Articles

This webpage is a digital representation of the poster presented at the BC Community Forestry Association Conference in Kamloops, British Columbia, from June 6 to 9, 2023. In this digital format, you can explore the content, findings, and insights presented in the poster. Please browse the sections below to learn more about the research and access references.

Presenter: Tara L. Brown Advisor: Dr. John Innes
Dept. of Forest Resources Management, Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4

Abstract

This research explores the implications of Japan’s 63 Forest Therapy bases for designing health-promoting trails in BC’s forests. It provides practical guidance to forest planners and managers, drawing insights from evidence-based health research studies and a clinical trial in Metro Vancouver. The poster highlights the methodology, key trail design considerations, and expected community well-being benefits.

Introduction

Urban environments pose significant mental and physical health challenges due to limited access to nature, pollution, traffic, noise, and the dominance of built environments (1-4). Canada spends one-third of its healthcare budget addressing chronic and non-communicable diseases associated with urbanization, including mood and anxiety disorders (5). Hypertension affects a substantial portion of the population, with 25% of individuals aged 20 and over and 70% of those aged 65 and over diagnosed with this condition.

Estimates suggest that by 2050, 87% of Canadians will reside in large urban centers (6), making it increasingly crucial to address health issues related to urban living. Vancouver, characterized by high population density and decreasing urban green spaces (7), exemplifies the complex health challenges urban areas face. However, community forests offer a unique opportunity to enhance health and well-being through nature-based activities. Inspired by Japan’s Forest Therapy bases (8-9), this study aims to provide practical guidance for designing health-promoting trails that integrate scientific research and real-world decision-making to promote community well-being and address the health challenges associated with urbanization.

Forest-based Interventions

This study explores the potential benefits of forest-based interventions, inspired by Japan’s shinrin-yoku, in designing health-promoting trails in BC’s forests.

Benefits of forest-based interventions:

• Potential as a complementary treatment option for depression (10-11).
• Physiological effects on blood pressure and heart rate (12-13).
• Inhalation of phytoncides for pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects and influence on the immune system (14).
• Cost-effective preventive medicine (for example, PaRx) (15).
• Connection to pro-environmental behaviour (16).

Data Collection

Biological Indicators: Measured heart rate and blood pressure before and after each session.

Self-report Mood Surveys: Participants completed mood surveys before and after each session to record their psychological well-being and nature connectedness before.

Environmental Measurements: Evaluated thermal conditions, sound levels, light levels, and visual observations during each session.

Vegetation Surveys: Recorded plant distribution and diversity.

Thermal Environment

Data collection: Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter.

Recorded factors influencing psychological and physiological health outcomes: air temperature, humidity, mean radiant heat, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed.

Investigated the relationship between thermal conditions and participants’ perceived comfort and overall experience. For example, previous studies have shown Profile of Mood States scores associate Fatigue and Relative Humidity, Depression and Atmospheric Pressure.

Sound Levels

Data collection: Protmex MS6708 sound level meter.

Recorded sound levels and visual observations.

Integrated sound level measurements, observations, and psychological surveys to gain insights into the impact of the soundscape on participant experience. For example, previous studies have shown Profile of Mood States scores associate Anger and Sound Levels.

Visual Observations

Data collection: photometer (lux meter).

Recorded light levels in closed and open canopies.

Explored the role of natural light exposure on mood, cognition, and physical health. For example, previous studies have shown Profile of Mood States scores associate Anger and Relative Illumination.

Conclusion

In light of the negative health impacts associated with urban environments, forest-based interventions have shown promising results in improving mental and physical health outcomes, enhancing the connection to nature, and mitigating the stressors of urban living. By integrating the methodology from Japan’s Forest Therapy Trails and insights from the Metro Vancouver clinical trial, this research provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of forest environments for community well-being. Ongoing analysis and assessment of the remaining experimental work will continue to refine and inform these findings.

References

1. Chen H, Kwong JC, Copes R, Tu K, Villeneuve PJ, van Donkelaar A, et al. Living near major roads and the incidence of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis: a population-based cohort study. The Lancet [Internet]. 2017 Feb 18 [cited 2022 Sep 9];389(10070):718–26. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673616323996

2. Flies EJ, Mavoa S, Zosky GR, Mantzioris E, Williams C, Eri R, et al. Urban-associated diseases: Candidate diseases, environmental risk factors, and a path forward. Environment International [Internet]. 2019 Dec 1 [cited 2022 Feb 14];133:105187. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412019323864

3. Okkels N, Kristiansen CB, Munk-Jørgensen P. Review of Urban Mental Health. In: Okkels N, Kristiansen CB, Munk-Jørgensen P, editors. Mental Health and Illness in the City [Internet]. Singapore: Springer; 2017 [cited 2022 Sep 9]. p. 1–13. (Mental Health and Illness Worldwide). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-2327-9_1

4. Rajoo KS, Karam DS, Abdullah MZ. The physiological and psychosocial effects of forest therapy: A systematic review. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening [Internet]. 2020 Oct 1 [cited 2021 May 26];54:126744. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1618866720304039

5. Canada PHA of. How Healthy are Canadians? [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2021 Jul 6]. Available from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/how-healthy-canadians.html

6. Government of Canada SC. Study: Urban greenness [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2022 Sep 8]. Available from: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210817/dq210817b-eng.htm

7. Metro Vancouver. Regional Tree Canopy Cover and Impervious Surfaces [Internet]. 2019 Aug p. 44. Available from: http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/PlanningPublications/EcologicalHealth-TreeCanopyCoverImperviousSurfaces.pdf

8. Park S, Kim E, Kim G, Kim S, Choi Y, Paek D. What Activities in Forests Are Beneficial for Human Health? A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [Internet]. 2022 Jan [cited 2022 Mar 1];19(5):2692. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/5/2692

9. Zhang T, Zhang W, Meng H, Zhang Z. Analyzing Visitors’ Preferences and Evaluation of Satisfaction Based on Different Attributes, with Forest Trails in the Akasawa National Recreational Forest, Central Japan. Forests [Internet]. 2019 May [cited 2022 Apr 25];10(5):431. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/10/5/431

10. Rosa CD, Larson LR, Collado S, Profice CC. Forest therapy can prevent and treat depression: Evidence from meta-analyses. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening [Internet]. 2021 Jan 1 [cited 2022 Sep 13];57:126943. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1618866720307603

11. Mayer FS, Frantz CM, Bruehlman-Senecal E, Dolliver K. Why Is Nature Beneficial? 2009 Sep [cited 2022 Nov 22];41(5):607–43. Available from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/0013916508319745

12. de Vries S, Claßen T, Eigenheer-Hug SM, Korpela K, Maas J, Mitchell R, et al. Contributions of Natural Environments to Physical Activity. In: Nilsson K, Sangster M, Gallis C, Hartig T, de Vries S, Seeland K, et al., editors. Forests, Trees and Human Health [Internet]. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands; 2011 [cited 2021 Dec 17]. p. 205–43. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9806-1_8

13. Mao GX, Cao YB, Lan XG, He ZH, Chen ZM, Wang YZ, et al. Therapeutic effect of forest bathing on human hypertension in the elderly. Journal of Cardiology [Internet]. 2012 Dec 1 [cited 2021 Nov 18];60(6):495–502. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0914508712001852

14. Li Q, Kobayashi M, Wakayama Y, Inagaki H, Katsumata M, Hirata Y, et al. Effect of Phytoncide from Trees on Human Natural Killer Cell Function. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol [Internet]. 2009 Oct 1 [cited 2021 Mar 16];22(4):951–9. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/039463200902200410

1.5. Van den Berg AE. From Green Space to Green Prescriptions: Challenges and Opportunities for Research and Practice. Front Psychol [Internet]. 2017 Feb 27 [cited 2022 Nov 24];8:268. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5326776/

16.. Mayer FS, Frantz CM. The connectedness to nature scale: A measure of individuals’ feeling in community with nature. Journal of Environmental Psychology [Internet]. 2004 Dec 1 [cited 2022 Mar 6];24(4):503–15. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272494404000696

My research reveals three interconnected dimensions of nature connection:

Connection with Nature: Both guided and self-guided experiences foster relationship with the living world, but in different ways. Whether learning from a knowledgeable guide or discovering personal rhythms in solitude, people develop deeper awareness of natural systems and their place within them.

“This was a relaxing, thoughtful experience. It helped me realize my place in nature and the power of the forest. I was left feeling humbled by the forest itself.”

Connection with Self: Self-guided experiences particularly support personal exploration and reflection. As one research participant shared, “Giving myself permission to simply sit in the woods doing nothing but breathing in and out and feeling the breeze on my skin felt like such a luxury.” These moments of solitude create space for insight, acceptance, and what participants describe as meditation-like states.

“Each time I do this I look forward to it and feel much better afterward – mentally, emotionally and physically.”

Connection with Others: Guided experiences provide structure, education, and meaningful social interaction. Participants value learning together and sharing discoveries, while the facilitated environment helps people feel welcome regardless of their nature experience. Many find that guided sessions prepare them for deeper self-guided practice.

“I appreciated being guided today because it helped me to not think about things I normally do.”

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