Recent Studies/Findings

Documentation of Nature-Based Programs
at Green Chimneys

Phase I of joint research between Green Chimneys and the University of Denver Institute for Human-Animal Connection to study the impact of Green Chimneys’ unique farm programs on outcomes for the students who attend Green Chimneys School.

This documentation report was developed through a multi-phase process and represents a qualitative examination of the impacts of Green Chimneys’ farm and nature-based programs from the perspective of the teaching staff

The research team from The Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) – comprised of research staff, graduate-level social work students, and external partners and colleagues – first conducted a comprehensive review of the relevant research literature to evaluate the impact of nature-based interventions on the social-emotional learning and positive youth development of children and adolescents with psycho-social and special education needs.

A cornerstone of this process was to underscore the importance of actively ensuring animal welfare and environmental sustainability in nature-based interventions designed primarily to improve human health and development.

Research team members then directly observed Green Chimneys’ programming to gain further understanding of the diverse nature-based interventions offered to students and their apparent effects. Semi-structured interviews with over 100 Green Chimneys staff members were conducted across the farm, school, clinical, and residential life departments.

Download the full report

In partnership with The Institute for Human-Animal Connection, and as part of The Sam and Myra Ross Institute’s work to advance the field of human-animal interaction through advocacy, education and research, Documentation of Nature-Based Programs at Green Chimneys is available for review.

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