Access to Nature Is Vital to Protect the Nation’s Mental Health

Our connection with nature is a critical determinant of mental health. Research underscores the importance of “nature connectedness”—the emotional attachment and sense of relationship we feel toward natural environments. This relationship is measurable, adaptable, and, most importantly, linked to mental health benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety【1】【2】.

Activities that deepen our connection to nature—such as listening to birdsong, touching tree bark, or gardening—engage our senses and foster a meaningful bond with the environment【3】. However, not all Americans have equal access to these experiences. Structural inequities—linked to income, race, age, disability, and geographic location—often restrict access to high-quality green spaces.

For example, a study by the Trust for Public Land found that neighborhoods with majority Black or Latino populations had 44% less park acreage compared to majority white neighborhoods. Additionally, low-income urban communities are more likely to lack safe, well-maintained parks【4】【5】.

To enhance public well-being, urban and suburban design must prioritize equitable access to biodiverse natural spaces. Policymakers should also recognize the intrinsic link between environmental health and mental health: protecting ecosystems benefits human well-being.

The Mental Health Benefits of Nature

Evidence consistently shows that individuals with high levels of nature connectedness report greater happiness, a stronger sense of purpose, and lower rates of anxiety and depression【6】【7】. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans found solace in nearby nature, with 68% reporting spending more time outdoors, which significantly contributed to their mental health【8】【9】.

Diverse and biodiverse green spaces further enhance these benefits. Studies demonstrate that exposure to varied natural environments—such as those with rich bird or plant life—can reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression【10】【11】. Urban green spaces, from tree-lined streets to community gardens, can substitute for wild nature, offering mental health benefits without the need for travel【12】.

Specific interventions, such as therapeutic horticulture and conservation programs, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety while fostering social connection and purpose【13】. For adolescents, outdoor education improves psychological and social well-being, while green spaces in senior living facilities improve residents’ quality of life and reduce depression【14】【15】.

Inequities in Access and Experience

In the U.S., disparities in access to nature are stark. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 41% of Americans live within a 10-minute walk of a park, with significant gaps in access for low-income and minority communities【16】. Additionally, a U.S. Census Bureau survey found that Black Americans were three times as likely as white Americans to lack access to a private yard or green space【17】.

Barriers to accessing urban parks include concerns about safety, inadequate maintenance, and cultural inappropriateness. These barriers disproportionately affect women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those in lower-income neighborhoods【18】. Furthermore, while rural areas often evoke images of abundant nature, many rural Americans face challenges such as lack of transportation and poorly maintained or inaccessible public lands【19】.

Supporting Mental Health Through Nature: Core Principles

1. Shift Focus to Connection, Not Just Access
   Policy should emphasize the pathways to nature connectedness—sensory engagement, emotional resonance, appreciation of beauty, finding meaning, and compassionate action—to enhance mental health benefits for all.
2. Ensure Equity in Green Space Design and Access
   Green spaces must be universally accessible and inclusive, addressing the needs of historically excluded groups, such as people with disabilities or those in low-income neighborhoods.
3. Integrate Nature into Everyday Environments
   Planners and policymakers should embed nature into neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and healthcare settings. For example, incorporating green roofs, urban wildlife habitats, and community gardens into cityscapes can help more people connect with nature close to home.
4. Align Environmental Policies with Mental Health Goals
   Policies to restore biodiversity and protect ecosystems should explicitly consider their impact on human well-being.
5. Promote High-Quality and Safe Green Spaces
   Features like cleanliness, signage, amenities (e.g., seating, toilets), and adequate lighting are essential for fostering a sense of safety and welcoming environments.

Recommendations for Federal, State, and Local Policymakers

• Expand Park Equity Programs: Federal funding should prioritize the development of parks and green spaces in underserved urban areas.
• Support Green Care Interventions: Invest in programs such as therapeutic gardening and conservation work that directly target mental health challenges.
• Integrate Nature into Education: State education agencies should promote outdoor learning and green schoolyards to support students’ mental and social well-being.
• Protect and Restore Natural Habitats: Federal environmental policies should focus on restoring ecosystems to benefit human and ecological health.
• Conduct Further Research: Support studies exploring the links between biodiversity, urban green spaces, and mental health outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities.

Conclusion

Nature-connectedness offers a transformative opportunity to improve mental health across the U.S. Policies that prioritize equitable access to biodiverse, well-maintained green spaces—while fostering deeper emotional connections to nature—can enhance resilience, reduce mental health disparities, and strengthen public well-being.

References

1. American Psychological Association (APA): Nature and Mental Health.
2. Trust for Public Land: ParkScore Index 2023.
3. CDC: Parks and Public Health (2022).
4. U.S. Census Bureau: Outdoor Space Inequities (2021).
5. National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA): Equitable Access to Parks.