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Course description

This course provides an interdisciplinary overview of the contribution of the natural environment to outdoor recreation benefits and outcomes. The course integrates theories and concepts related to the biophysical setting in outdoor recreation research (ORR) and Recreation Ecosystem Services (RES) to improve our understanding of how the natural environment contributes to outdoor recreation experiences. The course covers systems theory, transformation, and complex adaptive systems to develop a framework that highlights the dynamic nature of transformative outdoor recreation experiences embedded in social-ecological systems. The course also covers longitudinal studies that examine the impact of exposure to the natural environment on non-accidental mortality and cardiovascular health highlighting the critical role landscape architects play in creating spaces that can impact physical health and how this can be conveyed to prospective clients.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will understand the contributions of the natural environment to outdoor recreation benefits and outcomes.
2. Participants will learn the theories and concepts related to the biophysical setting in ORR and RES.
3. Participants will learn set of principles for guiding forest therapy research and programs.
4. Participants will develop a framework for understanding the dynamic nature of outdoor recreation experiences

General Course Information

Course Preview:
Outdoor recreation is a type of recreation that occurs in, and depends on, the natural environment. Ecosystem services are the benefits people receive from ecosystems. The outdoor recreation research (ORR) field has developed a detailed understanding of the recreation experience but has not developed a full understanding of the contribution of the natural environment to those experiences. Recreation Ecosystem Services (RES) is a newer area of research that highlights the contribution of the natural environment for recreation. The integration of these lines of research can improve our understanding of how the natural environment contributes to outdoor
recreation benefits and outcomes. In this conceptual synthesis paper, we outline the evolution of outdoor recreation management to identify key theories and central concepts related to the biophysical setting in ORR. We then summarize contributions from RES, emphasizing the role of the natural environment in this research. Subsequently, we highlight key elements from systems theory and present the idea of transformation as a central element in outdoor recreation. We present a framework that captures central ideas from the ORR and RES fields and highlights the dynamic nature of transformative outdoor recreation experiences embedded in social-ecological complex adaptive systems. A more holistic systems view of outdoor recreation can help researchers and managers envision the bigger picture of how outdoor recreation land management contributes to recreation benefits and ecosystem services. If we understand the full complexity of the recreation system, we are better situated to address specific components in meaningful ways.