Case Studies

Below are a series of case studies about designed projects and programs that connect people with nature. To search design projects, click on case studies called PLACE. For programs, click on case studies called PROGRAMS. We hope you will look at all the incredible case studies that prioritize nature and health.

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Two youths and two adults proudly hold up fishing poles as they stand on a wooden dock overlooking the lake on a partly sunny day. A forest surrounds the lakes’ borders in the background, with deep green trees lining the horizon. Everyone smiles for the picture, and the two youths are giving a thumbs-up sign.

Program

Baztec Fishing & Outdoors

Minneapolis, MN

A group of youth participants diligently march in a line with their backpacking gear along a sunny mountain trail, which is dense with green foliage and speckled with yellow and white wildflowers.Towering deep green pine trees fill the horizon behind the participants.

Program

Big City Mountaineers

Arvada, CO

A climber who uses a wheelchair belays another climber during an adaptive climbing program in Murfreesboro, TN. Another person in a wheelchair is watching the belayer and climber on the climbing wall. A volunteer is standing behind the belayer with her arms raised in the air. Ropes hang from the climbing wall in front of the belayer in his wheelchair.

Program

Catalyst Sports

Atlanta, GA

A crowded hill, full of playing children of all ages, blurred as the image captures them in motion. In the background, tall trees provide some shade from the sun.

Place

CHAMPS (Chelsea Anderson Memorial Play Station) at Marshall Park

Vancouver, WA

A young boy with blonde hair sits in a small plastic sled in a shallow stream surrounded by lush foliage. Holding a stick and wearing a red shirt and black pants he is enjoying an outdoor adventure.

Program

ConnectByNature Therapy Services

Fenwick, ON

The gated entrance to DUG’s community garden. A canopy of green leaves hangs above the gate like an awning.

Program

Denver Urban Gardens (DUG)

Denver, CO

An Adventure Group participant rides a recumbent trike with his service dog on a sunny day. Behind their path are some trees and scrub, separating them from the main road.

Program

Destination Rehab

Bend, OR

A participant is in a sit ski for a picture, with a DREAM volunteer and a seasonal staff employee posing on either side of her. The scenery behind them is an open ski slope covered with snow that shines bright from the sunlight.

Program

DREAM Adaptive Recreation

Whitefish, Montana

Vibrant plants and trees with fall foliage border a playground. The playground colors are muted in shades of green and browns.

Place

Ed Barsis Park at Four Hills Village

Albuquerque, NM

An overhead photo of an Elevate Youth member outdoor rock climbing at Hammond Pond looking toward the top of the route and smiling.

Program

Elevate Youth

Boston, MA

Seed Crew students diligently plow a row of soil in preparation for seed planting at Conundrum Farms. Lined up behind them are other already plowed rows. In the background are tall trees and a farm building; the sky above them is cloudy, which offers plenty of shade.

Program

FunkyTown Food Project

Crowley, TX

Six people stand around the vegetable beds in the garden. In the background, there is a low building as well as a large fully leafed out tree overhanging the plants that provides shade.

Program

Guam Green Growth Hagåtña Community Garden

Hagåtña, GU

A group of participants gather closely to pose for a photo. Some people sit on wooden benches while others stand behind them. The scenery around them is full of green, as there are verdant trees behind them and tall wild grass surrounding them. The participants convey their admiration of the land through wide smiles.

Program

Nearby Nature MKE

Milwaukee, WI

Three children explore a creek, standing on rocks above the low water. They are working on balance, coordination, and building self-confidence in nature. In the background, trees are beginning to leaf out in front of a bright blue sky, and an adult explores further up the creek.

Program

Outdoor Kids Occupational Therapy, Inc.

Berkeley, CA; Oakland, CA; Madison, WI

Children explore a muddy path made by a low-flow channel with their feet. One adult is watching the children play and another is walking through the adjacent field.

Place

Petroglyph Estates Park

Albuquerque, NM

A cyclist rides a bike along a forest trail, which is bordered by thick, green trees that give way to deeper forestry. The cyclist looks ahead to scout the trail before them; they also wear a bright yellow helmet and gloves for safety.

Program

Richmond Cycling Corps

Richmond, VA

Sensory Arts Garden

Place

Sensory Arts Garden at The Els Center of Excellence

Jupiter, FL

Low wooden balance beam structures for children are scattered throughout a grove of fledgling trees. Full-grown trees stand tall in the back of the grove.

Place

The Orchard at White Street Park

Suwanee, GA

The exterior of the Outdoor Care Retreat. Its wooden structure stands tall against a summer blue sky; glass windows provide the cabin ample lighting. Photo credit: Maren Lindheim.

Place

The Outdoor Care Retreat

Oslo, Norway

A young child stands smiling, ankle-deep in the shallow seasonal creek, holding a jug from which he pours. Behind him, a large log bridges the water, foliage draped across it.

Program

Treeline Enrichment, LLC

Plant City, FL

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