EcoMind California is an app designed to help you enhance your mental wellbeing by connecting you with the natural world. Each day, you will be prompted to "Start reflection" by reflecting on your interactions with nature over the past 24 hours.

Additionally, every week you will receive activities to "Capture the moment"and take time to engage with nature, whether it's listening to birds, visiting a park, or snapping a picture of your favorite tree.

The choice is yours, and we encourage you to engage in a way that feels comfortable and enjoyable for you.

Scientific studies demonstrate the positive impact of interactions with nature on mental well being. Recent studies (e.g., Hammoud et al., 2022; Buxton et al., 2024; Goodson et al., 2025) further highlight the importance of biodiversity and multi-sensory interactions (e.g., hearing birdsong) with nature for fostering mental health. In urban environments such as Stockton, these interactions are even more important yet may go unnoticed without reflection on one’s experiences. Importantly, the characteristics of cities that support biodiversity are also those that foster community well being.

Your participation will provide much-needed research data on the mental health benefits of the natural world. In addition to providing valuable research data, you will also be able to: Track your EcoMind score each day and learn how this is influencing your wellbeing, boost your mental wellbeing by completing our weekly invitations to connect with the natural world, receive personalized insights into how your surrounding environment is affecting your mental wellbeing

Results from this work may help guide policy interventions and urban adaptation plans in response to a changing climate.