There’s something truly special about the natural world. Especially in the picturesque landscapes of North Carolina and Georgia. We wanted to discover deep connections that people have with their natural environment. So, we conducted a survey asking residents about their feelings towards nature. Spending time outdoors seems important to Southerners everywhere.

From the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains to the serene marshlands along the coast, nature is everywhere. The survey responses revealed the profound impact nature has on the hearts and souls of everyone.

We asked people to rate four statements about their relationship with nature:

• I enjoy watching wildlife like birds and squirrels in my backyard, neighborhood, and local parks.
• I am able to experience nature close to home through public offerings like: parks, hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, or biking.
• I see a lot of trees being cut down in our community when I’m out and about.
• I feel safe when I visit my local parks and natural areas.

Below, we’ll share those results and show you what they mean.

Survey says…

Our survey asked a few questions about how people felt about green spaces. First, we asked if people enjoyed watching wildlife. Overwhelmingly, the answer was yes! 82% of respondents in NC and GA responded that they enjoyed watching wildlife like birds and squirrels.

Next, we asked if these folks felt like they could experience nature close to home. Could they go outside their neighborhood and find a green space? After all, being in green spaces lowers stress hormones and improves physical health.

Over 80% of respondents said yes – they could access nature close to home. That’s great news for well-being and human health across the South!

Next, we asked if people could see logged areas or clearcuts around their town. Being in nature is good, but researchers found that seeing dead trees can be a real downer. An average of 58% of respondents said yes – they did witness clearcuts and logging as part of their daily lives.

Finally, we asked if people felt safe in nature. Three-quarters of folks agreed that they felt safe in nature, even in urban environments. This is great. It means that nature benefits are reaching over 75% of people in NC and GA. However, feeling safe in a natural setting is something that should be available to everyone.

Women, BIPOC, and queer-identified people often have safety concerns when entering natural areas. As incidents like the harassment of Central Park bird watcher Christian Cooper demonstrate, we clearly have more work to do.

The Connection Between Mental Health and the Natural World

The therapeutic effects of nature on mental health are well-documented. Southerners have embraced them for generations. Spending time in the great outdoors can:

• reduce stress levels
• improve mood
• boost immune system
• create positive emotions
• create positive social interactions
• increase physical activity
• increase feelings of relaxation and well-being

Several studies show that exposure to the natural world has many benefits. It can lower anxiety, enhance cognitive function, and even decrease symptoms of depression. For many Southerners, connection to natural surroundings is essential to their daily lives.

You can do a lot of things to experience nature. Try taking a leisurely walk through the woods. Or fishing in a tranquil lake. You can even just sit on the porch and watch the sunset. The natural environment unlocks mental clarity and inner peace for people everywhere.

Cognitive benefits of spending time in natural environments

The cognitive benefits of spending time in natural environments are immense. Research shows that being in nature can lead to many benefits. These benefits include improvements in memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities.

There is a restorative effect in natural settings. It allows the mind to recover from the demands of daily life. It relieves the constant bombardment of digital distractions.

Nature helps enhance cognitive performance. Nature gives us an opportunity to escape from the mental noise. It helps us reconnect with our surroundings. This is particularly important for Southerners.

Physical benefits of spending time in green spaces

In addition to mental benefits, spending time in green spaces can also provide many physical benefits. Research shows that nature can improve physical health. Studies show that exposure to the natural environment can lead to better sleep and overall well-being. The natural environment helps reduce stress levels. This can have a positive effect on blood pressure and even immune system function.

Risks of spending time in natural spaces

Nature connects us all. Unfortunately, outdoor exercise and exposure to nature can be dangerous. Air pollution, dust, and smoke can all harm communities. As we’ve seen with the Canadian wildfire smoke, climate change is negatively affecting the health benefits of nature.

People who live near clearcuts or forest products mills can suffer year round from dust, noise, and air pollution. This forest destruction harms people’s well-being. Those living next to wood pellet mills report:

• symptoms of a compromised immune system
• chronic disease, especially asthma and COPD
• insomnia or trouble sleeping because of constant noise
• mental fatigue from living near industry

Because of the wood pellet industry, these health inequalities are concentrated in low-income communities of color. Pollution from wood pellet plants impacts well-being everywhere. Researchers found that wood pellet production facilities are twice as likely to be located in low-income communities of color in the US South.

We are still learning about the health effects of wood pellet facilities on communities. Preliminary data show hotspots of high blood pressure, respiratory issues, and poor health outcomes for these communities. Instead of subsidizing forest destruction, we should be putting environmental health first.

You can make a difference. Act Now: Ask the government to clean up these companies.

People in these impacted communities cannot access the health benefits of nature while forest destruction is going on all around them. Having a clean, safe place to live is so important for well-being. You CAN make a difference.