New South Carolina initiative to put nature at the heart of workforce and community wellbeing
July 10, 2025
Nature at Work to launch on July 14 in Columbia, uniting leaders across sectors to create a healthier, more resilient South Carolina.
Nature at Work, a new statewide initiative focused on reconnecting people to nature for better health and stronger communities, officially launches on July 14 as part of the 2025 SC7 Expedition. Founded by Dr. Susan Johnson, a longtime leader in workforce wellbeing and public health, the platform helps organizations integrate nature into the way people work, live, and lead.
The initiative will officially launch at Trail Talks: Nature at Work, a public event on Monday, July 14 at 12:00 PM at the Virginia Bedford Community Center at Earlewood Park in Columbia. The event includes a healthy luncheon and remarks from statewide leaders across business, government, and conservation.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trail-talks-nature-at-work-tickets-1442069662179
Grounded in a growing body of research linking time in nature to improved physical, mental, and social health, Nature at Work provides a practical, evidence-informed framework for building healthier people, workplaces, and communities across South Carolina. Nature at Work connects people, businesses, and communities to nature-based strategies and resources that support healthier lives, stronger organizations, and a more resilient South Carolina.
The platform is built around four key areas:
- Workplace Wellness Innovation – Pioneering a new model of nature-based worksite wellness by integrating nature into the built environment, daily practices, and workplace culture to promote wellbeing at every level.
- Service Ecosystem & Provider Support – Showcasing and supporting nature-based businesses and nonprofits by connecting them with employers, building capacity, and growing a statewide ecosystem of service providers.
- Strategic Partnerships for Impact – Aligning with businesses, municipalities, academic institutions, and nonprofits to scale nature-based solutions that benefit both people and planet.
- Corporate Stewardship & Community Impact – Mobilizing teams through environmental volunteerism and service, connecting people to purpose and place while helping restore South Carolina’s natural resources.
“We’re creating a first-of-its-kind platform that connects people, organizations, and communities around the idea that nature belongs at the center of how we live and work,” said Dr. Susan Johnson, Founder of Nature at Work. “It’s about turning that vision into meaningful action—supporting what’s already working across the state, sparking new ideas, and inspiring collective efforts toward healthier people and healthier places.”
Founding Members are mission-aligned organizations helping launch and lead the South Carolina Nature, Health & Business Group. Their early support reflects a shared belief in the future of work—one rooted in purpose, nature, and community. This growing group of leaders is advancing a vision for healthier people, stronger communities, and a more resilient South Carolina.
Current Founding Members include:
- Atlantic Packaging
- BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
- City of Columbia
- Coastal Carolina
- Heritage Landcare
- Palmetto Pride
- Pickens County
- South Carolina Aquarium
- South Carolina National Heritage Corridor
- The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University
- Town of Mount Pleasant
“The official launch of Nature at Work is the very best of South Carolina. I applaud leaders from the public and private sectors for coming together to unite health, business, and the outdoors to help create and foster thriving workplaces and stronger communities,” said South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette.
“We’re proud to support Nature at Work as a Founding Member,” said Mike Harris, Vice President at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. “This initiative is helping define what the future of workforce wellbeing can look like when we prioritize both people and the environment.”
As part of the launch, Nature at Work will be featured throughout the 2025 SC7 Expedition—a month-long statewide event hosted by the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor in partnership with Global Eco Adventures that highlights resiliency, ecotourism, and health. The Nature at Work team will host guided experiences, leadership gatherings, and community conversations tied to SC7 events across the state.
“The SC7 Expedition brings together some of South Carolina’s most passionate and forward-thinking leaders,” said Michelle McCollum, President and CEO of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor. “We’re excited to feature Nature at Work this year and support its vision for a healthier, more connected future.”
Organizations and individuals interested in joining Nature at Work can explore membership opportunities at www.natureatworksc.org, where they’ll find resources, programs, and ways to get involved.
About Nature at Work
Nature at Work is a statewide platform that helps employers, educators, and communities integrate nature into the way we work, live, and lead. Founded in South Carolina, the initiative connects organizations to nature-based strategies, providers, and partnerships that support healthier people, stronger communities, and more resilient ecosystems. Learn more at www.natureatworksc.org.
