Nature-Based Student Well-Being
School Garden Network partners with the Center for Nature-Based Therapy to support student well-being through nature-based, small-group learning experiences in school garden environments.
As student mental health needs increase and school support systems face capacity challenges, this program offers an accessible, low-stigma approach to care in familiar outdoor settings.
School Garden Network and the Center for Nature-Based Therapy are working together to reimagine how schools support student mental health. By combining trusted outdoor learning environments with clinically informed, nature-based practices, this innovative partnership offers students accessible opportunities to build resilience, strengthen social connections, and develop emotional regulation skills in the calming setting of a school garden.
Why Gardens?
Regular experiences in nature can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, strengthen peer relationships, increase student engagement, and foster a stronger sense of belonging in children of all ages. By building upon existing school gardens, SGN provides an innovative, prevention-focused approach to student well-being without requiring schools to create entirely new support systems.
What the Program Includes
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Garden-based environments that support emotional regulation and connection
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Small-group, clinically informed nature-based sessions
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Trauma-informed, strengths-based support for students
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Coordination with school support systems and educators
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Integration with broader school wellness frameworks
How It Works
This program brings together universal garden-based learning with targeted, clinician-supported small-group sessions in outdoor school environments.
Together, this continuum supports students across different levels of need while keeping care accessible and grounded in the school setting.
Students experience the benefits of universal garden-based learning during the school day, while those needing additional support participate in clinician-guided small-group experiences. Together, these complementary approaches create a continuum of care that is welcoming, accessible, and integrated into everyday school life.
Why It Matters
Nature-based learning environments help reduce barriers to care while supporting emotional regulation, stress reduction, social connection, and resilience.
These spaces provide students with calm, supportive settings where they can learn, grow, and reconnect.
School gardens offer calm, familiar environments where students can reconnect with themselves, their peers, and the natural world. By integrating nature-based mental health supports into existing educational spaces, schools can reach more students earlier, helping strengthen resilience before challenges become crises.
Center for Nature-Based Therapy Partnership
This program is delivered in partnership with the Center for Nature-Based Therapy, bringing clinical expertise in school-based and nature-informed mental health care.
Get Involved
To learn more about this program or partnership opportunities, contact SGN.
