Healthy ecosystems serve as essential health infrastructure by regulating disease, supporting biodiversity, protecting resources, and sustaining life. This aligns with the One Health approach, which recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected. At the Missouri Department of Conservation, our Nature and Health work reflects this approach by conserving habitats, supporting wildlife health, and reducing risks from emerging diseases. Through these efforts, we strengthen ecosystem resilience and help protect the health of both people and wildlife.
Nature as Medicine
Clean air, clean water, soil health, and time outdoors are essential to human health.
Health is not just something we restore after illness — it is something we build every day, through the environments we inhabit, the ecosystems we protect, and the living world we remain connected to.
Sustainable wild harvested plants (including plant derivatives such as fruits, nuts, roots, etc.), fungi, and animals depend on healthy landscapes to provide locally sourced nutrition.
A Better Way to Build Health
When ecosystems thrive, people thrive.
A One Health approach recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are deeply interconnected. The health of the land shapes the health of its people.
Protecting nature is not separate from protecting public health — it is the foundation of it.
Time outdoors encourages natural movement that supports heart, muscle, and joint health without requiring a gym or structured routine.
Exposure to natural environments lowers cortisol, improves mood and focus, and builds long-term emotional resilience.
Regular nature contact supports immune function, reduces inflammation, and contributes to lasting physical health.
01 Protect Natural Systems
We conserve habitats that provide the foundation for clean air, water, and biodiversity — the resources that sustain all life and health.
02 Connect People to Nature
We expand access through outdoor spaces, community programs, and partnerships that bring nature within reach for everyone.
03 Educate and Empower
We offer programs that help people explore, enjoy, and connect with nature in meaningful, health-building ways.
04 Monitor Wildlife Health
We track and respond to health risks that could impact both wildlife and people, keeping ecosystems and communities resilient.
Small Steps, Lasting Health.
- Take a 20-minute walk outside each day.
- Visit a local park or conservation area.
- Spend time observing and being in nature.
- Trade screen time for outdoor time.
- plant a pollinator plot
- choose native plants for landscaping
- don’t spraying insecticides on lawns
Integrate Nature into Healthcare, Education, and Community Programs.
Partner with us to bring One Health principles into your organization, your community, and the systems that shape how people live and heal.
Build Health
Where It Begins
Investing in nature is investing in healthier people, stronger communities, and a more resilient future. Join us.
