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Study Raises Questions About Access to Urban Parks During the Pandemic

Community Health and Wellbeing

Two birds perched on a tree branch.

May 7, 2024

Birdwatching Can Help Students Improve Mental Health, Reduce Distress

A new study finds people who have nature-based experiences report better well-being and lower psychological distress than those who do not.
A trail leading into a forest.

Mar 4, 2024

New Partnership Supports Workforce Pathways for Youth in Parks and Recreation

NC State has partnered with the National Recreation and Park Association to deliver job training and develop summer and year-round workforce pathway opportunities for youth.
aerial view of a city neighborhood - Greener Neighborhoods Can Protect Us - at the Cellular Level - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Oct 23, 2023

Greener Neighborhoods Can Protect Us – at the Cellular Level

A new study finds that greenspace in urban environments has a positive impact on a key genetic marker associated with exposure to stress.
Dorthea Dix Park offers a view of the downtown Raleigh skyline - Local Parks Can't Keep Up With Demand. This New Toolkit Could Help - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Oct 6, 2023

Local Parks Can’t Keep Up With Demand. This New Toolkit Could Help

As local parks and recreation agencies experience budget woes, NC State researchers have developed a new toolkit to help satisfy visitor expectations amid growing demand.
Silhouette of a man running his morning run on road - Extreme Heat is Changing How People Experience the Outdoors - College of Natural Resources at NC State University

Aug 3, 2023

Extreme Heat is Changing How People Experience the Outdoors

As record-breaking heat waves become more common around the world, many people are changing the timing and location of their outdoor activities.
A woman doing sit-ups in a gym - Health Coaching Program Shows Promise for Managing Student Stress - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Mar 16, 2023

Health Coaching Program Shows Promise for Managing Student Stress

NC State researchers used Fitbits to track students's physical activity and sleep in a pilot program launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lake Raleigh- How Parks and Green Spaces Can Improve Your Health - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Apr 20, 2022

How Parks and Green Spaces Can Improve Your Health

NC State associate professors Lincoln Larson and Aaron Hipp discuss the role of parks and green spaces in promoting physical and mental well-being.
Park bench - Outdoor Activity Tied to Mental Health of Teens, Young Adults During COVID-19 Pandemic - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Dec 6, 2021

Outdoor Activity Tied to Mental Health of Teens, Young Adults During COVID-19 Pandemic

In two new studies, researchers from NC State found declines in outdoor activity and park use during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic were linked to young adults’, teens’ mental health.
Johnston County Parks - Alumni Form Nonprofit Dedicated to Supporting Parks, Recreation, Open Spaces and the Arts - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Nov 30, 2021

Alumni Form Nonprofit Dedicated to Supporting Parks, Recreation, Open Spaces and the Arts

The Friends of Johnston County Parks group is working to expand recreational opportunities in Clayton, Smithfield and surrounding communities.

Oct 11, 2021

Study Raises Questions About Access to Urban Parks During the Pandemic

A study led by researchers from NC State found the use of outdoor parks and trails in urban areas of North Carolina declined in the summer of 2020.