New research explores the role nature plays in health and well-being, along with barriers to spending time outside

SEATTLE, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — REI Co-op and the Nature & Health Alliance (NHA) today announced the launch of the American Nature & Health Survey, a new national recurring survey designed to better understand Americans’ relationship with nature, the barriers they face to spending time outside and the role nature plays in their health and well-being. The research was supported through the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a community-driven 501(c)(3) that invests in nonprofits working to make the outdoors more accessible for everyone.

The survey will track how people experience nature over time, creating a credible, data-driven foundation for understanding trends, barriers and opportunities to expand Americans’ access to and connection with the outdoors. The benchmark is expected to be updated every two years, creating a long-term measure of how Americans’ relationship with nature evolves over time.

“For years, we’ve understood anecdotally that people value spending time outside and that barriers can make that difficult. What this benchmark gives us is data. It helps us move beyond assumptions and better understand how people experience nature today, where obstacles exist and how those experiences change over time,” said Susan Viscon, chief impact officer at REI Co-op. “That information can help inform decisions about where we invest, where we advocate and how we work with partners to expand access to the benefits of time outside.” 

Unlike recreation participation studies that focus primarily on outdoor activities, the American Nature & Health Survey explores Americans’ broader relationship with nature, including perceptions, barriers, health connections and access. 

The American Nature & Health Survey finds that Americans see nature as essential to their lives—84% say protecting nature is essential or very important, and 79% agree that wild, open and natural spaces are part of being American. Yet, time outdoors is declining; nearly 45% of respondents spent less than two hours in nature during the previous week, compared with only 25% a decade ago.

The survey also points to the opportunity to better connect nature and health: 83% of respondents said they would spend more time outside if a health care provider recommended it, while only 20% said they had received that recommendation.

Developed alongside Texan by Nature, a leader in collaborative initiatives uniting business and conservation, the survey is a recurring national benchmark. Leaders across community development, parks management, health care, conservation and policy now have a consistent way to track change over time and help inform investments, programs and policies that strengthen Americans’ connection to nature.

“One of the most striking findings was the disconnect between what Americans say and what they do when it comes to nature,” said Jay Maddock, Ph.D., Regents Professor at Texas A&M University and a leader within the Nature & Health Alliance. “While Americans overwhelmingly say nature is important to their health and quality of life, nearly half reported spending less than two hours in nature during the previous week. That disconnect highlights why a long-term benchmark is so important. It creates a shared foundation for researchers, healthcare leaders, community organizations and policymakers to better understand trends, barriers and opportunities over time.”

These findings are part of REI’s long-term investment in research and partnerships that deepen understanding of the connection between nature, health and well-being.

To access the American Nature & Health Survey Brief and explore key findings, visit natureandhealthalliance.org/american-nature-and-health-survey/.

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 25 million members who expect and love the best quality gear and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.

About the Nature & Health Alliance

The Nature & Health Alliance (NHA) is an interdisciplinary network of researchers, healthcare professionals, and community practitioners dedicated to raising awareness of nature’s value for human well-being, generating scientific evidence, and promoting equitable access to the outdoors.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rei-co-op-and-nature–health-alliance-launch-new-national-benchmark-on-americans-relationship-with-nature-302866266.html

SOURCE REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)