UNF receives $620K investment from Project One Health JAX to expand nature and health initiatives

The University of North Florida's Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE) has received a $620,000 gift from Project One Health JAX to support the continued growth of the UNF Nature and Health Center and expand initiatives that promote health and well-being through stronger connections to nature. 

Project One Health JAX selected UNF as a strategic partner because of the University's established leadership in nature and health research, student engagement, youth development and community collaboration. The investment reflects a shared commitment to improving youth and community health through increased access to nature, outdoor experiences and environmental engagement. 

Together, UNF and Project One Health JAX are creating a model that integrates research, education, leadership development and community engagement to improve health outcomes and strengthen connections to nature throughout Northeast Florida. 

UNF’s Nature and Health Center, housed within IERE, was launched in 2025 to advance research and community solutions focused on the relationship between nature and human health. For nearly two decades, research led by Dr. Erin Largo-Wight, professor and director of IERE, has examined how nature exposure influences stress, health behaviors, wellness and quality of life across schools, healthcare settings, workplaces, homes and communities. Her work has contributed to a growing body of evidence demonstrating that nature can serve as a practical, accessible strategy for improving physical, mental and social well-being. 

"As Project One Health JAX developed its vision for helping children and families spend more time outdoors, there was a natural alignment with the work already underway at UNF," said Largo-Wight. "This investment allows us to build upon years of research and community partnerships while creating more opportunities for students, educators, healthcare professionals and families to experience the health benefits of nature." 

The investment will help expand several ongoing IERE initiatives, including: 

• Nature and health research examining the impact of nature exposure on stress, wellness and health outcomes 
• Partnerships with local schools to support outdoor classrooms, nature-rich learning environments and schoolyard greening efforts 
• Collaborations with healthcare organizations exploring how nature-based interventions and outdoor spaces can support patient and employee well-being 
• “Nature Rx” initiatives that encourage intentional engagement with nature as part of healthy lifestyle promotion 
• Applied student projects that connect university students with community organizations working on nature, health and environmental challenges 
• The Environmental Leadership Program and Youth Environmental Leadership Program, which develop future environmental leaders through service, education and community engagement 
• The Youth Environmental Summer Summit, a new initiative designed to promote workforce development by connecting high school students with environmental learning and leadership opportunities  

Project One Health JAX will also serve as the presenting sponsor of this year's Florida Nature and Health Symposium at UNF in November. The annual event brings together educators, healthcare professionals, researchers, nonprofit leaders, government agencies and community partners to explore evidence-based approaches that improve health through stronger connections to nature.  

To learn more about the UNF Nature and Health Center or register for the Florida Nature and Health Symposium, visit the IERE website at www.unf.edu/environment.