Urban Nature Improves Mental Health

My research on greening blighted urban land shows that neighborhood green space improves mental health and lowers feelings of depression, reduces stress, and improves feelings of safety.

During this anxious time, we must all find ways to preserve our mental health. Even a small amount of interaction with nature—walking along tree-lined streets, sitting in a yard, gardening, visiting a neighborhood park—can improve mood and provide solace.

However, access to urban green space is not evenly distributed; lower-income neighborhoods have fewer neighborhood parks and less tree cover. When this crisis passes, I hope that we will find ways to remedy this inequity. High quality, safe, and accessible public green space has never been more important for community health.

Eugenia (Gina) South is Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, and a Penn IUR Faculty Fellow.

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