A foundation established by longtime Jacksonville philanthropists James and Mary Winston has launched a $6 million, three-year initiative to reduce the time urban youth spend staring at electronic screens and increase their connection with nature.

To kick off Project OneHealth Jax, the Winston Family Foundation has awarded grants totaling $2.75 million to Groundwork Jacksonville, LIFT JAX, LISC Jacksonville and the Partnership for Child Health to each develop neighborhood programs in Brentwood, Eastside, New Town and Springfield.

To begin this fall, they will be designed to “activate existing green spaces” in the city’s urban core, including the Emerald Trail and underutilized city parks, according to the foundation.

“The ‘indoor childhood’ is taking a toll on the physical, emotional and developmental health of today’s youth and we see this as an urgent public health crisis,” said Sylia Obagi, foundation CEO, who is spearheading the project.

U.S. children and teens spend an average of 7 hours of screen time a day and 10 minutes outside — 90% of their time is indoors and on screens, according to the foundation. That imbalance has contributed to a “physical and mental health crisis among today’s youth,” the foundation said.

“Research shows children who regularly spend time in nature have stronger social skills, improved focus, higher levels of self-confidence and greater physical health,” Obagi said. “By helping kids get off their devices and reconnect with the natural world right outside their doors, we create a positive cycle of change that improves the health of humans, wildlife and the environment.”

The foundation is collaborating with the nonprofit Children & Nature Network, which provides expert guidance, educational resources and strategic support.

“Nature is one of the most powerful tools we have to support children’s growth, learning and resilience,” network President and CEO Sarah Milligan-Toffler said. “We have seen this work create lasting and positive change for children, families and communities across the U.S. and we welcome Jacksonville’s leadership and engagement.”

James H. Winston, who died in 2018, was a Jacksonville civic leader, real estate developer and philanthropist. He and his wife Mary, who died in 2009, established the foundation in 1986.

The late Jacksonville philanthropists James and Mary Winston, in an undated photo, have launched a $6 million youth health initiative.

The late Jacksonville philanthropists James and Mary Winston, in an undated photo, have launched a $6 million youth health initiative.

“My parents … believed all life is interconnected and no one is excluded,” daughter Kimmie Winston said. “Much of their community investment focused on improving the quality of life for all people in Jacksonville, and now the Winston Family Foundation honors their values and legacy by continuing the important work they started decades ago.”

Each of the four nonprofits was eligible for up to $750,000 in initial grants, based on the “scale and scope of their proposals,” according to the foundation. Additional grants are in development.

Here is more information about the work the nonprofits will do:

  • Brentwood — Groundwork Jacksonville will organize weekly youth nature clubs and partnerships with local schools, “sparking a nature-powered movement.” The nonprofit is already transforming the northern stretch of the Emerald Trail S-Line into a nature hub, with a micro forest, play area and outdoor classroom.

  • Eastside — LIFT JAX will “weave urban farming, environmental stewardship and youth leadership into a dynamic vision for community wellness,” partnering parks, schools and gardens with youth-led urban farming and monthly eco-excursions.

  • New Town — LISC Jacksonville will work with organizations that serve youth to provide nature-based after-school programming at S.P. Livingston Elementary. LISC will also plan nature-based park activities for families, school gardening and sensory-based nature exploration.

  • Springfield — The Partnership for Child Health program features “screen-free wellness campaigns” and nature-based youth ecological stewardship activities. They will include monthly wellness and cultural events and a teen Trail Stewardship Program.

For more information go to projectonehealth.org.

bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Project to connect Jacksonville youth with nature over digital devices