Celebrating Earth Day at Ryther: Healing Happens in Nature

At Ryther, Earth Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a reminder of the role nature plays in helping children heal. Nestled in the heart of Seattle, Ryther’s 9-acre campus is a lush, green sanctuary intentionally designed to support youth on their therapeutic journeys. With winding nature trails, a challenge course, a rock climbing wall, therapeutic gardens, and outdoor sensory stations, our campus is as much a part of the healing process as the therapy sessions themselves.

As the Washington Post reported in a recent article, spending time in nature improves cognition, lowers stress, and builds resilience in children. At Ryther, we see these benefits in action every day. When a child is given the space to explore, move, and breathe in the open air, their body begins to regulate, their mind begins to calm, and they’re better able to engage in the deeper therapeutic work that leads to lasting change.

Our outdoor spaces are not just beautiful—they’re built for purpose:

• The nature trail offers quiet moments for reflection and connection.

• The rock climbing wall and challenge course build confidence and teach children how to navigate uncertainty with support.

• Therapeutic gardens provide hands-on, calming activities that promote mindfulness and emotional regulation.

• Outdoor sensory stations help children with sensory sensitivities process their environment safely and comfortably.

Ryther's approach to mental and behavioral health is rooted in the belief that children need more than four walls and a couch to thrive—they need nature, movement, and joy. As we mark Earth Day 2025, we’re proud to be a place where healing happens under open skies and among tall trees.

Want to experience Ryther's campus for yourself? Sign up for a tour and see how nature and therapy work together at Ryther.

We’re grateful to the community of donors and volunteers who help maintain and restore our green spaces year-round. Your support ensures that every child who walks onto Ryther’s campus has the chance to find peace, purpose, and healing in nature.

Happy Earth Day from all of us at Ryther!