Date of Award

4-19-2026

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Amy Wagenfeld, PhD, OTR/L, SCEM, FAOTA

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

This capstone paper discusses the need for resources that support independence in and access to nature-based activities that support health and wellbeing. Occupational therapists (OTs) have expertise in recommending and implementing adaptations to increase individuals’ engagement in nature-based activities. There is currently a gap in the literature regarding access to nature-based activities, and a lack of understanding of how these activities may be implemented, either by caregivers, educators or healthcare professionals. During my capstone I created a guide with modifications for gardening activities for children, wrote an article on how to adapt nature journaling to be more accessible, coded and analyzed syllabi to create a standardized template for higher education courses, and reviewed multiple nature and health programs for potential publication on open-source nature and health database. These activities serve to educate on OTs role in nature and demonstrate our valuable skillset in performing activity analysis and implementing modifications to increase individuals’ independence in meaningful activities. Overall, my capstone project and objectives contributed to individuals’ increased potential for participation in nature-based activities, which helps support development and strengthening of life skills.

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