biostudies-literatureLanza KMichael and Susan Dell FoundationCity of Austin Parks &amp; Recreation DepartmentRobert Wood Johnson Foundation98https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7792068biostudies-literatureUnknown21(1)<h4>Background</h4>Latinx children in the United States are at high risk for nature-deficit disorder, heat-related illness, and physical inactivity. We developed the Green Schoolyards Project to investigate how green features-trees, gardens, and nature trails-in school parks impact heat index (i.e., air temperature and relative humidity) within parks, and physical activity levels and socioemotional well-being of these children. Herein, we present novel methods for a) observing children's interaction with green features and b) measuring heat index and children's behaviors in a natural setting, and a selection of baseline results.<h4>Methods</h4>During two September weeks (high temperature) and one November week (moderate temperature) in 2019, we examined three joint-use elementary school paBMC public healthEffects of trees, gardens, and nature trails on heat index and child health: design and methods of the Green Schoolyards Project.PMC779206876576Hoelscher DMAlcazar MLanza KKohl HWfalseEffects of trees, gardens, and nature trails on heat index and child health: design and methods of the Green Schoolyards Project.<h4>Background</h4>Latinx children in the United States are at high risk for nature-deficit disorder, heat-related illness, and physical inactivity. We developed the Green Schoolyards Project to investigate how green features-trees, gardens, and nature trails-in school parks impact heat index (i.e., air temperature and relative humidity) within parks, and physical activity levels and socioemotional well-being of these children. Herein, we present novel methods for a) observing children's interaction with green features and b) measuring heat index and children's behaviors in a natural setting, and a selection of baseline results.<h4>Methods</h4>During two September weeks (high temperature) and one November week (moderate temperature) in 2019, we examined three joint-use elementary school pa2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 Jan2026-07-16T03:33:07.452Z2021-02-20T20:48:46ZS-EPMC77920683341327610.1186/s12889-020-10128-2