For centuries, poets and philosophers extolled the benefits of a walk in the woods: Beethoven drew inspiration from rocks and trees; Wordsworth composed while tromping within the heath; Nikola Tesla conceived the electrical motor while visiting a park. Intrigued by our storied renewal in the organic world, Florence Williams models out to uncover the technology behind nature’s results on the mind.

From forest paths in Korea, to islands in Finland, to groves of eucalyptus in California, Williams investigates the science at the confluence of environment, mood, health, and creativity. Delving into new analysis, she uncovers the power of the natural world to boost health, promote representation and development, and ultimately strengthen our relationships. As our contemporary lives shift dramatically indoors, these tips?and the answers they yield?are even more urgent than ever before.