New Research from the NH-CO Network

Please send new research that you would like to feature on our site to natureandhealthcolorado@gmail.com.

2026

A conceptual comparison of the influence of nature images, soundscapes, and virtual reality on affect and working memory.

Authors: Amy S. McDonnell, Emily E. Scott, Devon Jecmen, Kaedyn Crabtree, Rachel J. Hopman, Sarah Walker, David L. Strayer, Jen Coane, Sara B. LoTemplio

NH-CO Affiliation: Colorado State University, Department of Psychology

Examining neurophysiological responses to immersive nature and environmental images

Authors: Emily E. Scott, Amy S. McDonnell, Sara B. LoTemplio, David McNay, Kevin Greenberg, Spencer Castro, David L. Strayer

NH-CO Affiliation: Colorado State University, Department of Psychology

“Nature from My Perspective”: Leveraging Participatory Mental Modeling to Understand the Well-Being Impacts of Outdoor Retreats for Black Men

Authors: Sharde Johnson, Sarah E. Walker, C.J. Goulding, Sara B. LoTemplio, Jill Zarestky

NH-CO Affiliation: Colorado State University, Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources

Research Briefs from the NH-CO Network

“Nature from My Perspective”: Mental modeling of outdoor retreat impacts on Black men’s well-being

Authors: Sharde, Johnson, Sarah E. Walker, C.J. Goulding, Sara B. LoTemplio, Jill Zarestky

NH-CO Affiliation: Colorado State University

Nature and Health Practitioner Needs Assessment: Investigating organizational capacity to leverage science for impact

Authors: Kaiya Tamlyn, Sharde Johnson, Sara Ashley Collins, Josie Farwell, Jill Zarestky, Sarah Walker, Sara LoTemplio

NH-CO Affiliation: Colorado State University

Nature and Health Researcher Needs Assessment: Investigating the state of evidence among researchers to better inform practitioners

Authors: Julia Merfeld, Kaiya Tamlyn, Sharde Johnson, Silvia Terol, Sara-Ashley Collins, Josie Farwell, Jill Zarestky, Sarah Walker, Sara LoTemplio

NH-CO Affiliation: Colorado State University

Practitioner Toolkit

Are you a practitioner interested in integrating nature and health programming into your community?

The Nature and Health Toolkit developed by CSU Extension is a practical, research-informed resource to help you turn the growing evidence on nature and health into action. Explore the research, discover adaptable program ideas, and find tools to help you design inclusive, community-responsive nature and health programs.

Download the Practitioner Toolkit

Training Opportunities

Coming soon.

Funding Opportunities

Larimer County's Small Grants for Community Partnering Program

Larimer County Department of Natural Resources invites new and returning non-profit organizations and research universities, homeowners associations, K-12 schools, and community-based organizations to apply for seed money or capacity-building funding up to $4,000 through the Small Grants for Community Partnering Program. The program supports a wide range of community-based projects in the following areas:

Provides or enhances natural landscapes
Provides nature-based environmental education opportunities
Provides opportunities to connect with the land via providing access to nature for those experiencing barriers
Provides opportunities to connect with the land through local agricultural food production
Research on county open spaces

All applications must be received through the online form by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 9th, 2026. To learn more, please visit the program page: https://www.larimer.gov/naturalresources/small-grants