over participated in at least one outdoor activity in 2021, and the outdoor recreation participant base grew 2.2% in 2021 to 164.2M participants. This growing number of outdoor enthusiasts, however, did not fundamentally alter long-term declines in high frequency or “core” outdoor participation. Spending time outdoors and exploring nature has a significant positive effect on health.

To learn more, see our Project Nature www.projectnaturewa.com  .

BestStart Washington/Project Nature’s Commitment to Breaking Down Barriers Caused by Racial Inequality

 

BestStart Washington is committed to ensuring that all children and youth in Washington State have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We recognize that entrenched structural racism is an unacceptable barrier to child health and potential.

In our pediatric practices, we see first-hand the negative health outcomes that arise from racism including increased infant mortality, low birth weight, increased incidence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), decreased school readiness, higher school drop-out rates, and mental health problems stemming from chronic stress. Continue reading →

Project Nature

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” – Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder

Playing and exploring outdoors can improve a child’s overall health and wellbeing.  But not all children and families have access to nature​. ​Racism, economic inequality, and lack of awareness are some of the barriers that impact nature contact for children. Continue reading →

Park Systems in the 100 Largest U.S. Cities Rated

The Trust for Public Land Releases 2016 ParkScore® Index, Rating Park Systems in the 100 Largest U.S. Cities
The Trust for Public Land
“ParkScores are based on three factors: Park Access, which measures the percentage of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park (approximately ½-mile); Park Size, which is based on a city’s median park size and the percentage of total city area dedicated to parks; and Facilities and Investment, which combines park spending per resident with the availability of four popular park amenities: basketball hoops, off-leash dog parks, playgrounds, and recreation & senior centers….” Click here to learn more about the parks near you.