The Moments We Share: Impact of Green Spaces on Health
by Syd Collier, Southside ReLeaf Greening Coordinator
In 2024, I gained a new appreciation for the moments we live in. Life can sometimes feel uncertain, but simple things like sharing a meal at home or laughing with a loved one can be grounding and fulfilling, when we take the time to be present. The moments that live the most vividly in my mind are often in nature, shared with those I care deeply for. There is something about having space to be around trees or a body of water that both enlivens an experience while creating a sense of calm. Take a moment to reflect on the last time you were outside under the canopy of trees, or in a field of grass. Can you remember the experience of your surroundings? Perhaps the sounds of people, birds, the leaves gently brushing against one another in the breeze. Do you remember how it made you feel to be outside? To take nature in as a deep breath, and to give in return a slow exhale.
Green space has become an increasingly popular term over the years, but what exactly is it, and why does it matter? Green spaces are areas of land populated by plant life. Some green spaces are naturally occurring and others are designed and created. There are many reasons why green spaces are beneficial. Not only do they help to reduce air pollution and mitigate heat, they also reduce water pollution and flooding. These benefits translate into a positive impact on human health.
Syd Collier preparing a volunteer group of students from the University of Richmond to free trees from invasive climbing vines at the new park along Ernest Road in October 2024.
A young girl experiences the joy of nature while the UR students work in the background. The sheep were present to clear invasive ground-cover from the new park.
In 2021, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health published a cross-examination of multiple observational studies on the relationship between green spaces and mental and physical health. The results summarized that greater exposure to green space was associated with improved mental and physical well-being, a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, as well as a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and preterm birth. Green spaces also help reduce stress by increasing physical activity and social cohesion.
Another study published in 2024 states, “Exposure to green spaces during pregnancy has been increasingly associated with improved birth outcomes.” The leading cause of maternal death for Black women is Preeclampsia, a disease related to high blood pressure. Having access to green space can help to reduce this outcome by providing space to regularly get physical activity in nature, which supports both stress reduction and blood pressure management. This is further proof that throughout the human lifetime, starting from conception until old age, humans benefit from being in natural environments.
As a student in VCU’s Master of Public Health program and Southside ReLeaf’s greening coordinator, I am interested in finding ways to help reduce the disproportionate Black Maternal Death rates in Virginia. Our work in building and expanding access to parks, playgrounds, gardens, and nature has greater implications than many realize, such as the life-saving role green spaces play in reducing the Black maternal mortality rate.
However, access to green spaces is more of a privilege than a right. For decades, the Southside of Richmond has suffered from the disinvestment stemming from historical redlining. This causes neighborhoods in the Southside to be hotter, more prone to flood risk, and experience poorer air quality due to being zoned next to pollution and industrial waste sites. The consequence of this is seen in the life expectancy of Southside residents, which is up to 20 years shorter compared to other areas of the city.
The new park at Ernest Road graced by melting snow cover on a recent day in January 2025 when our team was on site to remove heavy debris from the space.
Volunteering outdoors to plant the trees that the next generation will one day play under was a family affair at our Hickory Hill Community Center tree planting in 2021.
The mission of Southside ReLeaf is to improve the quality of life in the Southside by greening communities and advocating with our neighbors. This includes planting trees, creating parks, and maintaining green spaces to enhance environmental sustainability, improve public health, and provide beautiful, accessible areas for recreation and community gatherings. This work is more critical than ever as we face a climate crisis that is disproportionately causing harm to frontline communities because of existing social inequities.
At Southside ReLeaf, we believe that all people have a right to health and wellness, and we recognize that access to green spaces is a necessary part of accomplishing this goal. We are committed to collaborating with neighbors, organizations, and institutions to ensure that every resident in the Southside lives within a 10-minute walk of quality public green space.
As we enter into this new year, marking the first quarter of the 21st century, we are optimistic that – working together – we can achieve equity in South Richmond and help bring about a greener and healthier future for residents.
I am excited to be working with Southside ReLeaf to support this mission, and I look forward to sharing moments with you sometime this year underneath the trees.
Sources:
Fernandes, Amanda, et al. “Green spaces and respiratory, cardiometabolic, and neurodevelopmental outcomes: An individual-participant data meta-analysis of >35.000 European children.” Environment International, vol. 190, Aug. 2024, p. 108853, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108853.
Geneshka, Mariya, et al. “Relationship between green and blue spaces with mental and Physical Health: A systematic review of longitudinal observational studies.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 17, 26 Aug. 2021, p. 9010, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179010.
Lee, Hyun Jin, and Dong Kun Lee. “Do sociodemographic factors and urban green space affect mental health outcomes among the urban elderly population?” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 16, no. 5, 4 Mar. 2019, p. 789, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16050789.
Markevych, Iana, et al. “Exploring pathways linking greenspace to health: Theoretical and methodological guidance.” Environmental Research, vol. 158, Oct. 2017, pp. 301–317, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2017.06.028.