NATURE RESOURCE CENTER
Expanding nature opportunities for older people in Minnesota
Nature enriches lives at every age, offering important benefits to our health and well-being. Minnesota's Multisector Blueprint for Aging calls on us to explore public spaces for all ages and all seasons, such as age-friendly parks or programming that connects us to the abundant nature around our state.
We invite you to learn more about the work underway by some of our Age-Friendly Minnesota community grantees to enhance our access to nature as we age. Check out the free resources below and check back for new items being added regularly.
NATURE PUBLICATIONS
This comprehensive statewide report released in April 2024 highlights the benefits of nature-based activities for individuals 55+ and provides a framework for enhancing access and participation to nature around the state. The Field Scan is a 100-page online document with links to many resources and models. It is intended for anyone interested in learning how better to support and grow access to nature for older Minnesotans.
The purpose of this brief is to summarize the key elements of the comprehensive Field Scan. It also provides information about Phase 2 of the project, which focuses on raising awareness, supporting organizations doing this work, implementing Phase I Field Scan recommendations, and expanding opportunities for all of us to access nature across Minnesota as we age.
VIDEOS + WEBINARS
Project Overview:
Older Adults and Nature in Minnesota
(27 minutes)
This short video features Joelle Hoeft, and provides an overview of Phase 1 and Phase 2 work supported by the Age-Friendly Minnesota Council to improve access to nature as we age.
Jim and Mary: Forces of Nature
(8 minutes)
Habitat Makers™ is a video series about people devoted to ecological restoration. This episode features Jim and Mary Hammill, two older Minnesotans who had a life transition and discovered the restorative powers of ecological restoration and being outdoors in nature.
The Outside Possibility:
Building Health, Wellness & Connection Through Time Together Outdoors
(48 minutes)
This presentation offered as part of the 2023 Age-Friendly Minnesota Conference features Breanna Wheeler with a look at the factors that keep people from spending time outside, the range of benefits, creative ideas, and a few age-friendly projects.
Bridging Generations: Connecting Through Nature
(1 hour)
This webinar features four inspiring programs in Minnesota that bring young people and older people together. Learn how nature-based intergenerational programming provides a range of physical, mental, social, and educational benefits as well as how those interactions promote environmental stewardship and strengthen community ties. Joelle Hoeft moderates ways that nature can bridge generations and help build thriving, connected communities.
UPCOMING WEBINARS...
Register below and check back for more webinars on topics related to nature and aging in 2025!
NATURE ACCESS FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH SPECIFIC NEEDS
DATE
April 17, 2025
TIME
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Central
LOCATION
Virtual
COST
FREE
HOST
Joelle Hoeft Consulting
SUMMARY
Nature enriches lives at every stage, offering benefits to our health, well-being, and sense of connection. For older adults with specific needs, such as those living with dementia, Parkinson’s, and vision
impairment, the challenges of ensuring access to nature can seem daunting. This webinar offers practical tips and considerations for adapting outdoor experiences to ensure that nature remains accessible and enriching for all. Hear from Minnesota program leaders pioneering inclusive nature engagement, and gain inspiration and practical ideas to create meaningful, safe, and enjoyable outdoor experiences for yourself, loved ones, or those you serve.
AUDIENCE
All are welcome
CONTACT
DISCOVERING PURPOSE, MEANING, AND CREATIVITY THROUGH NATURE AS WE AGE
DATE
May 8, 2025
TIME
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Central
LOCATION
Virtual
COST
FREE
HOST
Joelle Hoeft Consulting
SUMMARY
Nature enriches lives at every stage, offering benefits to our health, well-being, and sense of connection. In this webinar, five inspiring leaders from across Minnesota share how they are finding purpose, meaning, and creativity in nature as they age. Their stories highlight ways to build community and protect the health of the natural world. You’ll also explore resources from Age-Friendly Minnesota’s online
Nature Resource Center. Join us to discover how nature can inspire flourishing—for yourself and for the world around you.
AUDIENCE
All are welcome
CONTACT
SURVEY SUMMARIES
Arrowhead Regional Development Commission's
2024 Age-Friendly Community Survey Summary - Superior Hiking Trail
(3 pages)
River Bend Nature Center's
Outdoor Interests & Barriers Faced by People with Challenges to Independence or Social Isolation: Recommendations for Decision Makers
(25 pages)
ASSESSING CONNECTIONS TO NATURE
Practitioner Guide to Assessing Connection to Nature
(63 pages)
Overview of Accessing Connections to Nature
(20 minutes)
This brief presentation by Dr. Erica Timko Olson provides a general overview of the Accessing Connection to Nature tools.
OTHER RESOURCES
MN Bike and GO
MN Bike and GO is a free online interactive map crated by a team at the University of Minnesota to identify the location of public restrooms near bicycling and dual walking/bicycling paths and routes throughout the state. You can search and add a to the map. You can contribute to a survey on restroom features, such as cleanliness, hours open, flush or not, handwashing and toilet paper supplies, etc., making it unique and more useful than other existing maps and apps.
Do you have questions about aging and nature? Contact Joelle Hoeft today.
Do you have questions about Age-Friendly Minnesota? Email Age-Friendly Minnesota.
Do you want to share information about models, feedback or sign-up to learn more? Visit our Input Form today.
In 2023, the Age-Friendly Minnesota Council asked MN Leadership Council on Aging to create and
maintain this site to promote events, disseminate resources, and showcase age-friendly activities.