You May Not Know Us, But We've Been Here All Along

You may not have heard of The Nature Connection. We don’t have a big billboard. We don’t operate out of a bustling storefront. But for the past 40 years, we’ve quietly walked into group homes, memory care units, day programs, and therapeutic schools—bringing nature where it’s needed most.

We show up with baskets of leaves, pinecones, herbs, and feathers. Sometimes with a rabbit or a snake. Sometimes with nothing but a story about the woods and a place to sit in stillness. And something happens. A spark. A smile. A memory unearthed. A sense of connection restored, even if just for a moment.

For decades, we’ve served people on the outer edges of the Middlesex County community: elders living with dementia, adults with disabilities, children in therapeutic schools, and youth in under-resourced neighborhoods. These are people who are often overlooked—who don’t get to walk the forest trails or sit by the lake. So we bring the forest to them.

It’s gentle work. Intentional work. And it’s always been deeply personal.

Our programs aren’t about entertainment or education alone—they’re about healing, belonging, and being seen. We use person-centered, trauma-informed, dementia friendly approaches that meet people exactly where they are, whether that's in a quiet hallway of a memory care unit or a circle of youth in an after-school program. Every visit is built on one-on-one connection, made possible by trained staff, dedicated volunteers, and an understanding that nature is not just a place—it’s a relationship.

If this is the first time you’re hearing about us, that’s okay. We’ve never been in this for the spotlight. But as we look ahead to the next 40 years, we’re hoping to share more of our story. Because while we’ve grown quietly, our work is anything but small. And we need community—people like you—to help us keep going.

Over the next several months, we’ll be sharing glimpses of the moments we witness, the people we meet, and the unexpected magic that unfolds when nature, in all its simplicity, meets someone exactly where they are.

We’re The Nature Connection. And we’re glad you’re here.

To learn more about The Nature Connection or support our work in bringing nature to those who need it most, visit www.nature-connection.org. We operate out of a small nature center in West Concord, MA, which is open to the public on Saturday afternoons from 12:00 to 4:00—stop by and say hello.

Love what we do? Help us bring the healing power of nature to more people. Donate here: https://www.nature-connection.org/donate/