Nature and Healing
The interests of the Forest Park Living Lab (FPLL) conservation scientists go beyond the wild animals that call Forest Park home. We are also very interested in the healing power of nature, urban and otherwise, for human well-being. We appreciate that humans—all of us—have a love (philia) for life (bio) with a term for it, biophilia, coined in the 1980s. Biophilia reminds us of the importance of nature for humans, including the important role nature plays in human health.
There are countless examples of how nature provides direct healing through medicinal plants and foods. We receive less direct, but just as important, health benefits from nature through ecosystem services, providing clean water, air, and soil. A third, but often underappreciated, way nature provides healing comes from the benefit we humans get from simply being in nature. Forest bathing is utilized in Japan to bring patients peace, harmony, and health. Or, closer to home, think of how your doctor may prescribe a walk in the park to help lower your high blood pressure.
Visiting the Zoo is a great way to connect to nature. In 2020, members of the FPLL and St. Louis Zoo published the results of a study that documented the physical and psychological benefits of a visit to the Zoo’s River’s Edge Exhibit. Going to the Zoo was shown to be good for a person’s health (read the article here)! Participants showed declines in both cortisol (the stress hormone) and blood pressure. Most participants were also happier, more energized and less tense at the end of their walk.
Our understanding of how nature provides health for humans impacts our community outreach efforts. This year was our 4th time participating in an education event at Children’s Hospital (read a post on a previous visit here). We are honored to bring the natural beauty of Forest Park, just across Kingshighway from the hospital, to children and their families at the hospital. It is heartwarming to see kids’ eyes light up, while family members also find a few minutes of pure joy interacting with nature. This year, we shared stories of the animals that live in Forest Park, including the science we use to learn from these animals.
FPLL co-PI, Dr. Sharon Deem, and Zoo intern, Dani Walters, shared stories of our work in Forest Park using plush animals with tracking devices as props.
We played games to celebrate the wildlife of Forest Park, even using nature-themed music led by Saint Louis University student, Dana Zafarani.
Saint Louis University student, Dana Zafarani, conducted a nature-music inspired study exploring how various bird sounds paired with major and minor piano variations influence emotional responses. The research included enthusiastic participation from young patients who volunteered for the study.
Families received our new FPLL activity booklet so they could continue exploring Forest Park facts and fun long after the event ended. As a bonus, we had celebrity guest, Cricket the American kestrel, join us. This 4-ounce (yes, 4 ounces!) beautiful falcon stole the hearts of children, families, and many hospital staff members.
World Bird Sanctuary staff member Jeff Meshach with Cricket. Jeff also talked about bird watching in Forest Park, hence the binoculars.
Members of the Forest Park Living Lab are always thankful to be able to work with the amazing wild animals that call Forest Park home. We also feel fortunate when we get to share the wildness of this urban park with kids and their families at the Children’s Hospital. Nature helps us heal.
By: Dr. Sharon Deem