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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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

A man wearing a helmet and a green shirt rides an adaptive cycle on a forest trail. The trees and leaves are blurry, showing the speed of the cyclist.

Program

North Carolina Adapted Sports – Adapted Off-Road Cycling Program

Cary, NC

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

A group of people in summer clothes are standing with nearby ambulatory aids such as crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers. Two people are holding croquet mallets, with one leaning over and preparing to hit the yellow ball.

Program

Outdoor Rehabilitation for Everyone at Unicare Bakke

Halden, Norway

Six POCO members stand along a brick outcrop to take a picture in front of a mountain landscape. The Wallowas stretch far into the horizon behind them, and clouds blanket the blue sky.

Program

People of Color Outdoors

Portland, OR

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

A group of people are kayaking down the CA Delta. The water itself is calm aside from the ripples caused by the kayaks. The blue sky above boasts no traces of clouds, promising a sunny day ahead for the participants.

Program

Saved By Nature

Campbell, CA

Sensory Arts Garden

Place

Sensory Arts Garden at The Els Center of Excellence

Jupiter, FL

A large group of participants line up for a photo at the edge of a hill. They are all dressed in biking gear and have their arms thrown up in the air as a sign of triumph; some also have bikes by their sides. The background is a beautiful shot of a vast canyon, with rolling green hills that disappear far into the horizon. The clear sky overhead is lit up by a bright sun.

Program

The Cycle Effect - Building Belonging on Bikes

Eagle, CO

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

An aerial view of the garden, with the multi-story Unicare Bakke hospital in the background. Groves of mature, leafy trees flank the vertical axes of the rehabilitation garden.

Place

Unicare Bakke Hospital Rehabilitation Garden

Halden, Norway

Multiple people are walking in small groups along a tree-lined path, many are wearing blue Walk with a Doc t-shirts, and all are smiling.

Program

Walk with a Doc

Columbus, OH

Four kids in hiking clothes lay by the edge of a cliff that overlooks the ocean. They eagerly admire the landscape spread before them, which includes a sunny, cloudless sky and a vividly blue ocean that disappears into the horizon.

Program

Wilderness Youth Project’s Bridge to Nature Program

Santa Barbara, CA

Two people riding horseback on a grassy plain under an open blue sky. They ride towards the horizon where low hills can be seen in the distance.

Program

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch

Billings, MT

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