Our Approach
Nature Sacred exists to inspire, inform and guide communities in the creation of public green spaces—called Sacred Places—designed to improve mental health, unify communities and engender peace. For over 25 years, Nature Sacred has partnered with over 100 communities across the country to infuse nearby nature into places where healing is often needed most: distressed urban neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, prisons and more. Through a collaborative, community-led process and an evidence-based design model, each Sacred Place is bonded together by a common goal: to reconnect people with nature in ways that foster mindful reflection, restore mental health and strengthen communities. As each community imagines its own space, the design becomes a unique reflection of the community’s culture, story and place—making it inherently sacred to them. Get to know our model, our approach and our network.
Pride from within.
When people think about nature in cities, our minds can jump to expansive, lush city parks. What we advocate for is something smaller—thoughtful green spaces tucked into the communities they serve. In ways that mean something to its people. These are modest, discrete spaces creatively tailored to reflect its community, its history and place. The results are inspiring.
Rooted in research. Informed by design.
25 years of community success stories told us a thing or two. We learned that our model, our way of creating Sacred Places was working. But, how, exactly? In what ways do design and nature best combine to foster individual healing and help communities to come together? We’ve spent the last 5 years studying this very subject—and we’re more inspired than ever with the results.
Glimmers of hope—embedded right in the communities they serve.
Nestled in a small city corner, woven into a hospital campus, tucked into prison grounds—Sacred Places can take a variety of shapes and sizes. Yet they all deliver on a shared goal: to help people and communities heal and strengthen in nature. Feel free to explore some of the over 100 Sacred Places we’ve supported over the last two decades—let us know if they spark any ideas on your end!
