Parents who want to set up their children for success should make sure they live near green space, according to a recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia in Canada.

To conduct the research scientists analyzed the developmental scores of more than 27,000 children in Vancouver who attended kindergarten between 2005 and 2011. They evaluated the amount of green space around the children’s residences from birth to age five using satellite imagery.

Their findings? Access to green space from a very young age can help the development of social, emotional and mental milestones in kids.

The scientists concluded that exposure to residential green space might improve childhood development by reducing the adverse developmental effects of traffic-related exposure, including air pollution.

The good news for parents is that nature starts in your own backyard – your personal patch of green space. To learn more about the many benefits of having and spending time in our backyards and community parks, go to TurfMutt.com.