NATURE TEACHES US TO GRIEVE

The place of parks and nature at end of life
This research found that respondents believe parks can provide:
Physical comfort at end of life (91%)
Emotional comfort at end of life (92%)
Spiritual comfort at end of life (93%)
Death Connects Us To Nature…
• Risk and loss are reminders of vitality
• Nature provides a container for grief, a place for our stories
• Mystery, eternity, finality…whatever the belief, it connects to
nature

Parks & Nature Reveal Death (and Life)…
• Cycles of life and death “monuments to decay” surround us
• Profound hopefulness in nature: “If the park could withstand
the fires and floods, maybe I, too, could endure.”

Nature Teaches Us to Grieve…
• Nothing is more natural than grief and loss!
• Lessons from nature’s unconditional acceptance and
forgiveness teach us to grieve
• Nature provides endless companions and teachers: birds,
animals, trees... “a tree never tells you that you look stupid”
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NATURE TEACHES US TO GRIEVE
The place of parks and nature at end of life

Who needs this research? Purpose and context…
Multiple agencies and disciplines are beginning to
understand that health, quality of life and nature are
significantly interrelated. The purpose of this research was
to develop an understanding (from those who identify as
palliative, their caregivers and significant others), of the
role played by parks and natural outdoor settings at end of
life. New understandings from Alberta Parks’ Inclusion
Plan, and the core value of providing Albertans a lifetime
of natural experience, provided the context for this study.

What are the future possibilities?
This study provides direction for the development of
specific parks and health interventions. The findings can
inform Alberta Parks policy about memorial/dedication,
ceremonies and support for grief/loss and end of life
experiences. Health training and programs can consider
avenues for incorporation of parks and natural places into
interventions and activities For example, mobile hospice
and respite, walking grief support, and other possibilities
can be further examined.

How was this knowledge generated?
Dr. Sonya Jakubec, a research nurse at Mount Royal University, led the study with Don
Carruthers Den Hoed at Alberta Parks. Their study was framed by ecopsychology
theory: that which is concerned with nature connection, individual wellness and
social/earth justice. 118 participants completed an online survey and 15 were then
interviewed. Data was reviewed in line with existing literature to create the findings.
For more information contact: sjakubec@mtroyal.ca
Lake photo - Don Carruthers Den Hoed
Landscape photos - Dick Averns
Dandelion photo - Chris Ha
Bench photo - Nicole Fisher
Graphic Design - Dick Averns
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