The role of nature in improving health is being explored in a growing number of healthcare fields. At the University of Florida, programs using nature-based interventions include physical medicine and rehabilitation, oncology, addiction recovery, Parkinson’s Disease, mental health, and autism, among others. These expanding program opportunities are slowly but steadily moving nature into the domain of public health. Some of the more recognizable examples of this trend are therapeutic gardens and nature prescriptions but there are many other ways to use nature to boost health in cities around the world. Spending time in green spaces (plant-dominated) and blue spaces (water-dominated) is linked to improved life satisfaction, reduced anxiety, and increased happiness. Nature exists on a spectrum and whether experiencing ‘big’ nature or ‘micro’ nature, high quality contact generates an increase in positive emotions and feelings of vitality, a decrease in negative emotions, relief from mental fatigue, and an improvement in our attention span. This presentation will explore research that highlights the health benefits of nature interaction, the primary components of high-quality nature experiences, and the key factors in connecting people and nature.
The dissemination of agrivoltaic technology within Indigenous communities remains insufficiently understood, posing significant challenges to its successful implementation. As agrivoltaic systems continue to expand across the United States, it is imperative to examine how different social groups perceive and accept this technology. The Navajo Nation, the largest Indigenous tribe in the U.S., spans the Four Corners region, with the San Juan River Valley serving as a critical agricultural hub. To evaluate the feasibility of agrivoltaic adoption within this context, a sub-study was conducted as part of a broader Indigenous farmers’ needs assessment, focusing specifically on Navajo farmers in the San Juan River Valley. This study employed a qualitative survey consisting of eight binary-response questions to assess participants' knowledge of and interest in agrivoltaics. Results indicate that only 6% (n=126) of respondents were previously familiar with agrivoltaics, yet 88% expressed interest in learning more about the technology upon receiving an explanation. Furthermore, 73% of respondents were interested in exploring the use of photovoltaic systems to support their farms’ energy needs, although only 12% had prior experience with solar energy systems, underscoring key barriers to adoption. These findings suggest that agrivoltaic systems hold promise as a strategy for enhancing both local support for renewable energy development and food security within the Navajo Nation. However, significant knowledge gaps and limited technical expertise present obstacles to widespread implementation. The results emphasize the necessity of targeted educational and training programs to facilitate the successful integration of agrivoltaic systems. Without such efforts, adoption may remain limited due to a lack of familiarity and technical proficiency. Ultimately, this research underscores the potential for agrivoltaics to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy expansion within the Navajo Nation, highlighting the critical role of knowledge transfer and capacity-building initiatives in ensuring long-term success.
Emiliano McLane (Newe) is from the Tosawihi clan of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone and was primarily raised on the South Fork Indian Reservation near Jiggs, Nevada. He is also a descendant of the Pomo, Wailaki, and Nomlaki tribes and spent part of his upbringing on his father’s... Read More →
Kevin Lombard is a Professor of Horticulture and Research Director of the New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, a 250 acre research farm uniquely located on the Navajo Nation. His research encompasses specialty crop evaluations including grapes, fruit... Read More →
Foot health in the workplace, particularly among farmers and agricultural professionals, is often neglected, despite its significant impact on overall health and well-being. In Florida, environmental conditions frequently lead to hot, damp feet, exacerbated by improper footwear, which contributes to poor foot health. Due to a reluctance to seek medical intervention, foot issues often progress to more severe complications. This commercial horticulture extension program aimed to improve foot health awareness, increase learning gains, and promote healthy behavior changes in agriculture and horticulture workers. Objectives: The primary objectives were: (1) to improve knowledge and skills related to foot health, and (2) to encourage the adoption of healthy foot care behaviors. Methods: A total of 238 clients were pre-surveyed from 2020 - 2024 to assess their foot health and identify areas of need. Participants were then invited to attend an extension program in-person or via webinar. Four classes were presented over the four-year span, focusing on foot health and safety, addressing issues like foot or leg pain, diseases, and deformities. Practical solutions were provided, including individual diagnostic assessments by a podiatrist/surgeon who demonstrated exercises and discussed the use of orthotics for improving foot health. Participants were encouraged to rate their foot health and report discomfort. A post-intervention survey was conducted three months later to evaluate changes in knowledge, behavior, and foot health status. Outcomes and Results: The pre-survey revealed that 69% of participants reported foot issues, with an average self-assessed foot health grade of 6.85 out of 10. After attending the educational session and implementing recommended practices, 98% of participants (n=25) reported significant relief from foot discomfort. Moreover, 95% committed to behavior changes, such as performing leg exercises, using orthotics, and changing footwear. The average foot health grade improved to 8.0 out of 10, representing an 11.5% improvement. Additionally, 96% (n=9) of participants shared their knowledge with 35 others, expanding the intervention's impact. Conclusion: This study shows that educational interventions focused on foot health can lead to significant improvements in knowledge and foot health outcomes among agricultural workers. The adoption of behaviors like using orthotics, performing exercises or consulting with a podiatrist resulted in measurable improvements. The widespread sharing of information indicates that the intervention had a positive ripple effect. Continued efforts to promote foot health in high-risk occupations are essential to prevent long-term complications and improve quality of life.
