July is national Parks and Recreation Month. Rather than simply celebrating the beauty of green spaces—which in itself is worthwhile—the National Recreation and Park Association challenges you “to explore the ‘undiscovered’ roles of local parks and recreation, like science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming; senior programs; innovative health and wellness opportunities; community celebrations; outdoor education; flood mitigation; maintenance; and more.” How parks play a role in such a diverse range of topics may not be immediately evident. We’ve put together a cheat sheet of five ways to enjoy parks from a new perspective. STEM With its broad base, the connections between STEM and parks offer endless opportunities. Adult groups may consider volunteering with your local parks. Volunteers can learn about trail construction and maintenance, sustaining wildlife, building footbridges, and tracking park activity cycles. Kids may start by identifying the state bird, state flower, and other wildlife and foliage. Have them observe the habitat in which it grows and how its presence affects other living things. (For example, fireflies enjoy living near ponds where they can readily feast on smaller insects. They are prey for birds that also live near the pond.) Of course, all work and no play makes for a dull day at the park! Be sure to work in playtime among your exploration of STEM. Senior Programs Seniors feel a stronger sense of inclusion in their community when they have exposure to green spaces. This can include walks, yoga or Tai Chi, volunteering in park events, and outdoor meditation sessions. While interacting with nature is ideal, it isn’t mandatory for seniors to receive health benefits. Studies show that simply sitting in nature or viewing it can improve a persons’ mental health and sense of well being. Wellness Opportunities Many parks host...

Plants do more than beautify your office space. They are a tested, effective, low-cost—and now, low maintenance—way to make your office space a better place to work. The presence of greenery results in increased productivity, improved morale, more amicable interpersonal relations, higher air quality, and decreased stress and anxiety. If those seem like haughty claims, consider the research: The Journal of Experimental Psychology reveals that the presence of greenery in an office space boosts productivity by 15 percent. Plant life is proven to enhance concentration, which not only supports productivity but also fosters creative problem solving and faster learning. When employees are burdened by stress, fuses run short and interpersonal conflicts may escalate. Studies by the Horticulture Research Institute suggests that indoor plants demonstrably reduce stress, thus improve mood and morale in the workplace. In the long term, emotional stress is a contributing factor to the top six leading causes of fatal illness. By reducing stress, businesses can improve employee health and cut costs on absenteeism and health care. It is common knowledge that plants can reduce the presence of carbon dioxide outside. It’s equally as important to note that some plants can combat volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are commonly found indoors. VOCs are found in paints, adhesives, flooring, furniture, and other office products. Cleaner air contributes to employee health, as well as a reduction in minor setbacks such as headaches and fatigue. Plants have proven their value. So why aren’t more offices packed wall to ceiling with greenery? Terra Basche of Santa Barbara-based Terra Malia Designs recalls common misconceptions about indoor plants. “People think potted indoor plants should be placed in the corner and out of the way. Plants are cared for, but otherwise no one interacts with them. Terra Malia Designs...