Plants, Nature, and Health Initiative

***  January 9, 2025 Strategic Planning Session ***

Draft agenda for the January 9 strategic planning session.
Draft goals of the Initiative.

***  October 2024 Mini-Symposium ***

Short presentations were made by individuals that had expressed an interest in working on the Initiative after the October 2023 brainstorming session.

Recording of “lightning talks” given by those interested in the Initiative.
Proposal to create the Initiative.
Brainstormed list of potential research and outreach projects.
Directory of those interested in the Initiative.

***  October 2023 “Horticulture & Wellness” Brainstorming Event ***

Representatives from all across the Texas A&M System working in this subject matter area came together for a half-day brainstorming session to: (1) share a short summary of their mission and direction, as well as major research, outreach projects, or other banner programs; (2) ideate regarding potential collaborations among the entities represented to mitigate redundancies and/or capture synergies; and (3) identify unique or novel ways to enhance knowledge transfer and/or educate clientele as to the benefits of plants and greenscapes in improving mental and physical health. To set the stage for the meeting, Dr. Jay Maddock presented the Ellison Chair Distinguished Lecture the day prior entitled “Exploring the plant, greenspace, and human health connection.” (link provided below)

Distinguished lecture by Dr. Maddock to frame the issue

Introduction to the project

• • The Why:  The need and purpose of the project
  • Potential internal TAMU and Agency partners identified
  • Brainstorming event attendees
  • Brainstorming session agenda and intro slides
  • Brainwriting instructions and ideation sheet

Outcomes of the brainstorming session

1. 1. All 207 unique ideas generated and add-on notes
   2. The top 3 rated ideas from each table (summarized on the flipcharts)
   3. The final list of ideas after consolidating those with similar themes and removing duplication
   4. Full directory of potential internal partners identified to date
   5. Participants who stated interest in collaborating on the final list of ideas

• • Appendix A:  Original brainwriting worksheets
  • Appendix B:  Original flipcharts with green dots
  • Appendix C:  1-page primer on plants and wellness benefits
  • Appendix D:  News release regarding the brainstorming session