McMaster University recognizes that the University and surrounding Hamilton area, including their nature spaces, are situated on traditional territories shared between the Haudenosaunee confederacy and Anishnaabe nations. These lands are protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum belt. The wampum uses the symbolism of a dish to represent the territory, and one spoon to represent that the people are to share the resources of the land and only take what they need.
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Nature & Health

Information Box Group

Mental Wellbeing Learn More

Spending time in nature can have a rejuvenating effect psychologically with studies consistently demonstrating nature’s role in reducing stress, boosting mood, raising energy and supporting relaxation.

Physical Health Learn More

The positive impacts of nature exposure on one’s well being goes beyond cognitive benefits; the physical health benefits are also vast demonstrating impacts on cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory and immune health outcomes.

Enhanced Learning Learn More

Nature experiences are thought to have a casual relationship with learning acting through pathways that increase attention, reduce stress, improve self-discipline, promote engagement and enhance physical fitness.

Podcasts

How the Great outdoors can improve your life

Hidden Brain by NPR

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Read the full transcript

The effects of Neighbourhood Greening on Mental Health

by Review of Systems

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Race and the Nature Gap

Excerpt from NPR’s Living on Earth, July 31 2020 episode available here.

Read the full transcript

Videos

Science of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) with Dr. Qing Li

TedTalk: Prescribing Nature for Health, Nooshin Razani

Webinar: Green Space, Health & Wellbeing; a synthesis of systematic reviews

The Nature Fix

Books

Forest Bathing Learn More

By Dr Qing Li

Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing

The Biophilia Effect Learn More

By Clemens G. Arvay

A Scientific and Spiritual Exploration of the Healing Bond Between Humans and Nature

The Nature Fix Learn More

By Florence Williams

Why Nature makes us happier, healthier and more creative.

Websites and Organizations

EcoHealth Ontario (EHO) Learn More

A transdisciplinary collaboration working to support equitable access to greenspace. Find information about the importance of prioritizing access to nature.

 

Conservation Ontario Learn More

A not for profit organization representing 36 conservation authorities across Ontario. Find information about why preserving biodiversity if a public health initiative.

Children and Nature Network Learn More

An organization working to increase equitable access to nature so that children and nature places can thrive. Find resources outlining nature’s benefits and tools for getting outside.

CAPE Learn More

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) shares research, articles and news segments where they explain associations between nature, greenspace and health.

Reports

Connecting Canadians with Nature Visit Report

Parks Canada: An investment in the wellbeing of our citizens.

The Nature Playbook Visit Report

Take action to connect a new generation of Canadians with nature. A tool-kit follow up to the 2014 report Connecting Canadians with Nature

Nature Deficit Visit Report

 

Nature Deficit and Health in the Pediatric Population: a Critical Appraisal.

The Nature Gap Visit Report

 

Confronting Racial and Economic Disparities in the Destruction and Protection of Nature in America

Articles

WHO: Biodiversity and Human Health Visit Article

A fact sheet summarizing the World Health Organization’s report Connecting Global Priorities touching on the nutritional and infectious disease implications of ecosystem stability.

CAMH: Nature and Mental Health Visit Article

The Center for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how nature can have a nurturing effect on your mental health.

Healthy By Nature Visit Articles

A collection of news, research and reasons to get outside. Learn about mental and physical health benefits and why some healthcare professionals are “prescribing” nature,