What They Do
The University of Utah Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism is conducting a first-of-its-kind study into the mental health benefits of therapeutic processes and outdoor activities for veterans.
This research explores how nature-based experiences contribute to the health and wellbeing of our nation’s Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families. And the project involves collaborations with numerous nationally recognized nonprofit organizations, veterans’ agencies, and veteran-oriented research centers.
What We Love
University of Utah is an emerging leader in this field and as such is uniquely qualified to conduct this study.
This particular research is connected to a larger project on the linkages between healthy parks and healthy people—a great fit for The Kendeda Fund given our longstanding support for national parks and our People, Place, and Planet program. Plus, this study is being undertaken in partnership with several organizations offering nature-based experiences, including Kendeda Fund grantee Higher Ground Sun Valley.
We hope that this research will help shape the world of treatment for veterans and their families for years to come, and strengthen our understanding of the healthy effects of spending time in nature for everyone.
