Using nature activities to boost health in young children from underserved communities

This feasibility study is testing whether kindergartens can use nature-based activities to improve the health and well-being of young children, ages 4–7, who live in or near lower-income neighborhoods. Some kindergartens will introduce regular nature activities over 14 weeks, while others will continue with their usual program. The study wants to see if direct experiences with nature—like visiting forests or natural areas—can make a real difference for children who may have fewer opportunities to spend time outdoors.

Research shows that children from lower-income families often have much less access to natural environments than wealthier children, even though time in nature is important for both mental and physical health. This study exists to see if bringing nature experiences directly into kindergarten can help close that gap and give all children, regardless of their family's background, the chance to benefit from the outdoors.