Health as a hook: National Park Service Health Promotion Programs bringing new audiences to the table

Finding common ground is key to building inclusion and trust. While sadly not all Americans are interested in conservation of natural spaces and resources, health is of interest to everyone, whether it be their personal health or the health of their loved ones. Exposure to nature has a tremendous and myriad of positive impacts to personal and community health. We propose using the health benefits of nature exposure as a way to engage new audiences in the conservation conversation. Programs such as Park Prescriptions and Healthy Parks Healthy People inspire diverse audiences everywhere to connect with and care about nature.