Connection to nature. Along with Lenguiza and Hunt (in Recreation Park and Tourism Management at Penn State), I have studied how experiences in nature improve people’s connections to nature–which is related to but distinct from valuing nature as a community member. We illustrate that eco-tourism creates eudaimonic experiences that increase connection to nature. This connection is subsequently associated with donations to environmental groups.
Nature as community. In psychology and related fields (e.g., sociology) researchers often compare 1) biospheric reasons for valuing nature–where nature is valued for itself with 2) egocentric reasons for valuing nature, either for oneself or other people. The Nature Futures Framework informs my recent research on values. Done in collaboration with Lenguiza, a former Penn State graduate student, now a faculty member at the University of Durham, England, and a current graduate student Rosemary Aviste, we argue that there is an added benefit from examining a third reason for valuing nature: appreciating nature as a community member (Lenguiza et al., 2023). Lenguiza is confirming its structural validity in four other countries (Lenguiza et al., in preparation).
Land use. I currently collaborate with an international team of Natural and Social scientists funded by the Belmont Forum and NSF. The research revolves around land abandonment and the “Critical zone”–the area of the earth from groundwater to tree canopies. Natural scientists are studying changes in hydro, chemical, and biological cycles in the "Critical Zone,” largely driven by land use. The social scientists investigate land use preferences, policies, and practices.
One line of research in this project examines preferences for what to do with abandoned land – ranging from wild forests and grasslands, productive forests (e.g., lumber and fruit trees), farmland, and built up areas (residents, business, and associated industry). We find that people are simultaneously desiring to keep land as it is while also preferring less developed lands. We are examining predictors of these preferences from appreciation of the impact of land use on the health of elements of the critical zone, perceptions of land use change and the current conditions of land use where they live.
I also aim to use psychological research to inform communication among the public, NGOs, and local government. I focus on water policy support in New Hampshire that affects or manages land use. We are examining emotions about policies, perceptions about consequences of the policies, and perceptions of who supports and opposes the policies.
One line of research in this project examines preferences for what to do with abandoned land – ranging from wild forests and grasslands, productive forests (e.g., lumber and fruit trees), farmland, and built up areas (residents, business, and associated industry). We find that people are simultaneously desiring to keep land as it is while also preferring less developed lands. We are examining predictors of these preferences from appreciation of the impact of land use on the health of elements of the critical zone, perceptions of land use change and the current conditions of land use where they live.
I also aim to use psychological research to inform communication among the public, NGOs, and local government. I focus on water policy support in New Hampshire that affects or manages land use. We are examining emotions about policies, perceptions about consequences of the policies, and perceptions of who supports and opposes the policies.