NHH-UT May Newsletter

May Newsletter

With warmer days ahead, it's the perfect time to enjoy nature through hiking, gardening, or simply soaking up the sun. Visit the Nature and Human Health Utah website to check out our brochure on the health benefits of gardening. As the season shifts, we look forward to attending more outdoor events. Interested in collaborating? Reach out to program manager Myra Gerst. And mark your calendar for our NHHUT Member Meeting: Forest Bathing on Tuesday, May 27th!

NHH-UT Updates

Curious what Nature and Human Health Utah is doing this month? Check out our calendar of events and meetings during May! Email Myra Gerst at myra.gerst@utah.edu with questions and be sure to save the date to our next member meeting on May 27th!

New Blog: Managing Climate Anxiety in a Changing World

Climate anxiety is a natural response to the growing realities of climate change, especially for younger generations. This blog explores what climate anxiety is, why it matters, and how students can navigate these emotions.

Full Blog

Are you a University of Utah student? We want to hear from you! Take this 8-minute survey and share your thoughts as we explore climate change anxiety and its impact on student mental health. This survey is for U of U students only!

Take the Survey

Research Updates

2025 Nature and Health Conference

Former NHH-UT co-leader Nalini Nadkarni attended the recent Nature and Health Alliance Conference in Houston, which brought together 140 participants from 37 states and four countries. She opened the event with a keynote and screening of Between Earth and Sky, sharing insights on disturbance and recovery. The conference featured interdisciplinary panels, poster sessions, and discussions on research, policy, funding, and DEI.

Nature and Health Alliance Website

Check out our newest research brief: “Effects of Regular Classes in Outdoor Education Settings: A Systematic Review on Students’ Learning, Social and Health Dimensions”

Full Brief

This infographic explores how college students engage with nature and its impact on well-being. Students valued accessible nature and noted mental health benefits, though barriers like time and access persist.

See the full brief below.

View Infographic

Congratulations to our co-leader, Joanna Bettmann Schaefer for receiving the RFS Award in Science which recognizes outstanding contributions by women and underrepresented minorities across Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. peer-reviewed journals. The article she is being recognized for was written in collaboration with our co-leader, Dart Schmalz, and was funded by Nature and Human Health Utah’s pilot grant program in 2022. You can access the article for free for the next 90 days here or if you’re short on time, you can utilize the research brief created by NHH-UT here.

Community Updates

Camping in Color introduces Black youth and families to nature through inclusive camping experiences. The program builds community, confidence, and connection to the outdoors. Donations support gear, meals, education, and the Black-led team behind the effort.

More Info / Donate

East Central Spring Far! Happening on May 8th from 6:30-8:30 PM. Enjoy activities, music, and more! Access the East Central website below.

East Central Community Council

The Bureau of Land Management will also be hosting a World Migratory Bird Day Event on Saturday, May 10 from 7 a.m. to noon at Northlake Park at 500 W. 2000 South in Lehi. The DWR is partnering on the event and will have a booth to provide the public with information about bird conservation efforts in Utah and different bird community science efforts people can get involved with.

More Info

May Community Events

There are so many amazing nature-based events happening in May, but here are a few that we’re especially looking forward to:

Creative Aging: Indigenous Artistry
A six-week, hands-on series led by Navajo and Ojibwe artist Jay Rock, offering participants a deeper understanding of Indigenous art forms and their connection to the land.

Guided Forest Bathing Walk
A mindful nature walk inspired by the Japanese practice of forest bathing, designed to promote relaxation and a deeper sense of connection with the natural world.

Let’s Go Birding Together
A welcoming bird walk along the Jordan River created especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies—no birding experience necessary.

Full May Event List