Reconnecting Pennsylvanian’s with the Outdoors: The Power of Nature to Combat Social Isolation and Improve Quality of Life

Nicole Faraguna, Director of Public Policy PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources

Many health benefits result from spending time outdoors. For long-term care, it is even more critical. Exposure to the outdoors can improve one's mood and overall health. Spending time outdoors can also help to relieve feelings of loneness and social isolation. Just 10-15 minutes a day outdoors can make a significant improvement to an individual's health. This session will discuss opportunities for Recreational Therapists to improve outdoor recreation opportunities by taking it outdoors! Nicole has served as DCNR's Director of Policy and Planning since August 2019. Before this, Nicole worked for the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association and delivered exceptional educational opportunities for the staff and volunteers of conservation-related organizations and local governments. Nicole previously served as Director of Communications for the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs and Editor of the Borough News Magazine. She also founded Susquehanna Valley Progress in 2014, a nonpartisan organization that seeks to actively engage and educate the local community to protect the natural world.