Our mission is to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities through the therapeutic use of nature.

Founded in 1983 (formerly known as Animals as Intermediaries), The Nature Connection’s mission is to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities through the therapeutic use of nature by bringing the outside, inside through plants, animals and natural materials to people with limited or no access to the outside world. Through regular programs delivered largely to youth at-risk, people with disabilities, and elders with Alzheimer’s/Dementia, we connect individuals with nature’s capacity to heal, teach, and create joy.

The Nature Connection’s trained staff and experienced volunteers bring educational and therapeutic nature programs to hospitals, residential schools, youth at-risk programs, special needs facilities, nursing homes, and Alzheimer’s care programs. What we present changes every visit but always combines seasonal natural materials, live animals, and hands-on activities that engage the participants and expand the boundaries of their lives.

Since our founding, The Nature Connection has provided over 15,000 connections with nature to participants in Middlesex County and the Greater Boston area. Some of our client sites have been with us for over 25 years!

We bring nature; nature does the rest.