Groundwork Jacksonville (GWJax) is proud to have been awarded a grant from the Winston Family Foundation to develop a neighborhood initiative in the Brentwood community as part of Project One Health, a 3-year strategic initiative that aims to redefine the relationship between people and nature in Jacksonville.
Founded by the Winston Family Foundation, Project One Health works with national experts and community-based partners to support nature programs that provide meaningful outdoor experiences and opportunities for face-to-face social connection, with the goal of reducing screen time.
The grant enables GWJax to create a nature hub along the S-Line at the Northern section of the Emerald Trail, complete with a micro forest, imaginative play area, and outdoor classroom. GWJax is partnering with 2nd Mile Ministries and area schools to get kids off screens and actively experiencing nature along the Emerald Trail.
Joni Alexandre, project manager for GWJax has developed an evidence-based curriculum for the program that aligns with Florida School Standards in hopes the program can be adopted more widely in classrooms.
New learning modules will be introduced weekly about topics like water quality, native birds, tree planting, pollinators, the role of insects, gardening, wildlife safety, team building, healthy eating and mind-body exercises. Youth will have fun with interactive and team activities including nature bingo, litter clean ups, scavenger hunts, journaling, bird watching, water sampling, pickleball, yoga, golf and planting community gardens.
Research shows that kids spend up to 90% of their time indoors and on screens. On average, children spend more than 7 hours a day on screens, but less than 10 minutes in unstructured outdoor play.
This shift is contributing to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation, especially among teens. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in 5 U.S. children ages 3–17 has a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorder.
Just 20 minutes outdoors can lower stress hormones and help kids feel calmer and more focused. This improves mood, boosts confidence, and supports emotional regulation. “Spending time outdoors has tremendous health benefits and creates a stronger sense of community,” said Kay Ehas, Groundwork Jacksonville CEO and member of the Project One Health Jax Advisory Council. “We are honored to be a founding community partner of this program which closely aligns with our mission to empower children and teens to advocate for the environment while encouraging residents of all ages to experience the Emerald Trail.”
