Projects

Collaboration with The Nature Conservancy’s Midwest Division. This multi-year project across four sites will provide the evidence and data necessary to answer visit and visitor use management questions, informing development of nimble and responsive visitor management approaches for the health of people and planet.

Co-Investigator on the Coping and Nature During COVID-19 Survey (CANS) research project. CANS was developed to explore multiple components that may influence the use of greenspace and its impact on well-being in response to perceived threats of COVID-19. This survey was conducted May 2022 and questions were referenced to the spring of 2021 and 2022, before and after vaccines against COVID-19 were widely available. The online survey (n=1,621) sampled individuals residing in the largest 100 metropolitan statistical areas in the U.S. either in the top or bottom poverty tertiles per the American Community Survey. Ongoing active member of the Horton Research Group.

As a member of the Parks and Green Space Work Group, currently assisted with the Perceptions of Knowledge and Experience in Nature-based Health Interventions/Prescriptions Survey. Previously co-authored A scoping review of the health benefits of nature-based physical activity. PAPREN is a CDC funded thematic research network to support local, state and national level policy approaches to influence physical activity opportunities.

The electronic Community Park Audit Tool (eCPAT) System is a comprehensive SaaS technology solution for professionals and researchers to audit, assess, and promote equitable park use for community health. The three-component system includes 1) a valid and reliable park data collection mobile app, 2) an interactive and searchable map-based web database, and 3) a unique health promotion scoring system. As a member of the eCPAT team, provided industry insights and collaboration on R&D.

Developed a program evaluation approach and validated metrics to help guide the Brushwood Center as they continue to steward the growth of the Nature Explorer Backpack Program program which serves local families in experiencing wellbeing through the natural world. This included generating recommended metrics and measurement tools for community events, library-based gear checkout program, and small group programs.

Completed two workforce development products for NRPA. These included the Workforce Development: A Resource Guide for Parks and Recreation which features case studies highlighting programs dedicated to workforce development opportunities, primarily working with youth and young adults, to engage future generations of park and recreation professionals and advocates. Along with the accompanying workbook, Workforce Development: Self-Guided Workbook for Parks and Recreation, which helps agencies assess their current situation and opportunities for growth.

Completed a study examining Forest Therapy trails. Very little research has examined the characteristics of forest settings that might help improve these experiences and their delivery by park and forest managers, forest therapy guides, and health care providers. We conducted research to identify the key natural, built, and social attributes of forest settings relevant to forest therapy experiences. Findings from this project were published including: Key characteristics of Forest Therapy trails: A guided, integrative approach and Forest therapy trails: A conceptual framework and scoping review of research.

Developed a Technical Assistance framework and curriculum that will provide a holistic and consistent strategy for supporting training and technical assistance offerings to NRPA grantees, local park and recreation agencies and their community-based non-profit partners, and to NRPA members.