How often do you spend time outside vs being online, whether through social media or looking at a screen for hours? It’s critical to keep track of how much time you devote to each. Numerous studies suggest that nature is associated with several benefits, including improved concentration, reduced stress levels, enhanced moods, and increased empathy and collaboration. Increasing the usage of green spaces, such as parks and forests, and blue spaces, such as rivers and ocean views.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 9 out of 10 individuals go online every day, while 6 out of 10 young adults, or 62%, report being online all the time. As technology advances and urban living practices evolve, we spend less time outside.
Weir, Kirsten. “Nurtured by Nature.” Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, 2025, www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature.
This is exactly what Gina recently discussed with students at the Illinois Institute of Technology. To encourage students to consider what they are most passionate about and how that enthusiasm might ignite the next generation of environmental equity.
Gina opened the door for students who are motivated by Keeler Garden’s objective to provide additional nature places in our neighborhoods throughout Chicago through biophilic design, promoting an immersive, inspirational experience through the blend of green and blue spaces. Keeler Gardens, with its 4000 square feet of area and more than 250 different types of plants, serves as a prototype for how these nature spaces can function.
Here are some inspiring words from Gina as she spoke to the students:
“Speaking to the next generation of potential champions for Keeler Gardens’ mission was revealing. In our desire to inspire them, we were reminded how critical it is to truly connect with individuals and communities as a foundation for creating impactful change. How do we motivate both young and mature individuals at all levels to share their own mission and desires for a healthy world? We are working to understand widely varied urban populations, knowing there may be patterns and similarities, while honoring the unique characteristics, needs, and values of each community.
It was so exciting to speak directly with one particular student whose ideas and energy are definitely the beginning of at least one individual project and potential collaborations for a larger project. The development process, from concept to proposal to executable plan, will be a learning experience even for us, and we are so pleased to be on this path. We have new relationships carrying Keeler Gardens to the next level.”
Gina was able to inspire these students with her optimism for the future by introducing actions that lead to results. So, where does the design begin? Gina highlighted their 6-step approach (pictured on the right), in which students can participate at any stage and contribute to Keeler Gardens’ objective.
We are searching for contributors with diverse backgrounds and skills to help us get started on the SoReMo initiative’s combined partnership aim. Keeler Gardens would also appreciate any donated funds for this long-term project, which will invest in the future of nature areas to assist in strengthening the community, individuals, young adults, and children. Let us not dull our environment but instead bring it back to life with nature’s gifts.
If this inspired you to donate to support this important mission, please do so by either:
- Making a direct donation to support Illinois Tech’s SoReMo student research https://bit.ly/KGSoReMo
- Supporting Keeler Gardens’ mission by donating here https://bit.ly/KG_Support
Thank you for all your support and excitement for Keeler Gardens’ project ahead!