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

10/08/2025

Publications


 


Objective 1: Health and well-being


Peer-reviewed Journal Articles:



  1. 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). https://doi.org/10.7940/M330.1.TOPOI.JONES

  2. 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. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12406

  3. 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.

  4. 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. https://doi.org/10.1177/08901171231210806b

  5. 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.

  6. Heilig, L., Overbay, A., & Roberts, T. (2024). Augmenting for accessible environments: Layering deep mapping, deep accessibility, and community literacy. Communication Design Quarterly, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.1145/3655727.3655731

  7. 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.

  8. 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. https://doi.org/10.18666/JPRA-2024-12466

  9. 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159292

  10. 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2025.128985

  11. 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.

  12. 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102306

  13. 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124284

  14. 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. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89156-0

  15. 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. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10764

  16. 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102438

  17. 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j/jenvp.2023.102112

  18. 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. https://doi.org/10.1177/00139165231174615


Other Publications:



  1. 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.

  2. 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).

  3. PFAS Kitchen. Directed by Madison Jones, DWELL Lab / STEEP, 2024. Augmented reality game, DOI: 10.23860/pfas.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.


 


Objective 2: Environmental literacy and stewardship


Peer-reviewed Journal Articles:



  1. 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.

  2. 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. https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12808

  3. 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. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2023.2272224

  4. 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.

  5. 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. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-025-02111-7

  6. 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. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-024-01667-2

  7. 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.

  8. 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. https://doi.org/10.7940/M330.1.TOPOI.JONES

  9. 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. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.70083

  10. 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. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2023-11684

  11. 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. https://doi.org/10.1177/10925872231157608

  12. 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. https://doi.org/10.1177/10925872251327416

  13. 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.

  14. 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. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2024.2311190

  15. 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. https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.1482

  16. 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.

  17. 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. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1338650


 


Objective 3: Community resilience and vitality


Peer reviewed Journal Articles:



  1. 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2024.100833

  2. 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. https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2775

  3. Jones, M. P., & Heilig, L. (2023). Cultivating reciprocity through place-based and community-engaged research methods. SIGDOC 2023 Proceedings.

  4. 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. https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920.2023.2254730

  5. 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. https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2020.1861079

  6. 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2023.128116

  7. 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. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12371-023-00851-8

  8. 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-. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-023-00844-7

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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. https://doi.org/10.1111/cura.12621

  12. 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. https://doi.org/10.1111/padm.13010

  13. 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. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.2510

  14. 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.107955


Other Publications:



  1. 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.

  2. DWELL Lab digital walking tours (Manissean Tour, North Woods, Visualizing Stormwater Infrastructure).

  3. 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.


 


Training, professional development, and information dissemination


Objective 1: Health and well-being


Conference Presentations:



  1. “Augmenting Place: Spatial Computing and Digital Rhetoric.” (Spring 2024). Fordham University.

  2. “Augmenting Science Communication.” (Fall 2025). Science Communication in the Parks, National Park Service/Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit/Ecological Society of America.

  3. “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. https://doi.org/10.1145/3641237.3691684

  4. “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. https://doi.org/10.1145/3615335.3623059

  5. “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.

  6. 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].

  7. 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].

  8. Kurt, J., & Johnson, C. (October 16, 2024). Powerful questions before leading an outdoor trip. NOLS Wilderness Risk Management Conference, Salt Lake City, UT.

  9. 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].

  10. 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].

  11. 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. https://doi.org/10.1145/3641237.3691684

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. “Tracking Memes in the Wild: Visual Rhetoric and Image Circulation in Environmental Communication.” (Fall 2023). Arizona State University.


Other Trainings and Information Dissemination:



  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  4. 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. https://media.appliedhumansciences.wvu.edu/stories/2023/07/12/cahs-receives-funding-to-improve-nutrition-and-physical-activity

  5. 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.

  6. 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.


 


Objective 2: Environmental literacy and stewardship


Conference Presentations:



  1. 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].

  2. 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].

  3. 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].

  4. 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].

  5. 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].

  6. 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].

  7. 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].

  8. 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].

  9. Jones, M. P., Heilig, L., Ledbetter, L., & Neelis, A. (2023). Cultivating reciprocity through place-based and community-engaged research methods. SIGDOC 2023.

  10. Jones, M. P., Heilig, L., & Donnellan, A. (2024). Creating open-access augmented reality experiences. SIGDOC 2024.

  11. 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].

  12. 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].

  13. 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].

  14. 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].

  15. 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].

  16. 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].

  17. 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.

  18. 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].

  19. 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].


Other Trainings and Information Dissemination:



  1. 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/

  2. 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/

  3. 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

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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

  7. 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.

  8. 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)

  9. April – May, 2025. 5 week afterschool “People, animals, nature and art” club at Riley Elementary School, Lincoln, NE.

  10. September – December, 2023. 10 week afterschool “People, animals, nature and art” club at Clinton Elementary School, Lincoln, NE.

  11. 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.

  12. 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/.

  13. 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.


 


Objective 3: Community resilience and vitality


Conference Presentations:



  1. 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.

  2. 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].

  3. 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].

  4. 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].

  5. 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].

  6. 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.

  7. 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].

  8. 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.

  9. 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].

  10. 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].

  11. 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].

  12. 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].

  13. 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].

  14. 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.

  15. 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].


Other Trainings and Information Dissemination:



  1. Butler, P. M. I., Cultivate, "Community Engagement Lab: Projects and Impacts," WV Community Development Hub, Clarksburg, WV. (August 2, 2024).

  2. 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).

  3. Butler, P. M. I., Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities, "Community Engagement Lab: Process, Projects and Impacts," EPA Region 3, Staunton, WV. (November 30, 2023).

  4. 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).

  5. Jones, M.P. & colleagues. Presentations at SIGDOC 2023–24 emphasizing participatory research and reciprocal partnerships

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. Stein, T.V. ; 2023. Understanding Ecotourism. Presented to the Areté Colletive/Denten House. Denton House Lunch Seminar. May 4, 2023. Salt Lake City, UT

  9. 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.

  10. From Madison Jones: Community workshops with Waquoit Bay NERR (2024) on AR, photogrammetry, and LiDAR. Ongoing partnerships with environmental organizations and local cultural stakeholders.

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