The Nature Connection (formerly known as Animals As Intermediaries, AAI) brings animal and nature programs to people with limited access to the natural world.  Founded over 25 years ago, we connect individuals with nature’s capacity to heal and to teach.

The Nature Connection serves at-risk youth, people with disabilities and elders.  We use a unique methodology that brings together seasonal natural materials, live animals, storytelling, music and other expressive arts.

Visiting each site once a month, or more, The Nature Connection brings educational and therapeutic nature programs to hospitals, residential programs, special needs schools, and nursing homes. We have served some of our clients for over 15 years.

Since our founding in 1983, The Nature Connection has provided over 15,000 contacts with at-risk youth, elders and people with disabilities in the Greater Boston area. We have also shared our work with more than 20,000 individuals, nationally and internationally, through our award-winning book, Bring Me the Ocean.