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Welcome to Connect IN Nature
In response to the growing mental health challenges faced by children, adolescents, and young adults, the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA) and our collaborative partners have come together to support the incorporation of youth mental health programming into the park space.
Youth Page
Adult Page
Discover Connect IN Nature
In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, many youth are spending less time outdoors, which can have negative impacts on their mental wellbeing. Connect IN Nature invites you to explore the stunning parks of Indiana and experience the positive effects of being outdoors. Join the adventure and discover how outdoor spaces can significantly benefit the mental health of young individuals by providing them with opportunities to connect with nature, engage in physical activity, and reduce stress levels.
Discover Nature
Experience the beauty and serenity of the outdoors.
Enjoy Fun Activities
Improve your mental health with nature based activities.
Connect with Us
Connect and Share Your Nature Experiences
Goals for Connect IN Nature
Improve mental wellbeing by providing youth access to activities that encourage less screen time, physical activity, and engagement with the outdoors to promote improved mental wellbeing and overall health.
Improve emotional regulation through activities that teach breathing techniques, self guided mindfulness, and increased connection to nature.
Promote mindfulness and boost physiological health through structured forest bathing and breathing activities that work to reduce tension, depression, and anger.
Nature's Impact on Well-Being
Improved Psychological Well-being:
A longitudinal study conducted by researchers at Aarhus University, Denmark, found that adolescents who had regular access to green spaces experienced better psychological well-being, including lower levels of stress and depressive symptoms.
(Source: Engemann, K., et al. (2019). Residential green space in childhood is associated with lower risk of psychiatric disorders from adolescence into adulthood.)
Enhanced Attention Restoration:
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology in 2017 demonstrated that exposure to natural environments can restore attentional capacity in adolescents, reducing symptoms of attention fatigue and improving cognitive function.
(Source: Stevenson, M. P., et al. (2017). Attention Restoration Theory II: A systematic review to clarify attention processes affected by exposure to natural environments.)
Who is Connect IN Nature?
Connect IN Nature is a new program created by the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA) in partnership with Project AWARE. Our mission is to enhance youth mental health and well-being by fostering a strong connection with the natural world. We believe that engaging with nature through fun and educational activities can lead to improved mental clarity, reduced stress, and overall happiness for young people.
Through Connect IN Nature, we offer a variety of nature-based activities and lessons that encourage exploration, mindfulness, and personal growth. Whether it's learning through forest bathing, breath and body awareness exercises, or guided outdoor adventures, our program is designed to make nature accessible and enjoyable for all children. By collaborating with Project AWARE, we aim to provide valuable resources and support for families seeking to improve their children's mental health through the power of the outdoors. Join us in this exciting journey to discover the many benefits of nature!
