Nature Engagement for Seniors Trust (N.E.S.T.) brings joy and connection to residents of long-term care homes through birdwatching and nature stewardship programs. Our programs help address social isolation, cognitive decline, and inactivity by engaging residents with the natural world. NEST provides all equipment, materials, and trained docents at no cost to participating facilities or families. We fund our programs entirely through grants and philanthropic support, so communities and residents pay nothing.
For us, it’s personal
Nature Engagement for Seniors Trust honors our mom and all the moms, dads, sisters, brothers, and partners living in long-term care centers.
In 2022, my mom suffered a devastating stroke that took her ability to read, walk, and garden. She never relearned the word “stroke.” She called it “the day I was murdered.” (AI can’t make that up!)
My sister Jamie cared for her at her home for a year, until a fall broke her hip and she had to move into a skilled nursing facility. In her final 3 months, when so much had already been taken from her, we could still sit on the deck, count ducks in the pond, and watch the red-tailed hawks.
Eventually, other residents came out to join us. Together we sat, often in silence, while nature worked its magic.
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” Rachel Carson
The Co-Founders’ mother, Jane Jackson, and her granddaughter, Paige Jackson.