7 ORGS · 148 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
theory of action →

Nature-Based Therapeutic Engagement

By engaging individuals in structured, nature-based activities such as gardening, farming, or immersive natural experiences, the organization improves mental, physical, and emotional well-being, because direct, purposeful interaction with nature has clinically and psychologically restorative effects that support healing, personal growth, and social inclusion. This strategy centers on using the natural environment as an active agent of therapy and personal development, going beyond recreation or education to create intentional, therapeutic experiences. It distinguishes itself from general environmental programming by focusing on measurable well-being outcomes and integrating clinical, psychological, or rehabilitative frameworks—such as horticultural therapy, ecotherapy, or trauma-informed wilderness immersion—into structured programming for vulnerable populations including individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, or moral injury.

7
orgs running it
148
activities of those orgs
12
clusters touched
who runs it

organizations running this strategy · 7

what it looks like in practice

activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above. These are what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Exhibit Japanese art and cultural artifacts YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Operates galleries displaying Japanese artworks, costumes, decorative arts, and handicrafts, including the largest collection of Ikebana vases and vessels in the United States, 18th-19th century woodblock prints, traditional wedding kimonos, Mingei items, and hanging scrolls.
  • Exhibit Japanese art and cultural artifacts YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Operates galleries displaying Japanese artworks, costumes, decorative arts, and handicrafts, including the largest collection of Ikebana vases and vessels in the United States, 18th-19th century woodblock prints, traditional wedding kimonos, Mingei items, and hanging scrolls.
  • Exhibit Japanese art and handicrafts YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Operates galleries and a museum displaying Japanese artworks, costumes, decorative arts, and handicrafts, including a permanent exhibit of traditional Japanese wedding kimonos, a collection of 18th and 19th-century woodblock prints, Mingei items, and the largest collection of Ikebana vases in the United States.
  • Exhibit Japanese art and handicrafts YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Operates a Museum of Japanese art and handicrafts and an Art Gallery, displaying exhibitions of various art forms including textiles, ceramics, wood sculpture, photography, Ikebana floral arrangements, paintings, traditional Japanese wedding kimonos, and a collection of 18th and 19th-century Japanese woodblock prints.
  • Host cultural events and ceremonies YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Hosts tea ceremonies, artist receptions, and catered special events such as weddings and organizational retreats, immersing visitors in Japanese culture through traditional festivals, ceremonies, and performing arts.
  • Host cultural events and ceremonies YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Hosts tea ceremonies, artist receptions, and special events like weddings and organizational retreats, immersing visitors in Japanese culture through traditional festivals, ceremonies, and performing arts.
  • Host cultural events and private functions YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Hosts tea ceremonies, artist receptions, and catered special events such as weddings and organizational retreats, providing a venue for cultural engagement and private gatherings.
  • Maintain and operate Japanese gardens YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Maintains eight distinct Japanese garden settings, including a Karesansui Garden, Koi Pond Garden, Roji Garden, and Bamboo Garden, showcasing various aspects of Japanese garden art for public access.
  • Maintain and operate Japanese gardens YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Maintains eight distinct Japanese garden settings, including a Karesansui Garden, Koi Pond Garden, Roji Garden, and Bamboo Garden, showcasing various aspects of Japanese garden art for public access and cultural immersion.
  • Maintain and operate Japanese gardens YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Maintains eight distinct Japanese garden settings, including a Karesansui Garden, Koi Pond Garden, Roji Garden, and Bamboo Garden, showcasing various aspects of Japanese garden art for public access.
  • Offer educational workshops and performances YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Provides educational workshops, such as a 5-class series on Japanese manga, and cultural performances like Kamishibai (Japanese paper play) events, to immerse visitors in Japanese culture.
  • Offer educational workshops and performances YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Provides educational workshops, such as a 5-class series on Japanese manga, and presents traditional Japanese performing arts like Kamishibai (Japanese paper play) events, including specific folktales like "Tsuru no Ongaeshi" and "Rainen wa nanidoshi".
  • Offer educational workshops and programs YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Provides educational workshops, including a 5-class series on Japanese manga, and presents Kamishibai (Japanese paper play) events featuring traditional folktales like "Tsuru no Ongaeshi" and "Rainen wa nanidoshi".
  • Offer therapeutic garden programs YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Provides structured therapeutic garden walks guided by facilitators to support self-directed emotional healing and mental well-being, including a facilitator meeting, workbook, contemplative video, and 90-day unlimited garden access for participants.
  • Operate a gift shop YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Operates both a physical and online gift shop, with 100% of proceeds supporting the maintenance of Yume Japanese Gardens, and offers in-store pick-up for online orders.
  • Operate a gift shop YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Operates both a physical and online gift shop, with 100% of proceeds supporting the maintenance of Yume Japanese Gardens, and offers in-store pick-up for online orders.
  • Operate a gift shop YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Operates both a physical and online gift shop, with all proceeds supporting the maintenance of the gardens. The online shop offers in-store pick-up options.
  • Provide educational workshops and programs YUME JAPANESE GARDENS OF TUCSON
    direct service
    Offers educational workshops, such as a 5-class series on Japanese manga, and presents Kamishibai (Japanese paper play) events to educate visitors on Japanese art, culture, and folktales.