Thesis
Connecting people to community and nature through ecological sense of place: case study the Missouri Flat Creek restoration
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2017
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100720
Abstract
Busy schedules, global mobility, and greater barriers between humans and the environment, are increasing the disconnect between people and their biophysical environment. This disconnection is resulting in a not only a lack of connection between humans and the ecological community, but arguably creates a disconnection in the social community itself. Within urban areas, planners create parks and green spaces to provide people access to nature; however, people too often do not consider 'green spaces' nature, and look for nature elsewhere (Louv, 2008). Most urban areas have some type of stream system that offers the opportunity for people to encounter nature and better understand the local environment. It also provides ecologists and urban planners opportunity for ecological outreach and education. This brings forth questions. Does providing opportunity for people to explore and interact with nature in urbanized stream systems actually help people develop an ecologically informed sense of place? How might the impact of these interactions be evaluated? This thesis provides evidence that utilizing a bioregional perspective when involving community members in an urban stream restoration project helps participants develop an ecological sense of place. Participants in a stream restoration project in Pullman, Washington were provided pre and post restoration intervention surveys. Statistical analysis of changes in perception by individuals indicate that being involved in the restoration improved ecological sense of place, and realization of nature in an urban setting. Open ended questions and reflection exercises further support the outcome. Surveys also indicate that many participants recognized that their actions also contributed to community.
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Details
- Title
- Connecting people to community and nature through ecological sense of place
- Creators
- Kayla Alexandria Wakulich
- Contributors
- Allyson Beall King (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525099701842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis