As temperatures rise and heat waves become more frequent and intense because of climate change, it’s critical to understand how trees and other sources of shade affect temperatures and how children play, especially in under-resourced communities that often have higher temperatures, less nature access, and less supportive environments for physical activity than other communities. Further, nature play may help to improve children’s social-emotional learning (SEL) skills as well as provide health benefits during life-altering events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn how the Austin Parks & Recreation Department partnered with UTHealth School of Public Health to determine how trees planted as part of the CCCN Green School Park program impact temperatures within parks and physical activity levels of children, and how children’s connection to nature relates to their social-emotional learning skills.