Access Nature Program
People with disabilities and underserved populations often don’t have the same access to nature preserves and environmental education as the general public.
The Lewisboro Land Trust Access Nature Program reaches out to people with disabilities and the underserved to provide an easy, comfortable, safe experience with nature combined with education about the benefits to be gained. We design each program to fit the needs of each individual group, sometimes using educational naturalists, or work programs, and even pairing up with local high school students.
Did you know that exposure to nature decreases anxiety, depression, and negative rumination; while at the same time increasing well being and creative problem-solving?
Scientific studies from Stanford University (Gregory Bratman) and NIH (David Pearson), among others, have consistently verified the benefits of a connection to nature.
Read more on our Benefits of Nature page.
Since 2016, Lewisboro Land Trust has run Access Nature programs with the intellectually challenged, the mentally ill, non-English-speaking immigrants, and persons with brain disorders and injuries who live in our local communities.
The response to our programs has shown overwhelming success. In addition to the benefits of exercise and nature, we have found that these programs stimulate cognitive functioning, socialization, a desire for more information, greater self-esteem and self-reliance, and the confidence to enjoy nature on their own.
What People Are Saying
“I noticed our participants feeling good about themselves, less anxious, more relaxed.”
— Access Nature Participant Group Leader
“I noticed a desire for them to want to learn more about nature, excitement about being outdoors.”
— Access Nature Participant Group Leader
“Yes, absolutely a regular nature program would be beneficial. They love it and talk about it often.”
— Access Nature Participant Group Leader
“Many of our clients still did not know that many of the parks in Westchester are free and welcoming of all.”
— Access Nature Participant Group Leader
“They were much more relaxed and happier after this event. They all reported positive feelings to me when questioned about their experience that day.”
— Access Nature Participant Group Leader
“Our participants are more social, engaging, and aware of their surroundings in nature.”
— Access Nature Participant Group Leader
News about Access Nature
Three Year Photo Report
Spring 2019
Record Review
November 29, 2019
Katonah-Lewisboro Times
May 10, 2018
Record Review
January 12, 2018
Support Access Nature
This year, 2025, will be the program’s tenth year. Each year, the demand for Access Nature events has grown and this year will be no different. We continue to expand into local populations so that our connection with nature is available to everyone. We have witnessed the need and the rewards of this outreach program first-hand. And you can help us continue this work!
By supporting the Access Nature program, you are giving the gift of nature to communities who otherwise may never experience nature first-hand.
To make a donation, you can do so in two ways:
Donate through the donate page
Donate by check. Please make checks payable to LLT, P.O. Box 496, South Salem NY 10590. Write “Access Nature” in the subject line so that your donation can be restricted to this program.
Contact us at: LLTAccessNature@gmail.com or at Info@LewisboroLandTrust.org
Access Nature Committee
Access Nature Program Coordinators: Shantala Dugay-Iyengar and Deanna Novak,
Access Nature Outreach Coordinator: Peggy Nordgren
Access Nature Advisory Board
Andrea Snyder, MD: Dr. Snyder, a graduate of University of Michigan Medical School, completed her residency in psychiatry and a fellowship in child psychiatry at the University of Michigan as well. She had many years of experience as a staff psychiatrist at the Veterans Administration. She has worked in community mental health for over 18 years.
