A new joint project of The Conservation Foundation and Recovery International combines cognitive-behavioral mental health tools with images of nature from northern Illinois parks.

Find relief during these stressful times with a walk in the woods, thoughtful and calming tools, and journaling or doodling!

Released in time for May, Mental Health Awareness Month, the 88-page journal is a handy size for carrying on a hike. Home-bound readers can enjoy full-color photos of inspiring scenery and close-ups of flowers and butterflies.

Brook McDonald, President and CEO of The Conservation Foundation notes the research behind nature therapy: “Scientific studies have shown that spending time in nature is good for our minds, bodies and souls. Most of us intuitively know this and now we have proof it is true. We have certainly learned this past year that people are seeking nature as a way to cope with stress and anxiety. Now more than ever we need to ensure safe access for everyone to our public natural areas and open spaces.”

“People will learn the key cognitive-behavioral concepts behind our program and some of our best tools for coping with stress, anxiety, and anger,” states Sandra Wilcoxon, CEO of Recovery International. “Our 4-step Method has helped hundreds of thousands of people over the years manage triggers and symptoms from everyday events and we are delighted to share these techniques with others through this book.”

The book, Better. Mental. Health. Nature Journal (ISBN-13 : 979-8720138974), retails for $18.99 and is available on Amazon and through the websites of www.theconservationfoundation.org and www.recoveryinternational.org

Proceeds from sales will benefit outreach programs of each organization.

The Conservation Foundation’s mission is to improve the health of our communities by preserving and restoring natural areas and open space, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship of our environment.

The mission of Recovery International is to use the cognitive-behavioral, peer-to-peer, self-help training system developed by Abraham Low, MD, to help people gain skills to lead more peaceful and productive lives.

Sandra Wilcoxon, CEO
Recovery International, Oak Brook, IL
swilcoxon@recoveryinternational.org
312-962-5991
Cell: 708-296-0774

Brook McDonald, President/CEO
The Conservation Foundation, Naperville, IL
bmcdonald@theconservationfoundation.org
630-428-4500, ext. 112
Cell: 630-715-7090