Forest therapy can prevent and treat depression: Evidence from meta-analyses

Forest therapy is more effective in preventing or treating depression than alternative interventions

Rosa, C. D., Larson, L. R., Collado, S., Profice, C. C., (2021). Forest therapy can prevent and treat depression: Evidence from meta-analyses. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 57

Physical distancing, children and urban health: The COVID-19 crisis' impact on children and how this could affect future urban planning and design policies

Planning for a healthier post-COVID world requires attention to the needs of children

Kyriazis, A., Mews, G., Belpaire, E., Aerts, J., Malik, S. A., (2020). Physical distancing, children and urban health: The COVID-19 crisis' impact on children and how this could affect future urban planning and design policies. Cities and Health

Examine the associations between perceived neighborhood conditions, physical activity, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

Higher income US neighborhoods had more health-promoting features before the COVID-19 pandemic and more positive changes during the outbreak

Yang, Y., Xiang, X., (2021). Examine the associations between perceived neighborhood conditions, physical activity, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health & Place, 67

Balancing technology and outdoor learning: Implications for early childhood teacher educators

Balancing technology and outdoor learning can enhance early childhood education

Siskind, D., Conlin, D., Kim, S., Barnes, A., Yaya-Bryson, D., (2020). Balancing technology and outdoor learning: Implications for early childhood teacher educators. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education

Residential self-selection in the greenness-wellbeing connection: A family composition perspective

Residential self-selection and family composition characteristics can impact the greenness-wellbeing connection

Wu, W., Yun, Y., Zhai, J., Sun, Y., Zhang, G., Wang, H., (2021). Residential self-selection in the greenness-wellbeing connection: A family composition perspective. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 59

'Oh no, the stick keeps falling!': An analytical framework for conceptualising young children’s interactions during free play in a woodland setting

Free play of preschoolers in a woodland setting tends to be autonomous, child led and imaginary

Ellis, C., Beauchamp, G., Sarwar, S., Tyrie, J., Adams, D., Dumitrescu, S., Haughton, C., (2021). 'Oh no, the stick keeps falling!': An analytical framework for conceptualising young children’s interactions during free play in a woodland setting. Journal of Early Childhood Research, 1-18.

Effects of trees, gardens, and nature trails on heat index and child health: Design and methods of the Green Schoolyards Project

School parks can serve as a tool for urban heat island adaptation and health promotion.

Lanza, K., Alcazar, M., Hoelscher, D. M., Kohl III, H. W., (2021). Effects of trees, gardens, and nature trails on heat index and child health: Design and methods of the Green Schoolyards Project. BMC Public Health, 21(98)

Green schoolyards in low-income urban neighborhoods: Natural spaces for positive youth development outcomes

Increases in activity and social interaction linked to schoolyard greening in low-income neighborhoods were maintained over time

Bates, C. R., Bohnert, A. M., Gerstein, D. E., (2018). Green schoolyards in low-income urban neighborhoods: Natural spaces for positive youth development outcomes. Frontiers in Psychology, 9

Perceptions of park visitors on access to urban parks and benefits of green spaces

Visitors to urban parks in the global South valued parks highly for the multiple benefits they provide but “stark gender and income inequalities” limit access for many city dwellers

Basu, S., Nagendra, H., (2021). Perceptions of park visitors on access to urban parks and benefits of green spaces. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 57

Are forest healing programs useful in promoting children's emotional welfare?: The interpersonal relationships of children in foster care

Forest healing programs can positively improve the interpersonal relationship skills of adolescents in foster care

Hong, J., Park, S., An, M., (2021). Are forest healing programs useful in promoting children's emotional welfare?: The interpersonal relationships of children in foster care. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

What difference does it make? Exploring the transformative potential of everyday climate crisis activism by children and youth

Youths’ everyday climate crisis activism can make important contributions to a more sustainable future

Trott, C. D., (2021). What difference does it make? Exploring the transformative potential of everyday climate crisis activism by children and youth. Children's Geographies

Outcomes of art-based environmental education in the Hudson River Watershed

An arts-based environmental education program increases students’ environmental knowledge and provides an avenue for advocacy

Schneller, A. J., Harrison, L. M., Adelman, J., Post, S., (2021). Outcomes of art-based environmental education in the Hudson River Watershed. Applied Environmental Education and Communication, 20(1), 19-33.

The impact of schoolyard greening on children's physical activity and socioemotional health: A systematic review of experimental studies

Greening of schoolyards can generate positive physical activity and socioemotional health outcomes for students

Bikomeye, J. C., Balza, J., Beyer, K. M., (2021). The impact of schoolyard greening on children's physical activity and socioemotional health: A systematic review of experimental studies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(535), 1-20.

Nature-based solutions and their potential to attract the young generations

Nature-Based Solutions can positively influence young generations’ tourism choices, especially for females

Giachino, C., Pattanaro, G., Bertoldi, B., Bollani, L., Bonadonna, A., (2021). Nature-based solutions and their potential to attract the young generations. Land Use Policy, 101

The association between green space and adolescents' mental well-being: A systematic review

Greater amounts of green space appear to have a positive impact on the mental well-being of adolescents

Zhang, Y., Mavoa, S., Zhao, J., Raphael, D., Smith, M., (2020). The association between green space and adolescents' mental well-being: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(6640)

A simulated walk in nature: Testing predictions from the attention restoration theory

Research using simulated natural environments yield new insights into Attention Restoration Theory

Crossan, C., Salmoni, A., (2021). A simulated walk in nature: Testing predictions from the attention restoration theory. Environment and Behavior, 53(3), 277-295.

Happiness from nature? Adolescents' conceptions of the relation between happiness and nature in Finland

Finnish adolescents view a positive relationship between nature and happiness

Hakokongas, E., Puhakka, R., (2021). Happiness from nature? Adolescents' conceptions of the relation between happiness and nature in Finland. Leisure Sciences

Green space and health equity: A systematic review on the potential of green space to reduce health disparities

Strategic greenspace planning can play an important role in promoting health equity

Rigolon, A., Browning, M. H. E. M., McAnirlin, O., Yoon, H., (2021). Green space and health equity: A systematic review on the potential of green space to reduce health disparities. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 18, 1-27.

Using engagement in sustainable construction to improve mental health and social connection in disadvantaged and hard to reach groups: A new green care approach

Engaging vulnerable people in sustainable construction projects may prove effective in addressing their mental health and social connection concerns

Davies, J., McKenna, M., Bayley, J., Denner, K., Young, H., (2020). Using engagement in sustainable construction to improve mental health and social connection in disadvantaged and hard to reach groups: A new green care approach. Journal of Mental Health, 29(3), 350-357.

"Just because they aren't human doesn't mean they aren't alive": The methodological potential of photovoice to examine human-nature relations as a source of resilience and health among urban Indigenous youth

Urban Indigenous youth identify connections with nature as a source of resilience and health

Morton, D., Bird-Naytowhow, K., Pearl, T., Hatala, A. R., (2020). "Just because they aren't human doesn't mean they aren't alive": The methodological potential of photovoice to examine human-nature relations as a source of resilience and health among urban Indigenous youth. Health & Place, 61

Influence of urban forest on traffic air pollution and children respiratory health

Urban forests can play a role in cleaning the air and making it healthier for children

Almeida, L. D. O. E., Favaro, A., Raimundo-Costa, W,, Anhê, A. C. B. M., Ferreira, D. C., Blanes-Vidal, V., Senhuk, A. P. M. D. S., (2020). Influence of urban forest on traffic air pollution and children respiratory health. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 192(175)

Assessing the social value of ecosystem services for resilient riparian greenway planning and management in an urban community

Using Importance-Performance Analysis can help set the direction for sustainability-focused landscape planning and management

Lee, J., Kweon, B., Ellis, C. D., Lee, S., (2020). Assessing the social value of ecosystem services for resilient riparian greenway planning and management in an urban community. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(9)

Community-based adaptation to climate change in villages of Western Province, Solomon Islands

Combining a community-driven assessment with semi-quantitative methodologies can help communities identify and address climate change vulnerability

Basel, B., Goby, G., Johnson, J., (2020). Community-based adaptation to climate change in villages of Western Province, Solomon Islands. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 156

Parental perspectives on green schoolyards: Advantages outweigh disadvantages, but willingness to help is limited

Parents consider the advantages of green schoolyards to outweigh the disadvantages, but cite lack of time as a barrier to their more active involvement.

van Dijk-Wesselius, J. E., Having, D., de Koning, M., Maas, J., van den Berg, A. E., (2021). Parental perspectives on green schoolyards: Advantages outweigh disadvantages, but willingness to help is limited. Children's Geographies, 19(2), 145-157.

Assessing challenges and opportunities for schools’ access to nature in England

Schools can mitigate children’s declining contact with nature, but various spatial, cultural, and social factors tend to impede the process

Walker, E., Bormpoudakis, D., Tzanopoulos, J., (2021). Assessing challenges and opportunities for schools’ access to nature in England. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

Measuring green space effects on attention and stress in children and youth: A scoping review

Attention and stress outcomes in children as they relate to responses to green space settings should be carefully reviewed and interpreted

Barger, B., Torquati, J., Larson, L. R., Bartz, J. M., Johnson-Gaither, C., Gardner, A., Moody, E., Rosenberg, S., Schutte, A., Murray, M., Schram, B. M., (2021). Measuring green space effects on attention and stress in children and youth: A scoping review. Children, Youth and Environments, 31(1), 1-54.

Green space in Chinese schools enhance children's environmental attitudes and pro-environmental behavior

School green space supports children’s pro-environmental behavior

Liu, W., Chen, J., (2021). Green space in Chinese schools enhance children's environmental attitudes and pro-environmental behavior. Children, Youth and Environments, 31(1), 55-87.

Blue care: A systematic review of blue space interventions for health and wellbeing

Nature-based therapy in blue (water) settings has the potential to improve mental health for diverse groups

Britton, E., Kindermann, G., Domegan, C., Caitriona, C., (2020). Blue care: A systematic review of blue space interventions for health and wellbeing. Health Promotion International, 35, 50-69.

Whether the weather be cold, or whether the weather be hot ... children’s play preferences outdoors across a year in one private pre-school setting

Preschool children find ways to use the affordances of an outdoor setting through different seasons and various weather conditions

Elliott, H., (2021). Whether the weather be cold, or whether the weather be hot ... children’s play preferences outdoors across a year in one private pre-school setting. International Journal of Play, 10(1), 25-42.

Reconfiguring relational space: A qualitative study of the benefits of caring for hens for the socio- emotional development of 5 – 9-year-old children in an urban junior school context of high socioeconomic exclusion

Caring for hens at school helped children facing socio-economic exclusion make social-emotional gains and develop awareness and respect for nature

Gilligan, C., Downes, P., (2021). Reconfiguring relational space: A qualitative study of the benefits of caring for hens for the socio- emotional development of 5 – 9-year-old children in an urban junior school context of high socioeconomic exclusion. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

Urban agriculture as a nature-based solution to address socio-ecological challenges in Australian cities

Urban agriculture has the potential to simultaneously provide multiple benefits to people and the planet

Kingsley, J., Egerer, M., Nuttman, S., Keniger, L., Pettitt, P., Frantzeskaki, N., Gray, T., Ossola, A., Lin, B., Bailey, A., Tracey, D., Barron, S., Marsh, P., (2021). Urban agriculture as a nature-based solution to address socio-ecological challenges in Australian cities. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 60

Transit to parks: An environmental justice study of transit access to large parks in the U.S. West

Transit agencies have a role to play in addressing environmental injustices relating to park access

Park, K., Rigolon, A., Choi, D., Lyons, T., Brewer, S., (2021). Transit to parks: An environmental justice study of transit access to large parks in the U.S. West. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 60

Evaluating a green schoolyard transformation: A protocol utilizing the RE-AIM framework

Use of a field-tested evaluation protocol can augment the evidence base for the green schoolyard movement as a health-promotion strategy

Gerstein, D. E., Bates, C. R., Bohnert, A. M., (2021). Evaluating a green schoolyard transformation: A protocol utilizing the RE-AIM framework. Children, Youth and Environments, 31(1), 187-198.

Green and open space factor Vienna: A steering and evaluation tool for urban green infrastructure

A new urban design index integrates the ecosystem service approach into urban planning for socially sustainable development

Ring, Z., Damyanovic, D., Reinwald, F., (2021). Green and open space factor Vienna: A steering and evaluation tool for urban green infrastructure. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

The neighborhood socioeconomic inequalities in urban parks in a high-density city: An environmental justice perspective

Study in Hong Kong identifies issues related to distributional justice with respect to parks in a high-density city

Zhang, R., Zhang, C., Cheng, W., Lai, P. C., Schüz, B., (2021). The neighborhood socioeconomic inequalities in urban parks in a high-density city: An environmental justice perspective. Landscape and Urban Planning, 211

Linking public urban green spaces and human well-being: A systematic review

Characteristics of urban green space positively linked to human well-being include structure, biodiversity, and naturalness

Reyes-Riveros, R., Altamirano, A., Barrera, F. D. L., Rozas-Vasquez, D., Vieli, L., Meli, P., (2021). Linking public urban green spaces and human well-being: A systematic review. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 61

“When you see nature, nature give you something inside”: The role of nature-based leisure in fostering refugee well-being in Canada

Refugees engaged in nature-based leisure activities experienced improved sense of well-being and belonging

Hurly, J., Walker, G. J., (2019). “When you see nature, nature give you something inside”: The role of nature-based leisure in fostering refugee well-being in Canada. Leisure Science, 41(4), 260-277.

The physical characteristics of children's preferred natural settings in primary school grounds

The type, context, and condition of natural settings should be considered in the design and management of school grounds

Aminpour, F., (2021). The physical characteristics of children's preferred natural settings in primary school grounds. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

Potential effects of school garden on students' knowledge, attitude and experience: A pilot project on sixth grade students in Iran

School gardens can positively impact students' knowledge and attitude, and help them gain valuable experiences

Amiri, A., Geravandi, S., Rostami, F., (2021). Potential effects of school garden on students' knowledge, attitude and experience: A pilot project on sixth grade students in Iran. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

The school garden: A social and emotional place

Garden-based learning may promote positive emotions and cooperative behavior

Pollin, S., Retzlaff-Fürst, C., (2021). The school garden: A social and emotional place. Frontiers in Psychology, 12

Associations between the naturalness of window and interior classroom views, subjective well-being of primary school children and their performance in an attention and concentration test

Views of natural elements can contribute to the subjective well-being of primary students

Lindemann-Matthies, P., Benkowitz, D., Hellinger, F., (2021). Associations between the naturalness of window and interior classroom views, subjective well-being of primary school children and their performance in an attention and concentration test. Landscape and Urban Planning, 214

The effects of contact with nature during outdoor environmental education on students' wellbeing, connectedness to nature and pro-sociality

Contact with nature during outdoor environmental education promotes students’ wellbeing, connectedness to nature, and pro-sociality

Pirchio, S., Passiatore, Y., Panno, A., Cipparone, M., Carrus, G., (2021). The effects of contact with nature during outdoor environmental education on students' wellbeing, connectedness to nature and pro-sociality. Frontiers in Psychology, 12

Relationships between childhood experience of nature and green/blue space use, landscape preferences, connection with nature and pro-environmental behavior

Childhood nature experiences on their own may not adequately predict adult nature connection, engagement, or environmental behaviors

van Heezik, Y., Freeman, C., Falloon, A., Buttery, Y., Heyzer, A., (2021). Relationships between childhood experience of nature and green/blue space use, landscape preferences, connection with nature and pro-environmental behavior. Landscape and Urban Planning, 213

Exploring outdoor play: A mixed-methods study of the quality of preschool play environments and teacher perceptions of risky play

Limits to risky play at preschool include teachers’ reluctance, lack of affordances, and safety regulations

LeMasters, A. C., Vandermaas-Peeler, M., (2021). Exploring outdoor play: A mixed-methods study of the quality of preschool play environments and teacher perceptions of risky play. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

Renaturing the city: Factors contributing to upscaling green schoolyards in Amsterdam and The Hague

A combination of factors presents barriers to the successful up-scaling of green schoolyards

Giezen, M., Pellerey, V., (2021). Renaturing the city: Factors contributing to upscaling green schoolyards in Amsterdam and The Hague. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 63

Equity in green and blue spaces availability in Singapore

Singapore, a highly compact city, provides equitable access to urban green and blue spaces

Nghiem, T. P. L., Zhang, Y., Oh, R. R. Y., Chang, C., Tan, C. L. Y., Shannahan, D. F., Lin, B. B., Gaston, K. J., Fuller, R. A., Carrasco, R., (2021). Equity in green and blue spaces availability in Singapore. Landscape and Urban Planning, 210

Outdoor play activities and outdoor environment of early childhood education in Turkey: A qualitative meta-synthesis

Preschool teachers in Turkey believe that outdoor activities contribute to child development, yet generally hesitate taking children outside

Ozturk, Y., Ozer, Z., (2022). Outdoor play activities and outdoor environment of early childhood education in Turkey: A qualitative meta-synthesis. Early Child Development and Care, 192(11), 1752-1767.

Nature's role in outdoor therapies: An umbrella review

Nature’s role in outdoor therapeutic interventions remains unclear

Harper, N. J., Fernee, C. R., Gabrielsen, L. E., (2021). Nature's role in outdoor therapies: An umbrella review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18

Life course nature exposure and mental health outcomes: A systematic review and future directions

A review of the literature finds that early nature exposure can contribute to later-life mental health

Li, D., Menotti, T., Ding, Y., Wells, N. M., (2021). Life course nature exposure and mental health outcomes: A systematic review and future directions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18

Availability, use of, and satisfaction with green space, and children’s mental wellbeing at age 4 years in a multicultural, deprived, urban area: Results from the Born in Bradford cohort study

Positive effects of green space on wellbeing differ by ethnicity

McEachan, R. R. C., Yang, T. C., Roberts, H., Pickett, K. E., Arseneau-Powell, D., Gidlow, C. J., Wright, J., Nieuwenhuijsen, M., (2018). Availability, use of, and satisfaction with green space, and children’s mental wellbeing at age 4 years in a multicultural, deprived, urban area: Results from the Born in Bradford cohort study. Lancet Planet Health, 2, 244-254.