Biological and Behavioral Outcomes of Community Nature Walks

The investigators will test the efficacy of our proposed intervention to reduce embodied stress in four racial/ethnic groups (Black, Latinx, Pilipinx, and Pacific Islander) as a preventative intervention for health disparities found in these communities. The intervention is comprised of two phases. The first consists of community nature walks in a pristine redwood forest for six months. This is followed by chosen nature activities with family and/or friends for three months. The investigators will test the ability of these activities in nature to reduce chronic stress that underpins many health disparities using validated biological, behavioral, and sociocultural measures. The use of these measures is in alignment with the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Research Framework, and will increase understanding of individual, interpersonal, community, and social level factors that lead to, and that can eliminate health disparities.

Inclusion critieria:

• 18 years or older
• able to commit to a 9-month Nature Intervention (6-month walks; 3-month chosen nature activity)
• spoken languages: English, Spanish, or Tagalog
• able-bodied as in must be able to walk.

Exclusion criteria

• pregnant women (and other gender identities who are pregnant)
• prisoners
• cognitively impaired