Skyland Trail Receives 2026 Therapeutic Garden Design Award from American Horticultural Therapy Association

ATLANTA, GA — June 2026 — Skyland Trail has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Therapeutic Garden Design Award from the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), recognizing the organization’s outstanding therapeutic garden design and horticultural programming.

The award honors gardens and landscapes that demonstrate excellence in therapeutic design, accessibility, programming, and the meaningful integration of people, plants, and place. According to AHTA, Skyland Trail’s therapeutic gardens serve as an exceptional model of how thoughtfully designed environments can support healing, personal growth, and recovery.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from the American Horticultural Therapy Association,” says Skyland Trail horticultural therapist Marisol Clark, HTR. “Our horticultural therapy program and therapeutic gardens are an important part of the recovery experience at Skyland Trail, providing opportunities for connection, reflection, skill-building, and healing. This award reflects the dedication of our staff and the transformative impact of incorporating nature-based therapies into mental health treatment.”

Horticultural therapy is an integral component of Skyland Trail’s comprehensive treatment approach for adult and adolescent mental health treatment programs.

“Through hands-on activities in our greenhouse and gardens, clients develop practical skills, build confidence, reduce stress, and experience the restorative benefits of connecting with nature,” says Jeanne Schultz, M.Ed, CPS- AD, HTR, Skyland Trail horticultural therapy assistant. “We are grateful to local garden clubs, foundations, and individual donors whose contributions help bring therapeutic outdoor spaces to life.”