The Nature Together Series

Six weeks outside, together. Every series is free, small (up to 20 people), and led by our Nature Guides. Each week we get moving and try something new, all built around one idea: time in nature is good for your body, your mind, and your heart.

We run four series a year (Early Fall, Late Fall, Early Spring, and Late Spring) for every group, so there's always a next one to jump into.

By the numbers

28 six-week series a year
560 participant spots in our series
168 sessions outside together
8 community pop-ups reaching about 240 more people
800 Tennesseans reached every year, all for free

Our homeschool group filled up in under 5 minutes, so we doubled it. Now there are two!

What we do

Community Hikes
We get moving every single week, at a pace that works for the group. Walking outside helps your heart, lowers stress, and boosts your mood. Plus it's just more fun with friends.

Gardening & Nutrition
Dig in the dirt, plant something, and learn what to do with it once it grows. We talk simple, healthy eating that fits real life and real budgets.

Outdoor Yoga & Wellness
Stretching, breathing, and slowing down under the trees. Great for flexibility, balance, sleep, and calming a busy mind.

Nature Art & Music
Painting, crafting, and making music with what we find outside. Getting creative is a great way to relax, express yourself, and connect with others.

Career Exploration
Meet the people who work outdoors, like farmers, park rangers, and environmental pros. It's a chance to try new skills and see what's possible.

Caring for Our Trails
We learn about recycling and pick up litter along the way. Taking care of the places that take care of us feels good too. Not every trail works for every body. Our Nature Guides and participants check out local trails and share what they find: surfaces, slopes, benches, restrooms, parking, and more. That way people know before they go, and we can work with parks to make trails easier for everyone to enjoy.

Why it matters

Spending time in nature is linked to less stress, better mood, a healthier heart, and stronger connections with people. A lot of the folks we serve spend too much time feeling isolated, and that's tough on health all on its own. Our groups give people a reason to get outside, a crew to go with, and a safe space to just breathe.

Nature Rx

Time outside is good medicine. Nature Rx connects Nature Together with doctors, clinics, and health partners so they can "prescribe" time in nature for things like stress, blood pressure, pregnancy and postpartum support, and staying socially connected.

Our referral partners

Health & Public Health
Tennessee Department of Health
Upper Cumberland Regional Health Office
Cookeville Regional Medical Center Foundation
Ascension Saint Thomas River Park
Diana Health, Cookeville

County Health Councils
White County
Putnam County
Cumberland County
Pickett County
Warren County
Smith County
DeKalb County
Fentress County
Overton County
Van Buren County
Rutherford County
Cheatham & Robertson Counties

State Agencies
Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging
TDEC Office of Outdoor Recreation

Parks & Recreation
Tennessee State Parks
Burgess Falls State Natural Area
City Lake Natural Area
Camp Marymount
By Faith Farm

Senior Living & Senior Centers
NHC Sparta
Cedar Hills Senior Living, Cookeville
Heritage Pointe Senior Living
Inspiritus, Nashville
127 Senior Center, Crossville
Sparta/White County Activity Center

Community & Disability Services
Able Voices
Mustard Seed Ranch
Pregnancy Center of Cookeville
Pacesetters
The Arc of Putnam County
Community Options
GiGi's Playhouse Nashville
A.C.T. Autism Community & Career Training
BrightStone
Sparta/White County Family YMCA
American Job Center, Upper Cumberland

Education
Tennessee Tech University
Middle Tennessee State University
UT Extension, Putnam County

Are you a provider or community group that wants to refer folks? We'd love to talk.