In fall 2020 and spring 2021, we conducted the mixed methods Meeting in Nature Together (MINT) study to identify scalable and sustainable nature-based activities that promote social connectedness among adolescent parents and their peers. In this community-based participatory research study, we used two distinct approaches to identify the key ingredients to a nature-based social intervention for a population of pregnant and parenting adolescents. First, we designed and tested an 8-week nature and social connection intervention at a local high school for pregnant and parenting teens (n=17). Second, using the findings from this intervention, we conducted a 5-minute cross-sectional survey at the Children鈥檚 Hospital of Colorado Young Mother's Clinic (n=131). Results from the school-based intervention showed that meditative aspects resonated with MINT participants, and they most often enjoyed nature closer to home, with family. Results from the clinic-based survey showed that young parents were most limited to nature experiences by lack of time, company, and energy. They had a close connection to nature and high levels of loneliness. Walking, hiking, or running was selected and described by most as their preferred nature activity. These findings help to define low-cost, accessible, nature-based options for connecting lonely young parents with others.
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