Nature and Health

For many of us, nature is a place to play, enjoy, be amazed, connect with others, or find solitude. Nature offers an abundance of opportunities that include positive impacts to our physical, mental, and emotional health. With more Americans living in urban areas, and both adults and children spending less time outdoors; there has been an increase in screen time, sedentary lifestyles, and stress. These factors are directly associated with increased risks for chronic disease and mental health concerns.

This webpage provides resources about the importance of spending time in nature. Time in nature offers protective health benefits and additional health advantages from increased physical outdoor activity.

For a snapshot of how spending time outdoors and connecting with nature benefits youth and adult mental and physical health, read our "Health Benefits of Nature (adults)" and "Nurturing Youth With Nature" fact sheets.

Get tips on how to get started, places to visit, and other opportunities to connect with nature.

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Get Started

Did you know that in some areas physicians are partnering with local parks and writing “nature prescriptions” for their patients?

Set a Goal. Research recommends spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature and at least 150-300 minutes of moderate physical activity a week.Getting started is what matters most, though. Determine your goal, then set yourself up for success by making a commitment that seems achievable.

Choose an activity. Choose something that you'll enjoy, like an activity that sounds fun and safe. That might be a group or solo outing, a volunteer service project, or a citizen science activity.

Choose a place. Whether you love nature, are an outdoor enthusiast, or need encouragement to get started, whether you enjoy spending time alone or with others, there are nature-based opportunities for all ages, interests, and abilities in Sarasota County.

Slow Down and Connect. Active time in nature has many benefits. But, choose an activity that allows you to slow down and connect with nature, not just hike from Point A to Point B or play an outdoor sport. Use your senses to immerse yourself in the moment.

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Where To Go

Nature is everywhere. You can start in your backyard or neighborhood, or venture out to our city, county, and state parks that may provide larger areas of green or blue space and greater biodiversity.

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources has more than 140 sites to choose from, including more than 50,000 acres of natural areas.

Our county boasts two amazing Florida State Parks with a variety of amenities for both day and overnight exploration or choose from another 173 Florida State Parks to explore.

Our local municipalities of Sarasota, Longboat Key, North Port and "Venice also provide green space opportunities.

Accessibility options:

• Accessible Travel in Sarasota (visitsarasota.com) (visitsarasota.com)
• Wheelchair Accessible Sarasota (curbfreewithcorylee.com)

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What to Do

Guided Nature Walks. EcoWalks are 2-hour nature walks guided by UF/IFAS Extension educators and volunteers in a variety of our county's natural areas. Learn more and register. Additional guided walks and other programs can be found in the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources online event guide.

Outdoor Mindfulness Opportunities. Meditation walks are a special, one-hour, mostly silent, contemplative EcoWalk based on the tradition of "forest bathing." Learn more and register. Other organizations and individuals may offer beach yoga, outdoor tai chi, and other quiet nature-based practices.

Natural Areas Story Maps. Virtually experience a guided trail walk at some of the most unique and precious natural areas within Sarasota County, with our Natural Areas Story Map. Enjoy photos and interpretive content on-site on your mobile device, or from a device anywhere, and learn about each site's history, habitats, and the plants and animals that live there.

Agents of Discovery. With Agents of Discovery, this is one time when we can happily recommend screen time. Learn while playing and getting active outdoors at select Sarasota County parks. Help Field Agent Forest Parker solve nature-based challenges and complete the mission to achieve your digital badge. Play on your own or bring your special agents to join us for in-person launch programs (registration required). Find current sites for play and register for in-person events.

Eco-Explorer Backpack Kits. A collection of family-fun, Eco-Explorer backpack kits are designed to inspire outdoor exploration and eco-friendly living. A fun and educational option for families and relatives with visiting children. Available for free check-out with your library card at all Sarasota County Libraries locations. Find other nature-based opportunities for youth and families on the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Youth and Families webpage.

Florida Master Naturalist Program. Known simply as FMNP, this adult education program promotes awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida's natural world. Courses are offered across the state.

Green Living Tool Kit. Curated especially for Sarasota and Manatee counties, the Green Living Tool Kit connects you with local events and experts on ways to explore and protect nature.

Volunteer Opportunities. Grow your community while assisting your community. Outdoor volunteer opportunities exist across a wide range, including coastal cleanups, gardening, leading educational walks or programs, and more. You can volunteer for your local parks or UF/IFAS Extension office, estuary programs, Waterkeeper organizations, or other community groups like Audubon and Florida Native Plant societies.

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Nature and Health Video Playlist

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