NE1962: Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Other Green Environments: Understanding Human and Community Benefits and Mechanisms

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Active

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[10/08/2025]

Date of Annual Report: 10/08/2025

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/24/2025 - 07/24/2025
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2023 - 09/30/2025

Participants

Attendees: 14
Name Affiliation
Lincoln Larson, NC State Univ. (Co-chair)
Sohyun Parn, Univ. of Connecticut (Co-chair)
Anton Bekkerman, Univ. New Hampshire (USDA Advisor)
Zahra Ali, Univ. of Connecticut
Peter Butler, West Virginia Univ.
Kristi Lekies, Ohio State Univ.
Naomi Sachs, Univ. of Maryland
Kathry Scholl, Univ. of Northern Iowa
Anne Spafford, Mississippi State Univ.
Taylor Stein, Univ. of Florida
Keith Tidball, Cornell Univ.
Liz Van Wormer, Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln
Nancy Wells, Cornell University
Youngjae Won, NC State Univ.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Meeting Agenda/Minutes for July 24, 2025:

Welcome & Meeting Charge

Introductions of NE1962 leaders - Lincoln Larson, Sohyun Park, Anton Bekkerman (USDA rep)

What is NE1962? USDA Multistate Research Project: “Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Other Green Environments: Understanding Human and Community Benefits and Mechanisms” - Lincoln Larson, Peter Fix
- Origin/history of NE1962
- Overall goal: Advance understanding of the benefits parks provide to society (improved health quality of life, community well-being, environmental stewardship)
- Assess patterns of outdoor recreation, environmental literacy and community resilience across geographic regions and demographic groups, replicate research in different environments, establish baseline data for the tracking of trends, engage researchers across multiple disciplines to explore broader impacts on human, community, and ecological health
- Involves collaborators from across the country

Why be a part of NE1962? - Lincoln Larson
- Advance interdisciplinary research surrounding outdoor recreation, parks, and greenspace and the benefits they provide to society (collaborate with researchers across the country working on related topics)
- Gain access to resources (funding support, potential collaborators, professional networks, etc.) that can help to achieve those goals
  - Discuss different ways people have benefited in the past
- If people are not members of NE 1962 and would like to join, they should talk with their Experiment Station directors if they are at land grant institutions. Funding should be available to support attendance at annual meetings. Participants should talk with Anton Bekkerman if they have any questions about the process. Anton is also available to help others at non-land grant institutions to become part of the project.

Purpose of meeting today - Lincoln Larson
- General updates
- Discuss the primary NE1962 product to date: The Power of Parks book
- Discuss the NE1962 reporting and renewal process

Overview on progress of Power of Parks book – Lincoln Larson

Book purpose, sections, guidelines, revised timeline, FAQs, etc.

See book overview here

Discuss publishing delays and the workplan for final edits, etc. (see Chapter Formatting Template for details); still working with publisher (Sagamore-Venture) on the timeline

Considering planning a symposium with federal agencies and others interested in book content when it comes time to release

Renewal of NE1962 – Lincoln Larson, Keith Tidball

Discuss renewal of project and requirements (e.g., annual reporting) - Anton Bekkerman

Example link to annual reporting form (for 2019-2020) – Do we want to modify this process?
- An annual report will be due in its entirety within 60 days after this meeting. Annual reports for multistate projects MUST follow the SAES/Appendix D format. Annual Report (Appendix D/SAES-422) Format (log into NIMSS first): https://www.nimss.org/forms/appendix_d.pdf

Improving efforts to document annual meeting and agenda

Potential proposal re-write (and timeline). The current NE 1962 project runs through September 30, 2027. There is a desire to renew the project for another cycle. We will organize a team to help with writing, updating the literature review, adding diversity, and creating objectives that will be more inclusive of interests in the field.

Next steps for NE1962 - Lincoln Larson, Keith Tidball

New leadership - Keith Tidball

Website updates (link to updated website) - anything else to add/change? - Sohyun Park

Group email at ne1962@gmail.com

Recruitment of new collaborators

Book publication and promotion

Potential collaborative project ideas that extend data collection efforts across states?
- Campus Nature Rx
- Veterans and using outdoor recreation to combat trauma
- Mapping park and outdoor recreation access and equity
- Others?

Potential funding opportunities?

Next meeting – Next annual meeting might be held at the National Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) conference in April 2026 in Virginia Beach, VA, with an online option to participate.

Wrap-up

Other Multistate Group meetings from 2023-2025:

February 3, 2023 – “Power of Parks” Book Task Outline Meeting, 3:00–3:30 PM
Attendees: Kathy Scholl, Peter Fix

February 10, 2023 – “Power of Parks” Book Chapter Revisions Discussion, 2:00–3:00 PM
Attendees: Peter Fix, Kathy Scholl, Kristi Lekies, Lincoln Larson, Taylor Stein
Unconfirmed (no RSVP): Sohyun Park, Keith Tidball

March 3, 2023 – Final Decision on “Power of Parks” Chapters, 12:00–2:00 PM
Attendees: Peter Fix, Kathy Scholl, Keith Tidball, Kristi Lekies, Lincoln Larson
Unconfirmed (no RSVP): Sohyun Park

June 2, 2025 – NE1962 Annual Meeting on Project Renewal, 2:00–3:30 PM
Attendees: Lincoln Larson, Kathy Scholl, Keith Tidball, Kristi Lekies, Sohyun Park, Peter Fix, Taylor Stein

Accomplishments

Relevant to All Project Objectives Throughout this reporting period, which covers 2 years due to the absence of a meeting/report last year, our primary goals has remained completion of an edited volume focused on “The Transformative Power of Parks” that encompasses the three major themes of NE 1962 (health and well-being, environmental literacy and stewardship, community resilience and vitality), plus a fourth cross-cutting theme (equity and inclusion).  The group has signed a contract with Sagamore-Venture to publish the book. The call for chapter abstracts was released in Spring 2020 to an overwhelming positive response. Despite substantial delays in the writing and review process due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a variety of other factors, work on the book continues. To date, the editorial team has received and reviewed 50 chapter submissions from authors around the world that address themes in all four sections of the books. The team is currently working to finalize chapter content (with 8-15 chapters published in each of the four book sections). The final version of the book will likely be published in the upcoming reporting period (2026). As the book project concludes, we will continue to explore other collaborative opportunities – focused on either generating new research, synthesizing existing research, and/or sharing information via outreach/extension – to advance our overarching project goal of facilitating a change in knowledge related to understanding human and community benefits and mechanisms of outdoor recreation, parks and other green environments. Relevant to Specific Project Objectives Accomplishments and activities related to specific project objectives are described below and listed according to the Multistate Group member who reported them. Objective 1 (health and well-being): Explore the role that parks and outdoor recreation play in promoting physical activity, psychological well-being, and associated preventative health benefits. Peter Butler: None reported. Peter Fix: The main activity during this reporting period was partnering with the Bureau of Land Management to gather data related to desired outcomes and attainment of those outcomes of recreational visitors on lands managed by the agency. This research was in support of the Outcomes Focused Management framework utilized when field offices are developing a Resource Management Plan. Data were collected from over 5,000 visitors at 11 sites across seven western states. Corey Gallo: Continued relationships with four previous learning garden landscapes. Created a new learning garden in Leflore County, MS. Created a series of landscapes to promote health in activity in Belzoni, MS. Focused research on food access and security in the Mississippi Delta. Madison Jones: DWELL Lab projects demonstrate how immersive media and nature-based storytelling can encourage physical and psychological engagement with green spaces. Directed PFAS Kitchen (2024), an augmented reality application highlighting toxic exposures in household spaces, which connected environmental justice with public health awareness. PFAS Kitchen (2024), an augmented reality application developed with STEEP, combined interactive design and public health messaging to raise awareness of toxic exposures in domestic spaces. The project received the Grand Prize in the Environmental Communication Awards (AAEES, 2025): <a href="https://doi.org/10.23860/pfas">https://doi.org/10.23860/pfas</a> . Integrated embodied field activities in North Woods Project (2023–25), including walking tours, field notes, and AR overlays to foster wellness and attention restoration. The North Woods Project (2024) integrated field-based walking tours, AR overlays, and creative-scientific field methods to support wellness, attention restoration, and experiential learning. The project involved undergraduate and graduate students in outdoor fieldwork, emphasizing active, embodied encounters with nature: <a href="https://web.uri.edu/dwell/projects/north-woods/">https://web.uri.edu/dwell/projects/north-woods/</a>. Taught science communication courses (WRT 334, HPR 411) that embedded field-based writing and reflection, encouraging students to recognize the health benefits of outdoor immersion. Lincoln Larson: Over the past year, our interdisciplinary team continues to explore a variety of ways that parks and nature-based recreation contribute to physical and mental health and well-being. Working with international collaborators, we continued our survey work examining the nature-health connection across different cultures (Brazil, Spain, US), focusing specifically on mental health outcomes such as depression. We continued to refine and expand our experimental studies with college students, investigating links between green time (via nature walks, birdwatching, and natural soundscapes) and mental health on college campuses. We also initiated a new research project with NC State park to examine the mental health benefits associated with state park visits. Kristi Lekies: Currently working on a study of the role of nature photography in therapeutic healing for adolescents in residential care. Contributed to study on the benefits of urban youth agriculture programs. Currently completing manuscripts from a long-term study of youth outdoor adventure recreation. Kathy Scholl: During my time as Head of the Department of Health, Recreation and Community Services (Sept. 2020–June 2025), I developed an Outdoor Education and Leadership Program designed to connect student learning with the physical and psychological health benefits of outdoor recreation. The program emphasizes skill development in trip planning, logistics, promotion, leadership, risk management, group dynamics, and outdoor education. Students gain knowledge through coursework and apply it in the field by coordinating and leading outdoor recreation experiences with RTNL Outdoor Adventures (https://coe.uni.edu/llc/students/rtnl-adventure-trips). These immersive experiences not only prepare students for professional leadership roles but also highlight how structured engagement in outdoor settings can foster physical activity, enhance well-being, and promote preventative health benefits. Taylor Stein: I produced research related to the use of long-distance and multi-use trails in Florida and the U.S. Research goals helped identify trails of low use and identified ways to better promote, develop, and manage for long distance trails. Also, work in Michigan examined how multi-use trails can be designed to promote health benefits for local residents. Objective 2 (environmental literacy and stewardship): Explore the role that park and outdoor recreation play in promoting environmental literacy and stewardship behavior among youth and across the lifespan. Madison Jones: Directed North Woods Project (2023–25), integrating AR walking tours, digital field methods, and art-based storytelling to support stewardship and literacy: <a href="https://web.uri.edu/dwell/projects/north-woods/">https://web.uri.edu/dwell/projects/north-woods/</a>. Led Visualizing Stormwater Infrastructure (2024), an AR walking tour in Roger Williams Park focused on water infrastructure and ecological literacy: <a href="https://web.uri.edu/dwell/projects/visualizing-stormwater-infrastructure/">https://web.uri.edu/dwell/projects/visualizing-stormwater-infrastructure/</a>. Advanced OpenAR Toolkit (2024–25), providing open-access tutorials and templates for AR environmental projects: <a href="https://openar.tech/">https://openar.tech/</a>. Embedded stewardship-oriented pedagogy in WRT 334 and HPR 411 through field notes, iNaturalist activities, and creative science writing. Lincoln Larson: Our work in this area was far reaching, touching on topics including private landowner participation in conservation programs, best practices for participatory science engagement, sustainability within camp organizations, values and conflicts impacting a pro-conservation ethos, connections between outdoor recreation and tourism and pro-environmental behaviors, and the efficacy of various communication strategies for different audiences. Notable highlights include a partnership with Green Camps to enhance sustainability across the camp sector in North America, investigations of message framing and communication approaches that promote wildlife tolerance and stewardship for controversial species (e.g., wolves, sharks), and multi-state projects designed to increase access to and participation in hunting and subsequent conservation behaviors. Kristi Lekies: Contributed to study on the benefits of urban youth agriculture programs. Objective 3 (community resilience and vitality): Explore the role that parks and outdoor recreation play in promoting community resilience and vitality. Peter Butler: Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Other Green Environments: Understanding Human and Community Benefits and Mechanisms project address several issues in West Virginia. Many rural communities lack the capacity to design and plan for greenspace development. We work with West Virginia communities and counties through participatory design and planning processes that develops an understanding of these types of environments and how they contribute to public health, community vibrancy and building relationships between citizens and their natural environment. We demonstrated and expanded the evidence for the role of park and outdoor recreation services in promoting community vibrancy and resilience through a funded research project: 2023-2028 “Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities (TAB)” PI Carrie Staton WV Brownfield Assistance Center from the EPA Region 3, with the West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center $5,000,000, (five years) co-PI. The TAB program revitalizes primarily contaminated sites with an industrial past. Design and planning projects include the affordance of new public spaces for recreation and physical activity and support community vibrancy. Madison Jones: Advanced Manissean Tour (2022–25), amplifying Indigenous histories and cultivating sense of place on Block Island. Expanded North Woods Project into a cross-disciplinary model for connecting writing, science, and community engagement. Led Visualizing Stormwater Infrastructure (2024) to highlight how green infrastructure contributes to resilient urban communities. Lincoln Larson: Most of work in this area focused on equitable urban greening and greenspace-centered urban planning strategies. We explored how trees and other forms of urban greenspace are distributed across the landscape, and how that distribution influences community outcomes (such as social cohesion, housing prices, financing mechanisms, etc.). We also focused on ways to build resilience by increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors and in land management agencies. Kristi Lekies: Currently helping graduate student publish study of place meanings and place attachment in the Appalachian region. Taylor Stein: Several projects have been conducted to better integrate the recreation use of restored and protected natural areas in urban areas to better provide community and social benefits for local people. Specifically, a socio-economic study of the Robinson Reserve in Manatee County looked at visitor use, economic impacts, and management of recreation in reserve. Also, work in Hillsborough County examined how to better integrate county environmental programming with local community residents to ensure they benefit from locally protected areas. Objective 4 (diversity and inclusion): Enhance efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in public parks, greenspaces, and outdoor recreation activities. Given the changes in federal policies and priorities regarding the use of these terms, we elected to not report any DEI-related accomplishments during this reporting period. Future Milestones for Next Year <ul> <li>Transition to new leadership for NE1962 (Keith Tidball becomes Chair)</li> <li>Publish “The Power of Parks” book by Summer 2026.</li> <li>Identify a cross-campus collaborative research project focused on nature and health connections by Fall 2026.</li> </ul>

Publications

Publications   Objective 1: Health and well-being Peer-reviewed Journal Articles: <ol> <li>Ahart, J., Jorgensen, A., Katusa, A., Edmonds, E., & Smalley, T. (2025). North Woods Project: Mobilizing digital field methods and art-based research for science communication and environmental advocacy. Kairos: A Journal of Rhetoric, Technology, and Pedagogy, 30(1). <a href="https://doi.org/10.7940/M330.1.TOPOI.JONES">https://doi.org/10.7940/M330.1.TOPOI.JONES</a></li> <li>Barger, B., Larson, L. R., Torquati, J., Moody, E., Ogletree, S., & Rosenberg, S. (2023). The complex relationship between greenspace and well-being in children with and without autism. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-being, 15, 705–722. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12406">https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12406</a></li> <li>Bowers, N., Franovich, A., Thomspon, D., & Summerlin, P. (2024). Jackson, Mississippi food security efforts: Understanding the current and future foodscape. Landscape Research Record, 13, 237–248.</li> <li>Browning, M. H. E. M., Hanley, J. R., Bailey, C. R., Beatley, T., Gailey, S., Hipp, J. A., Larson, L. R., Locke, D., James, P., Jennings, V., Jimenez, M. P., Kahn, Jr., P. H., Li, D., Reuben, A., Rigolon, A., Sachs, N. A., Pearson, A. L., & Minson, C. T. (2024). Quantifying nature: Introducing NatureScoreTM and NatureDoseTM as health analysis and promotion tools. American Journal of Health Promotion, 38(1), 126–134. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/08901171231210806b">https://doi.org/10.1177/08901171231210806b</a></li> <li>Gunter, B., Herrmann, H., Franovich, A., Lalk, S., & Gallo, C. (2023). The LivingRoom, a low-cost prototype outdoor classroom and learning garden. Architectural Research Centers Consortium, 265–272.</li> <li>Heilig, L., Overbay, A., & Roberts, T. (2024). Augmenting for accessible environments: Layering deep mapping, deep accessibility, and community literacy. Communication Design Quarterly, 12(2). <a href="https://doi.org/10.1145/3655727.3655731">https://doi.org/10.1145/3655727.3655731</a></li> <li>Holmes, M., Summerlin, P., Smith, M., Macali, I., & Buys, D. (2025). Quality and quantity of physical activity resources in the Mississippi Delta. Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, 10(4), 88–96.</li> <li>Klizentyte, K., Stein, T. V., & Clarke, M. (2024). Identifying health and economic benefits of multi-use trails using the ecological model of active living communities. Submitted to Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. <a href="https://doi.org/10.18666/JPRA-2024-12466">https://doi.org/10.18666/JPRA-2024-12466</a></li> <li>Li, H., Browning, M. H. E. M., Rigolon, A., Larson, L. R., Taff, D., Labib, S. M., Benfield, J., Yuan, S., McAnirlin, O., Hatami, N., & Kahn, Jr., P. H. (2023). Beyond bluespace and greenspace: A narrative review of possible health benefits from exposure to other natural landscapes. Science of the Total Environment, 856(2), 159292. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159292">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159292</a></li> <li>Li, H., Browning, M. H. E. M., Rigolon, A., Larson, L. R., Jennings, V., Rigolon, A., Ogletree, S., Parkinson, C., & Wang, R. (2025). Green spaces and social bonds: Investigating associations of parks and greenness with online social connectedness (via Facebook) across the United States. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 112, 128985. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2025.128985">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2025.128985</a></li> <li>Ortbahn, C. T., Hecht, M., & Lekies, K. S. (in press). Positive youth development and connection with nature in an urban agriculture program: Youth photovoice perspectives on confidence, connection, and belonging. Journal of Youth Development.</li> <li>Peterson, M. N., Larson, L. R., Hipp, J. A., Beall, J. M., Lerose, C., Desrochers, H., Lauder, S., Torres, S., Tarr, N. A., Stukes, K., Stevenson, K., & Martin, K. L. (2024). Birdwatching linked to increased psychological well-being on college campuses: A pilot-scale experimental study. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 96, 102306. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102306">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102306</a></li> <li>Patwary, M. M., Bardhan, M., Disha, A. S., Dzhambov, A. M., Parkinson, C., Browning, M. H. E. M., Labib, S. M., Larson, L. R., Haque, Z., Rahman, A., Alam, A., Tareq, F., & Shuvo, F. K. (2024). Nature exposure and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Navigation Guide systematic review with meta-analysis. Environmental Pollution, 356, 124284. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124284">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124284</a></li> <li>Rosa, C. D., Collado, S., Geiger, S., & Larson, L. R. (2025). Associations between depression and nature-based recreation: A cross-sectional study of adults in the United States, Spain, and Brazil. Scientific Reports, 15, 4910. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89156-0">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89156-0</a></li> <li>Rosa, C. D., Chaves, T. S., Collado, S., Larson, L., Lee, K. J., & Profice, C. (2025). The potential of gardening and other plant-related interventions to reduce symptoms of depression: A systematic review of non-randomized controlled trials and uncontrolled studies. People and Nature, 7(1), 295–316. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10764">https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10764</a></li> <li>Rosa, C. D., Larson, L. R., Collado, S., Geiger, S., Profice, C. C., & Menuchi, M. R. T. P. (2024). Associations between well-being and nature-based recreation: A cross-sectional study of adults in the United States, Brazil, and Spain. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 99, 102438. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102438">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102438</a></li> <li>Rosa, C. D., Chaves, T. S., Collado, S., Larson, L., Lee, K. J., & Profice, C. (2023). Horticultural interventions may reduce adults’ depressive symptoms: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 91, 102112. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j/jenvp.2023.102112">https://doi.org/10.1016/j/jenvp.2023.102112</a></li> <li>Rosa, C. D., Chaves, T. S., Collado, S., Larson, L. R., Profice, C. C. (2023). The effect of nature-based adventure interventions on depression: A systematic review. Environment and Behavior, 55(3), 140–174. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/00139165231174615">https://doi.org/10.1177/00139165231174615</a></li> </ol> Other Publications: <ol> <li>Datta, U. S., Butler, P. M. I., Jiang, S., Zizzi, S. J., Maxwell, A. (2024). What Makes A Public Green Place Active? Identifying Key Components of Successful Public Green Spaces in Rural Appalachia. (vol. EDRA 55). Washington DC: Environmental Design Research Association.</li> <li>Datta, U. S., Butler, P. M. I., Maxwell, A., Zizzi, S. J., Jiang, S. (2023). “How Far Is Not Too Far? Mapping Availability, Accessibility, and Proximity of Public Green Spaces in Rural Appalachia” (vol. 54). Oklahoma City, OK: Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA 54).</li> <li>PFAS Kitchen. Directed by Madison Jones, DWELL Lab / STEEP, 2024. Augmented reality game, DOI: 10.23860/pfas.</li> <li>Smith, C, Fix, P. J. & Casey, T. T. (2025). Dalton Highway Corridor Outcomes-Focused Management (OFM) Recreation Study, Summer 2023 and Winter 2024. Project report for the BLM Central Yukon Field Office. BLM PLRRP Report #31 Fairbanks, Alaska: University of Alaska Fairbanks, Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Extension.</li> <li>Smith, C., Garcia, R.A., Fix, P. J. (2025). McCoy Flats 2022 Outcomes-Focused Management (OFM) Recreation Survey Report. Project report for the BLM Vernal Field Office. BLM PLRRP Report #30. Fairbanks, Alaska: University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Natural Resources and Extension, Department of Natural Resources Management.</li> <li>Williams, J.; Walker, E.; Jarman, J.; and Stein, T.V. 2024. Florida National Scenic Trail Visitor Assessment 2022-2023. School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences. Gainesville, FL. 29 pp.</li> </ol>   Objective 2: Environmental literacy and stewardship Peer-reviewed Journal Articles: <ol> <li>Allf, B., & Larson, L. R. (accepted). The role of intrinsic motivation in sustaining citizen science participation among diverse participants in a corporate volunteer program. PLoS ONE.</li> <li>Beall, J. M., Pharr, L. D., von Furstenberg, R., Barber, A., Casola, W. R., Vaughn, A., Peterson, M. N., & Larson, L. R. (2023). The influence of YouTube videos on human tolerance of sharks. Animal Conservation, 26, 154-164. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12808">https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12808</a></li> <li>Cajiao, D., Larson, L., Leung, Y. F., & Reas, J. (2024). Making memories that matter: How do different recollections of an Antarctic tourism experience impact future conservation behavior? Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 32(10), 2159-2180. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2023.2272224">https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2023.2272224</a></li> <li>Chaudhary, A. K., Kadam, P., Dwivedi, P., Larson, L., Morse, W., Garber, B., & Iovanna, R. (in press). Factors affecting Conservation Reserve Program enrollment rates: A duration analysis of producers in the southeastern United States. Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics.</li> <li>Cheung, S. Y., Leung, Y. F., & Larson, L. (2025). Citizen-science based trail assessment and monitoring programs: An empirical evaluation of data congruence and overall efficacy. Environmental Management, 75, 778-792. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-025-02111-7">https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-025-02111-7</a></li> <li>Desrochers, H. M., Peterson, M. N., Larson, L. R., Moorman, C., Hostetter, N. J., Kierepka, E. M., & Kilgo, J. (2025). Emotions and political identity predict public acceptance of urban deer management. Urban Ecosystems, 28, 15. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-024-01667-2">https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-024-01667-2</a></li> <li>Jones, M. P., Heilig, L., Overbay, A., & Roberts, T. (2024). Augmenting for accessible environments: Layering deep mapping, deep accessibility, and community literacy. Communication Design Quarterly, 12(1), 33–43.</li> <li>Jones, M. P., Smalley, T., Jorgensen, A., Katusa, A., Overbay, A., & Ahart, J. (2025). North Woods Project: Mobilizing digital field methods and art-based research for science communication and environmental advocacy. Kairos. <a href="https://doi.org/10.7940/M330.1.TOPOI.JONES">https://doi.org/10.7940/M330.1.TOPOI.JONES</a></li> <li>Kadam, P., Hitchner, S., Bolques, A., Harvey, A., Perry, A., Best, S., Atkins, D., Burke, F., Larson, L., Rieder, E., Stukes, K., Cook, S., Graham, B., & Dwivedi, P. (2025). ‘Planning over programs’: Challenges and opportunities affecting the participation of underserved producers in the Conservation Reserve Program across the southeastern United States. Conservation Science and Practice, 7(7), e70083. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.70083">https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.70083</a></li> <li>Larson, L. R., Rivera-Zuniga, J., Garst, B. A., Keith, S., Sudman, D., & Browne, L. (2023). ‘Going Green’: Investigating environmental sustainability practices in camp organizations across the United States. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 15(1), 94-110. <a href="https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2023-11684">https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2023-11684</a></li> <li>Mascovich, K. A., Larson, L. R., & Andrews, K. M. (2023). Talking turtles with tourists: Evaluating the relative conservation impacts of different types of sea turtle education programs at Jekyll Island, GA, USA. Journal of Interpretation Research, 28(1), 95-120. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/10925872231157608">https://doi.org/10.1177/10925872231157608</a></li> <li>McDade, C., Fatone, A., Larson, L., Leung, Y. F., Tanner II, J. D., & Taff. B. D. (2025). Leave No Trace in the frontcountry: Assessing knowledge and behaviors before and after a targeted messaging intervention. Journal of Interpretation Research, 30(1), 149-173. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/10925872251327416">https://doi.org/10.1177/10925872251327416</a></li> <li>Ortbahn, C. T., Hecht, M., & Lekies, K. S. (in press). Positive youth development and connection with nature in an urban agriculture program: Youth photovoice perspectives on confidence, connection, and belonging. Journal of Youth Development.</li> <li>Reas, J.*, Stevenson, K. T., Gibson, L., Beall, J., & Larson, L. R. (2024). Nature or the outdoors? Understanding the power of language in elementary students’ self-reported connection to nature. Environmental Education Research, 30(10), 1766-1782. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2024.2311190">https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2024.2311190</a></li> <li>von Furstenberg, R., Larson, L. R., Peterson, M. N., Lee, K. J., Vayer, V., Lee, K. J., Stevenson, K., Nelson, S., Bruskotter, J., Ahlers, A. A., Anhalt-Depies, C., Bethke, T., Chizinki, C. J., Clark, B., Davan, K., Dayer, A. A., Ghasemi, B., Gigliotti, L., Graefe, A., Keith, S., Kelly, M., Kyle, G., Metcalf, E., Morse, W., Needham, M., Poudyal, N., Quartuch, M., Rodriguez, S., Romulo, C., Sharp, R., Siemer, W., Springer, M., Stedman, R., Stein, T., van Deelen, T., Whiting, J., Winkler, R., & Woosnam, K. M. (2023). Evaluating the impacts of R3 workshops for first-time hunters at universities across the United States. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 47(3), e1482. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.1482">https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.1482</a></li> <li>von Furstenberg, R., Vayer, V. R., Larson, L. R., Peterson, M. N., Lee, K. J., Stevenson, K., Ahlers, A. A., Anhalt-Depies, C., Bethke, T., Clark, B., Dayer, A. A., Davan, K., Fisher, T., Ghasemi, B., Gigliotti, L., Graefe, A., Irwin, K., Keith, S., Kelly, M., Kyle, G., Metcalf, E., Needham, M. D., Poudyal, N., Quartuch, M., Rodriguez, S., Romulo, C., Sharp, R. L., Siemer, W., Springer, M., Stedman, R., Stein, T., van Deelen, T., Whiting, J., Winkler, R. L., & Woosnam, K. M. (accepted). Environmental identities of college students reveal potential conflicts and common ground for wildlife conservation. Biological Conservation.</li> <li>Yoon, J. I., Lee, K. J., & Larson, L. R. (2024). Place attachment mediates links between pro-environmental attitudes and behavior among visitors to Mt. Bukhan National Park, South Korea. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1338650. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1338650">https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1338650</a></li> </ol>   Objective 3: Community resilience and vitality Peer reviewed Journal Articles: <ol> <li>Beall, J.*, Larson, L., Peterson, M. N., Seekamp, E., & Smith, C. (2024). Environmental and social impacts of shifting park-use patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from state and local park managers. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 48, 100833. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2024.100833">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2024.100833</a></li> <li>Hitchner, S., Kadam, P., Bolques, A., Harvey, A., Perry, A., Best, S., Atkins, D., Burke, F., Larson, L., Stukes, K., Cook, S., Graham, B., Bowman, T., Morse, W., & Dwivedi, P. (2024). Promoting equity in the Conservation Reserve Program across the southeastern United States. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 22(7), e2775. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2775">https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2775</a></li> <li>Jones, M. P., & Heilig, L. (2023). Cultivating reciprocity through place-based and community-engaged research methods. SIGDOC 2023 Proceedings.</li> <li>Klizentyte, K., Susaeta, A., Adams, D. C., & Stein, T. V. (2023). Recreation area characteristics and their impact on property values within Florida’s Wekiva River System. Society and Natural Resources. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920.2023.2254730">https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920.2023.2254730</a></li> <li>McCreary, A.*, Seekamp, E., Larson, L. R., Smith, J. W., & Davenport, M. (2024). Climate change and nature-based tourism: How do different types of visitors respond? Tourism Planning & Development, 21(1), 1-19. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2020.1861079">https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2020.1861079</a></li> <li>Myers, G., Mullenbach, L. E., Jolley, J. A., Cutts, B. B., & Larson, L. R. (2023). Advancing social equity in urban tree planting: Lessons learned from an integrative review of the literature. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 89, 128116. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2023.128116">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2023.128116</a></li> <li>Nakarmi, G., Strager, M. P., Yuill, C. B., Moreira, J. C., Burns, R. C., & Butler, P. M. I. (2023). Assessing public preferences of landscape and landscape attributes: A case study of the proposed Appalachian Geopark Project in West Virginia, USA. Geoheritage, 15(85), 1-20. <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12371-023-00851-8">https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12371-023-00851-8</a></li> <li>Nakarmi, G., Strager, M. P., Yuill, C. B., Moreira, J. C., Burns, R. C., & Butler, P. M. I. (2023). Landscape characterization and assessment of a proposed Appalachian Geopark Project in West Virginia, United States. Springer: International Association for the Conservation of Geological Heritage, 15(72), 71-. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-023-00844-7">https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-023-00844-7</a></li> <li>Nakarmi, G., Yuill, C. B., Strager, M. P., Butler, P. M. I., Moreira, J. C., & Burns, R. C. (2023). A crowdsource approach to documenting users' preferences for landscape attributes in the proposed Appalachian Geopark Project in West Virginia, United States. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks, 11. Elsevier, 11(11), 310-327.</li> <li>Oh, J. I.*, Larson, L., Vukomanovic, J., Bardaka, E., & Hipp, J. A. (accepted). Associations between private and public greenspace and housing prices in historically redlined neighborhoods: A case study in Miami, Florida. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening.</li> <li>Peterman, K., Chesnut, L., Gathings, M. J., Martin, K., Maier, A. B., Evia, J. R., Chavez, R. A., Harris, M., Busch, K. C., Stover, D., Larson, L. R., Stevenson, K., & Yelton, C. (2024). Becoming the change we want to see: Aspirations, first steps, and initial progress in diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI) practice across informal science institutions. Curator: The Museum Journal, 67, 617-637. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/cura.12621">https://doi.org/10.1111/cura.12621</a></li> <li>Thompson-Spain, A.*, Bunds, K. S., Larson, L., Cutts, B., & Hipp, J. A. (2025). Patient capital and no net loss: Applying institutional theory to understand publicly-owned mitigation banking in an urban context at a United States port. Public Administration, 103(1), 220-249. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/padm.13010">https://doi.org/10.1111/padm.13010</a></li> <li>Thompson, A.*, Bunds, K., Larson, L., Cutts, B., & Hipp, J. A. (2023). Paying for nature-based solutions: A review of funding and financing mechanisms for ecosystem services and their impacts on social equity. Sustainable Development, 31, 1991-2066. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.2510">https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.2510</a></li> <li>Yeager, R., Browning, M. H. E. M., Breyer, E., Ossola, A., Larson, L. R., Riggs, D. W., Rigolon, A., Chandler, C., Fleischer, D., Keith, R., Walker, K., Hart, J. L., Smith, T., & Bhatnagar, A. (2023). Greenness and equity: Complex connections between intra-neighborhood contexts and residential tree planning implementation. Environment International, 176, 107955. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.107955">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.107955</a></li> </ol> Other Publications: <ol> <li>Butler, P. M. I., Datta, U. S. (2024). Community-Engaged Design: Tipping the Narrative in Rural West Virginia Communities with the Fulcrum Project. (vol. EDRA 55 Conference Proceedings). Washington DC: Environmental Design Research Association.</li> <li>DWELL Lab digital walking tours (Manissean Tour, North Woods, Visualizing Stormwater Infrastructure).</li> <li>Leon, A.E. and Stein, T.V. 2023. Assessing Socio-economic Impacts for the Restoration at Robinson Preserve: Final Report. School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences. Gainesville, FL. 21 pp.</li> </ol>   Training, professional development, and information dissemination Objective 1: Health and well-being Conference Presentations: <ol> <li>“Augmenting Place: Spatial Computing and Digital Rhetoric.” (Spring 2024). Fordham University.</li> <li>“Augmenting Science Communication.” (Fall 2025). Science Communication in the Parks, National Park Service/Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit/Ecological Society of America.</li> <li>“Creating Open-Access Augmented Reality Experiences.” (2024). In The 42nd ACM International Conference on Design of Communication (SIGDOC '24)(pp. 4). ACM, New York, NY, USA. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1145/3641237.3691684">https://doi.org/10.1145/3641237.3691684</a></li> <li>“Cultivating Reciprocity Through Place-Based and Community-Engaged Research Methods.” (2023). In Proceedings of the 41st ACM International Conference on Design of Communication (SIGDOC '23)(pp. 252–254). Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1145/3615335.3623059">https://doi.org/10.1145/3615335.3623059</a></li> <li>“Digital Methods for Science and Environmental Communication.” (November 2023). Graduate Student Panel, Association for the Rhetoric of Science, Technology, and Medicine Preconference for the National Communication Association Convention, National Harbor, MD.</li> <li>Fatone, A.*, Larson, L. R., Leung, Y. F., & Smith, C. (2025). Mental health promotion via North Carolina State Parks: Investigating attributes and amenities linked to positive mental health outcomes. National Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) Symposium. Annapolis, MD: March 30-April 1, 2025. [Presentation].</li> <li>Han, J., Larson, L. R., & Hipp, J. A. (2025). The impact of outdoor physical activity intensity on mental health: A study focused on North Carolina State University students. Active Living Conference. Manhattan, KS: March 17-20, 2025. [Presentation].</li> <li>Kurt, J., & Johnson, C. (October 16, 2024). Powerful questions before leading an outdoor trip. NOLS Wilderness Risk Management Conference, Salt Lake City, UT.</li> <li>Larson, L. R., Peterson, M. N., Hipp, J. A., Lerose, C., Desrochers, H.*, Beall, J. M., Meshram, K., McDade, C., Ford, T., Swartz, F., & DeMay, P. (2025). Experimental studies reveal avian-assisted pathways to health promotion. Pathways 2025: Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conference and Training. Estes Park, CO: September 7-10, 2025. [Presentation].</li> <li>Larson, L. R., Peterson, M. N., Hipp, J. A., Lerose, C., Desrochers, H., & Beall, J. (2025). Birdwatching improves mental health: Results of an experimental study. National Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) Symposium. Virginia Beach, VA: March 30-April 1, 2025. [Presentation].</li> <li>Madison Jones, L., Heilig, L., & Donnellan, A. (2024). Creating open-access augmented reality experiences. In The 42nd ACM International Conference on Design of Communication (SIGDOC '24), October 20-22, 2024, Fairfax, VA, USA. ACM, New York, NY, USA, 4 pages. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1145/3641237.3691684">https://doi.org/10.1145/3641237.3691684</a></li> <li>Ortbahn, C., Hecht, M., Lekies, K., & Bailey, M. (2024, June). Confidence, sense of belonging, and connection to nature in a youth urban agriculture program. Presentation at the Urban Food Systems Symposium, Columbus, OH.</li> <li>Ortbahn, C., Hecht, M., Lekies, K., & Bailey, M. (2023, November). Youth perspectives: Building confidence and sense of belonging in a youth urban agriculture program. Poster presented at The Ohio State University Engaged Scholarship Symposium, Columbus, OH.</li> <li>Ortbahn, C., Hecht, M., & Lekies, K. (2023, October). Connection to nature and positive youth development through urban agriculture. Prerecorded session presented at the North American Association for Environmental Education Research Symposium, Virtual.</li> <li>“Tracking Memes in the Wild: Visual Rhetoric and Image Circulation in Environmental Communication.” (Fall 2023). Arizona State University.</li> </ol> Other Trainings and Information Dissemination: <ol> <li>Fatone, A., Larson, L., Smith, C., & Leung, Y. F. (2025). Mental health promotion via NC State Parks. Presentation for the NC Parks & Recreation Authority meeting. Hammocks Beach, NC: Mar. 21, 2025. Audience: 30 NC park managers and practitioners.</li> <li>Fix, P. & Casey, T. (2024). Outcomes Focused Management: The Evolution and Role of Social Science in Data Collection. Presentation at the BLM National Training Symposium, BLM National Training Center, Phoenix, AZ, March 3 - 5, 2024.</li> <li>Hipp, J. A., & Larson, L. R. (2023). Better health is right outside your door. Video developed for Wicked Problems Wolfpack Solutions short course. Available at: https://doi.org/10.52750/216089</li> <li>From Peter Butler: The multi-state contributed to the funding of a project that promotes physical health through access to recreation in eight rural Southern West Virginia Communities: 2023-28 with CAHS “Be Wild, Be Wonderful Be Healthy: Expanded” PI: Emily Corbett-Spangler Murphy; Sponsor: US DHHS-CDC-National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion Total $768,000 per year. co-PI. This CDC program directly supports the goals of the project by promoting and designing access to recreation for physical activity along with enhancing local healthy food access. <a href="https://media.appliedhumansciences.wvu.edu/stories/2023/07/12/cahs-receives-funding-to-improve-nutrition-and-physical-activity">https://media.appliedhumansciences.wvu.edu/stories/2023/07/12/cahs-receives-funding-to-improve-nutrition-and-physical-activity</a></li> <li>From Peter Fix: Participated in Outcomes Focused Management training sessions for BLM field offices. Three presentations to BLM Field Offices related to results of studies.</li> <li>From Kathy Scholl: Graduate assistants in the MA program are in the process of developing and presenting research papers and thesis projects focused on the physical and psychological health benefits of outdoor recreation, leadership, and education.The Outdoor Education and Leadership curriculum has been disseminated into the undergraduate program, where students gain both classroom instruction and field-based experience through RTNL Outdoor Adventures. Workshops, trainings, and service activities emphasize leadership, risk management, and group dynamics, while also demonstrating the links between outdoor experiences, physical activity, and psychological well-being.</li> </ol>   Objective 2: Environmental literacy and stewardship Conference Presentations: <ol> <li>Beall, J. M., Casola, W., Peterson, M. N., Larson, L., & Price, C. (2023). Influence of social media on fear of sharks, perceptions of intentionality associated with shark bites, and shark management preferences. The Wildlife Society Annual Conference. Louisville, KY: November 5-9, 2023. [Presentation].</li> <li>Beall, J. M., Larson, L. R., Peterson, M. N., Knollenberg, W., & Binder, A. (2024). Motivational framing increases the efficacy of de(marketing) materials designed to help reduce overcrowding in nature-based destinations. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Science Colloquium. Virtual Meeting: March 7, 2024. [Presentation].</li> <li>Cajiao, D., Larson, L., Leung, Y. F., & Reas, J. (2023). Memories matter! How do memories of Antarctic tourists influence their future behavior? Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research: Humanities and Social Sciences (SCAR – SC-HASS) Conference. Lisbon, Portugal, DC: June 22-24, 2023. [Presentation].</li> <li>Dixit, S., Larson, L., Peterson, M. N., & Burger, L. (2025). Strategic message framing impacts tolerance of red wolves. Pathways 2025: Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conference and Training. Estes Park, CO: September 7-10, 2025. [Presentation].</li> <li>Dixit, S.*, Watkins, C., Larson, L., & Peterson, M. N. (2025). Improving conservation communication: Lessons learned from controversial carnivore species. National Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) Symposium. Annapolis, MD: March 30-April 1, 2025. [Presentation].</li> <li>Fatone, A.*, Larson, L., Leung, Y. F., & Smith, C. (2025). Mental health promotion via North Carolina State Parks: Investigating attributes and amenities linked to positive mental health outcomes. National Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) Symposium. Annapolis, MD: March 30-April 1, 2025. [Presentation].</li> <li>Joyner, B.*, Smith, E., Deutsch, K., & Larson, L. (2025). Measuring public trust in science and scientists: Applications for participatory science. Conference for Advancing Participatory Sciences (CAPS). Portland, OR: May 27-30, 2025. [Poster].</li> <li>Joyner, B., Smith, E., Deutsch, K., Larson, L. (2025). Public trust in science: Implications for management agencies. Pathways 2025: Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conference and Training. Estes Park, CO: September 7-10, 2025. [Poster].</li> <li>Jones, M. P., Heilig, L., Ledbetter, L., & Neelis, A. (2023). Cultivating reciprocity through place-based and community-engaged research methods. SIGDOC 2023.</li> <li>Jones, M. P., Heilig, L., & Donnellan, A. (2024). Creating open-access augmented reality experiences. SIGDOC 2024.</li> <li>Larson, L. (2025). Emotional connections to wildlife: A key to conservation success. Pathways 2025: Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conference and Training. Estes Park, CO: September 7-10, 2025. [Presentation].</li> <li>Larson, L. R. (2025). Exploring our emotional connections with wildlife: The good, the bad, and the totally irrational. NC Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting. Winston-Salem, NC: February 25-27, 2025. [Invited Speaker].</li> <li>Larson, L. R., von Furstenberg, R.*, Peterson, M. N., Lee, K. J., Nelson, S. A. C., & Vayer, T. (2025). College students’ environmental identities reveal conflicts and common ground for conservation. National Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) Symposium. Virginia Beach, VA: March 30-April 1, 2025. [Presentation].</li> <li>Larson, L., McDade, C., Fatone, A., Leung, Y. F., Beall, J., & Lammey, B.* (2024). Evaluating the efficacy of Leave No Trace messaging at frontcountry recreation sites. Leave No Trace (LNT) Global Summit. Boulder, CO: October 7-9, 2024. [Presentation].</li> <li>McDade, C., Fatone, A., Larson, L., Leung, Y. F., Tanner, J. D., Taff, B. D., Lammey, B., & Beall, J. (2025). Leave No Trace in the frontcountry: Assessing visitor knowledge and behaviors before and after a targeted messaging intervention. National Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) Symposium. Virginia Beach, VA: March 30-April 1, 2025. [Presentation].</li> <li>McDade, C.*, Larson, L., & Sullivan, A. (2025). Fostering nature connection in Pre-K students through outdoor learning. Nature Everywhere Conference. Minneapolis, MN: May 13-16, 2025. [Poster].</li> <li>Ortbahn, C., Hecht, M., Lekies, K., & Bailey, M. (2024, June). Confidence, sense of belonging, and connection to nature in a youth urban agriculture program. Presentation at the Urban Food Systems Symposium, Columbus, OH.</li> <li>Reas, J., Leung, Y. F., Larson, L., & Cajiao, D. (2023). Guided toward ambassadorship: Exploring the dimensions of protected area ambassadorship with Antarctic tour guides. Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research: Humanities and Social Sciences (SCAR – SC-HASS) Conference. Lisbon, Portugal, DC: June 22-24, 2023. [Presentation].</li> <li>von Furstenberg, R., Larson, L., Peterson, N., & Lee, K. J. (2024). Understanding the next generation of diverse wildlife recreationist enthusiasts: Identifying potential conflicts and common ground. 5th Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Wildlife Viewing & Nature Tourism Academy. Duck, NC: February 19-23, 2024. [Invited Speakers].</li> </ol> Other Trainings and Information Dissemination: <ol> <li>Bashford, B., von Furstenberg, R., Minchey, C., & Larson, L. (2024). R3 programming at Historically Black Colleges and Universities: an Academics Afield Toolkit Addendum (pp. 59). Covington, GA: Georgia Wildlife Federation, Georgia R3 Initiative, & North Carolina State University. Available at: https://gwf.org/r3toolkit/</li> <li>Bashford, B., von Furstenberg, R., Minchey, C., & Larson, L. (2023). R3 for college students: a practitioner’s guide and Academics Afield toolkit (pp. 337). Covington, GA: Georgia Wildlife Federation, Georgia R3 Initiative, & North Carolina State University. Available at: https://gwf.org/r3toolkit/</li> <li>Busch, K., Chesnut, L., Stevenson, K., Larson, L., Yelton, C., & Stover, D. (2023). Designing for a collaborative approach to build collective evaluation: a guide for backbone organizations. Available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jg6qoSl1CSBFIsLfXra8g3t8aYZZ6tWj/view</li> <li>Larson, L. (2024). The state of sustainability in camp organizations across the United States. Webinar panelist as part of the EPA Energy Star Resources for Camps and Retreats presentation. Virtual Webinar: January 16, 2024. Audience: 30 camp professionals.</li> <li>McDade, C., Fatone, A., Larson, L., & Leung, Y. F. (2025). Leave No Trace in the frontcountry: assessing visitor knowledge and behaviors through an evaluation of social and ecological indicators. Webinar for the LNT Center for Outdoor Ethics. Virtual Webinar: March 26, 2025. Audience: 40 members of the LNT network.</li> <li>Sudman, D., & Larson, L. (2023). Helping camps “go green:” the motivators and barriers to camp sustainability. Camping Magazine (March/April edition). Available at: https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/helping-camps-go-green-motivators-barriers-camp-sustainability</li> <li>Tiffany, K., Larson, L., & Peterson, N. (2024). Priorities and opportunities for enhancing collaborative wildlife conservation in the southeastern United States. Webinar for the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center. Virtual Webinar: May 16, 2024. Audience: 50 conservation researchers and practitioners in the SECASC network.</li> <li>von Furstenberg, R., & Larson, L. R. (2023). Creating a more inclusive future for wildlife conservation: what should we take away from the “Skirmish in Spokane”? The Wildlife Professional, 17(4), 31-34. (editorial review)</li> <li>April – May, 2025. 5 week afterschool “People, animals, nature and art” club at Riley Elementary School, Lincoln, NE.</li> <li>September – December, 2023. 10 week afterschool “People, animals, nature and art” club at Clinton Elementary School, Lincoln, NE.</li> <li>VanWormer, E. & S. Asher. 2025. Leaf printing: an ArtScience approach to explore interconnected biodiversity and health. Nebraska Alliance for Conservation and Environmental Education (NACEE) Conference, February 27, 2025, Ashland, NE.</li> <li>VanWormer, E. & S. Asher. 2025. Leaf printing: an ArtScience approach to explore biodiversity and health with youth audiences. Nebraska One Health lesson plan for K-12 educators. Accessible online at https://nebraskaonehealth.unl.edu/outreach-resources/.</li> <li>From Madison Jones: Hands-on training in field methods and AR storytelling with undergraduates, graduate students, and community partners. Maintenance of DWELL Lab’s public-facing websites for North Woods and Visualizing Stormwater Infrastructure.</li> </ol>   Objective 3: Community resilience and vitality Conference Presentations: <ol> <li>Boaz, L., & Lekies, K. S. (2025, August). “The outdoors is everything you can do”: Exploring place meaning and environmental sensitivity of Appalachian college students. Presentation at the Rural Sociological Society Conference, Salt Lake City, UT.</li> <li>Dixit, S.*, Meshram, K., & Larson, L. (2025). Comprehensive overview of the impacts of global protected area benefit-sharing policies on local livelihoods and wildlife conservation. International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB 2025). Brisbane, Australia: June 15-19, 2025. [Presentation].</li> <li>Dixit, S.*, Poudyal, N. C., Silwal, T., & Larson, L. (2024). Stakeholders’ perception of the contribution and effectiveness of the Buffer Zone Program in improving protected area-people relationships. National Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) Symposium. Annapolis, MD: April 7-9, 2024. [Poster].</li> <li>Duran Jolley, J.*, Myers, G., Larson, L. R., & Cooper, C. B. (2023). Using community science to combat environmental injustices: A review of diverse projects in the Thriving Earth Exchange network. International Association for Society and Natural Resources Annual Conference. Portland, ME: June 11-15, 2023. [Presentation].</li> <li>Fatone, A.*, Larson, L., & Leung, Y. F. (2025). Mental health promotion via North Carolina State Parks: Investigating attributes and amenities linked to positive mental health outcomes. National Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) Symposium. Annapolis, MD: April 7-9, 2025. [Presentation].</li> <li>Glynn, L., Stein, T. V., Hughes, A., & Dickerson, R. (2024). Using community-informed nature-based recreation & programming to connect people to parks. Poster presented at the Southeastern Environment and Recreation Research Conference. Unicoi State Park, GA: March 24-26, 2024.</li> <li>Jolley, J. D.*, Larson, L., Johnson, C., & Cooper, C. (2024). Shade of justice: A community case study on achieving equitable urban greening. National Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) Symposium. Annapolis, MD: April 7-9, 2024. [Presentation].</li> <li>Klizentyte, K., & Stein, T. V. (2023). Restored coastal recreation areas: Economic value as a driver to expand coastal areas in Florida. Paper presented at the 2023 Society of American Foresters National Convention. Sacramento, CA: October 25-28, 2023.</li> <li>Larson, L., Peterson, M. N., Beall, J., & Hipp, J. A. (2024). Nature-based recreation in the post-pandemic era: Persistent challenges, promising opportunities. National Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) Symposium. Annapolis, MD: April 7-9, 2024. [Invited Roundtable].</li> <li>Meshram, K., Larson, L., Bhartari, R., & Dixit, S. (2025). Spatial transformations and social realities: Land use change and community perceptions in Corbett Tiger Reserve Periphery, India. Pathways 2025: Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conference and Training. Estes Park, CO: September 7-10, 2025. [Presentation].</li> <li>Meshram, K., Larson, L., & Dixit, S. (2025). Corridors, commerce, and confusion: Policy incongruities enabling land-use change in peripheries of Indian Tiger Reserves. International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB 2025). Brisbane, Australia: June 15-19, 2025. [Presentation].</li> <li>Myers, G.*, Mullenbach, L., Jolley, J. A., Cutts, B., & Larson, L. R. (2024). Advancing social equity in urban tree planting: Lessons learned from an integrative review of the literature. Nature Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) Symposium. Annapolis, MD: April 7-9, 2024. [Poster].</li> <li>Peterson, M. N., Floyd, M., Hipp, J. A., & Larson, L. (2024). How urban forests make communities healthier and more resilient. Cary Environmental Symposium. Cary, NC: October 9, 2024. [Invited Speaker].</li> <li>Stein, T. V., Klizentyte, K., & Leon-Esteban, A. (2023). Recreation use and support for ecosystem services in a restored coastal area. International Association for Society and Natural Resources. Portland, ME: June 11-15, 2023.</li> <li>Tiffany, K.*, Larson, L. R., Peterson, N. P., Stevenson, K., Seekamp, E., Martin, M., Vaughn, L., & Armsworth, A. L. (2024). Diversity, equity, and inclusion in wildlife conservation: Can collaborative cross-state networks help? National Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) Symposium. Annapolis, MD: April 7-9, 2024. [Presentation].</li> </ol> Other Trainings and Information Dissemination: <ol> <li>Butler, P. M. I., Cultivate, "Community Engagement Lab: Projects and Impacts," WV Community Development Hub, Clarksburg, WV. (August 2, 2024).</li> <li>Butler, P. M. I., Center for Disease Control, High Obesity Prevention, WVU, "Local Policies and Activities to Connect Activity- Friendly Routes to Everyday Destinations Community Engagement Lab: Process, Projects and Impacts," West Virginia University, Morgantown WV. (April 8, 2024).</li> <li>Butler, P. M. I., Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities, "Community Engagement Lab: Process, Projects and Impacts," EPA Region 3, Staunton, WV. (November 30, 2023).</li> <li>Butler, P. M. I., CDC High Obesity Program: Be Wild, Be Wonderful, Be Healthy WV, "Community Engagement Lab: Process, Projects and Impacts," Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Summersville, WV. (November 1, 2023).</li> <li>Jones, M.P. & colleagues. Presentations at SIGDOC 2023–24 emphasizing participatory research and reciprocal partnerships</li> <li>Larson, L., Jolley, J., Myers, G., Mullenbach, L., & Cutts, B. (in press). Equitable urban tree-planting: a Practitioner’s Guide. Raleigh, NC: NC State University, College of Natural Resources.</li> <li>Larson, L. (2023). Achieving equitable urban greening: key strategies and considerations. Presentation for the New York ReLeaf Webinar Series hosted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Virtual Webinar: October 24, 2023. Audience: 65 urban forestry professionals.</li> <li>Stein, T.V. ; 2023. Understanding Ecotourism. Presented to the Areté Colletive/Denten House. Denton House Lunch Seminar. May 4, 2023. Salt Lake City, UT</li> <li>Tiffany, K., Larson, L., & Peterson, N. (2024). Priorities and opportunities for enhancing collaborative wildlife conservation in the southeastern United States. Webinar for the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center. Virtual Webinar: May 16, 2024. Audience: 50 conservation researchers and practitioners in the SECASC network.</li> <li>From Madison Jones: Community workshops with Waquoit Bay NERR (2024) on AR, photogrammetry, and LiDAR. Ongoing partnerships with environmental organizations and local cultural stakeholders.</li> </ol>

Impact Statements

Overall: Developed multiple projects across many states studying a wide range of issues including quantifying and measuring the multifaceted health benefits of time in nature, engaging diverse stakeholders in collaborative conservation planning to support positive community outcomes, generating data about the health impacts of outdoor recreation to help public land managers make more informed management decisions, creating workshops and educational curricula that increase environmental literacy and wellbeing, and enhancing sense of place, belonging and environmental justice in historically marginalized communities.
Overall: Published 49 peer-reviewed journal publications, plus a variety of other publications (~9) to facilitate information dissemination to public land managers, community planners, and other key stakeholders.
Overall: Presented 49 conference presentations to disseminate information to interdisciplinary audiences of researchers and practitioners, plus a variety of other talks and trainings (~28) to reach broader audiences.
Obj. 1: Impacted nature resource management and health practices at multiple scales, from local to international. Our research continues to illustrate the multifaceted benefits of time in nature, and we are working to develop practical strategies for measuring nature doses (e.g., NatureDoseTM) that could help to inform health recommendations. As part of this growing research efforts, NCSU also joined the Nature & Health Alliance and established a Nature & Health Collaborative on campus to advance research, teaching, and outreach/extension focused on the nature-health connection.
Obj. 1: Engaged with stakeholders in community design and planning in WV to create a vision for community development that benefits the public locally and regionally. We are now seeing projects implemented and built leading to local assets (sites and buildings) that benefit the public specifically by promoting physical activity and associated preventative health benefits, particularly among youth. The designed places also promote environmental literacy and activity among youth, as well as community vibrancy and resilience.
Obj. 1: Provided data to land managers via visitor surveys that include quantitative measures of desired experience and benefits, as well as evaluation of management actions. Without such data, mangers must rely on anecdotal information. Having data that was systematically gathered leads to more-informed management actions, hopefully allowing for greater realization of recreation benefits by the public and local communities. Training workshops held with the BLM increased knowledge of BLM staff with regards to incorporating data into management decisions.
Obj. 1: Influenced national audiences through recognition of PFAS Kitchen, an interactive augmented reality experience designed to educate the public about PFAS and other environmental contaminants, which won the Grand Prize in the Environmental Communication Awards (AAEES, 2025).
Obj. 1: Developed research-practice partnerships with community-based organizations to bolster youth urban agriculture programs and contribute to a sense of belonging and confidence among youth participants. Nature photography helps youth in residential care reflect on their lives, feel more empowered, and develop a sense of self-reliance. The outdoor recreation program helps youth develop confidence, a sense of belonging, positive relationships with peers and adults, and leadership and interpersonal skills that can continue into early adulthood. All programs engaged youth in physical activity including gardening, hiking, swimming, hiking, and adventure-based outdoor activities.
Obj. 1: Offered The Outdoor Education and Leadership program (at Northern Iowa) that has provided undergraduate students with hands-on experiences that promote physical activity, psychological well-being, and leadership development through structured outdoor adventures. These initiatives have impacted students, faculty, and community participants by advancing understanding of how outdoor recreation fosters physical activity, supports mental health, and informs evidence-based approaches to program planning and leadership in natural settings.
Obj. 1: Fostered connections between trail planners and health care workers in Traverse City, Michigan, to develop the TART Trail System, which provides better opportunities for residents to use trails for the main purpose of improving health benefits.
Obj. 1: Worked with managers in FL to improve and promote low-use sections of the trail to expand opportunities for all people to benefit from recreation on the trail.
Obj. 1: Used learning gardens to create a holistic integration of food literacy into primary and secondary education. Broadly, research has helped to promote resilient learning garden adoption at schools nationally.
Obj. 1: Example media coverage of projects: o DailyMail. (April 26, 2024). How just 30 minutes birdwatching every week can send your spirits soaring. o NCSU News. (May 3, 2024). Birdwatching can help students improve mental health, reduce stress. o Axios. (October 3, 2024). Birdwatching boosts mental health among students, N.C. State research finds. o Audubon.org. (Fall 2024). Need some anxiety relief? Let birding be your balm.
Obj. 2: Built research-practice partnerships with community-based organizations, such as the youth urban agriculture and nature photography program for youth in residential treatment. These programs help youth discover and connect with nature, as well as learn about natural processes such as plant growth, soils, local ecology, and wildlife. The outdoor adventure recreation program helps youth develop outdoor skills, as well as skills working with horses, fostering a sense of stewardship that can continue into early adulthood.
Obj. 2: Increased environmental literacy among students and the public through experiential AR projects.
Obj. 2: Built stewardship practices by blending citizen science, creative writing, and field-based digital mapping.
Obj. 2: Worked towards building open-access resources (OpenAR Toolkit) lowering barriers to adoption by diverse educators and researchers.
Obj. 2: Worked with faculty and undergraduate students at UNL, our team developed a new afterschool club to explore biodiversity and health linkages in 2023. This club, which we adapted for an additional school in 2025, used ArtScience approaches to enhance environmental literacy related to the impacts of biodiversity on human, animal, and ecosystem health. As Riley and Clinton elementary schools are both Title 1 elementary schools, home to a racially and culturally diverse students, this activity broadens the diversity of youth engaged in exploring biodiversity and health. Twenty-five K-5 students from a broad range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds participated in these clubs.
Obj. 2: Created workshops to engage environmental educators in a creative, hands-on experience integrating art, science, and the One Health approach, which focuses on understanding and protecting the interconnected health of people, animals, plants, and shared environments. Workshop participants included youth educators from Nebraska Extension and 4-H, zoos, forest reserves, and community organizations. Participants piloted art-based methods to document biodiversity and explored broader health linkages through prompts and discussion. Educator feedback is being integrated into a larger, collaborative project to enhance environmental literacy on interdependent health.
Obj. 2: Developed a series of webinars and trainings from groups including camp professionals (with Green Camps), park and natural resource management professionals (via Leave No Trace), wildlife management authorities (via Georgia Wildlife Federation) and private landowners (via USDA) to help translate our research into practice. All of these agencies and organizations are using our work to promote stewardship behavior.
Obj. 2: Example media coverage of projects: o The Regulatory Review. (May 16, 2024). The wild world of wildlife conservation funding. o SECASC Blog. (March 15, 2024). Improving children’s connection to nature requires more than just language changes. o Georgia Wildlife Federation. (February 20, 2024). New resource highlights R3 strategies for connecting college students to hunting. o https://web.uri.edu/cels/research-profiles/into-the-woods-using-augmented-reality-and-science-communication-to-tell-the-story-of-the-north-woods/
Obj. 3: Engaged with stakeholders in community design and planning in WV to create a vision for community development that benefits the public locally and regionally. We are now seeing projects implemented and built leading to local assets (sites and buildings) that benefit the public specifically by promoting physical activity and associated preventative health benefits, particularly among youth. The designed places also promote environmental literacy and activity among youth, as well as community vibrancy and resilience.
Obj. 3: Helped county land management agencies better communicate with county commissioners regarding the broader impacts of protected areas. Manatee County, FL, can put a dollar figure on recreation use of a restoration area. Hillsborough County, FL, is now developing programs that target local communities based on their desires for programming in local protected areas.
Obj. 3: Disseminated research from a doctoral dissertation of place meanings and attachment of Appalachian college students. The research has identified ways that Appalachian and rural residents contribute to the ecological well-being of the region.
Obj. 3: Enhanced sense of place and belonging for marginalized communities (e.g., Indigenous perspectives on Block Island).
Obj. 3: Supported urban resilience by raising awareness of stormwater systems and ecological infrastructure.
Obj. 3: Developed workshops for park planners and NGOs working on urban greening issues, as well as presentations at numerous academic conferences to help change the narrative surrounding urban conservation and environmental justice.
Obj. 3: Example media coverage of projects o NPR Due South. (March 13, 2025). How federal layoffs could impact spring and summer tourism and North Carolina’s national parks. o Bloomberg CityLab. (October 5, 2023). The quest for the low-budget park. o CNR News. (February 27, 2025). Trump’s mass federal layoffs raise concerns about the future of public lands. o https://magazine.wvu.edu/stories/2025/04/29/tipping-the-narrative-rural-wv-reimagined-through-design