Announcements

Phase I of joint research between Green Chimneys and the University of Denver Institute for Human-Animal Connection to study the impact of Green Chimneys’ unique farm programs on outcomes for the students who attend Green Chimneys School.
This documentation report was developed through a multi-phase process and represents a qualitative examination of the impacts of Green Chimneys’ farm and nature-based programs from the perspective of the teaching staff
The research team from The Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) – comprised of research staff, graduate-level social work students, and external partners and colleagues – first conducted a comprehensive review of the relevant research literature to evaluate the impact of nature-based interventions on the social-emotional learning and positive youth development of children and adolescents with psycho-social and special education needs.
A cornerstone of this process was to underscore the importance of actively ensuring animal welfare and environmental sustainability in nature-based interventions designed primarily to improve human health and development.
Research team members then directly observed Green Chimneys’ programming to gain further understanding of the diverse nature-based interventions offered to students and their apparent effects. Semi-structured interviews with over 100 Green Chimneys staff members were conducted across the farm, school, clinical, and residential life departments.
In partnership with The Institute for Human-Animal Connection, and as part of The Sam and Myra Ross Institute’s work to advance the field of human-animal interaction through advocacy, education and research, Documentation of Nature-Based Programs at Green Chimneys is available for review.
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A school that partners children with animals for educational and therapeutic activities is an ideal home for Nutmeg, a Nubian goat donated by a family who kept her as a therapy animal for a child with special needs. Nutmeg arrived at Green Chimneys as an energetic one-year-old. Although she had lived solely with people, she immediately adapted to her new goat peers at the farm. At the same time, she presents a challenge to students: goats possess a strong will so taking a walk is not always a simple task.