Use of Nearby Nature in College Outdoor Programming

Abstract

BackgroundA universal adjustment to pandemic restrictions for the colleges and university outdoor programs we interviewed was limiting travel. This forced outdoor programs to modify their offerings. Some chose to use closer outdoor venues.PurposeThis investigation sought to understand if college outdoor leaders believed they achieved or could achieve their program's goals using nearby nature from March 2020 until travel restrictions were lifted—usually beginning in fall 2021—as well as if the use of closer outdoor venues stayed the same or increased after that.MethodologyThis study gathered data through semi-structured interviews ( n = 14) with college outdoor program leaders.FindingsCollege outdoor leaders reported they were able to achieve some to most of their program's goals, like teaching trip planning skills and providing opportunities for social contact with others by using nearby nature. Once pandemic travel restrictions were lifted, programs largely returned to distant programming.ImplicationsGiven the reduction of barriers to participation (e.g., cost and travel logistics) and the benefits (positive health outcomes and socialization) identified in this study of programming in nearby nature, college outdoor leaders are encouraged to increase programming in nearby nature to achieve some of their program goals.