Leisure Studies Commons^™

Plant Community Composition And Structure Monitoring For Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, 2013 Annual Report, Isabel W. Ashton, Michael Prowatzke

United States National Park Service: Publications

Introduction

During the last century, much of the prairie within the Northern Great Plains has been plowed for cropland, planted with non-natives to maximize livestock production, or otherwise developed, making it one of the most threatened ecosystems in the United States. Within Nebraska, greater than 77% of the area of native mixed-grass prairie has been lost since European settlement (Samson and Knopf 1994). The National Park Service (NPS) plays an important role in preserving and restoring some of the last pieces of intact prairies within its boundaries. The stewardship goal of the NPS is to “preserve ecological integrity and cultural …

Teacher Education And Experiential Learning: A Visual Ethnography, Maureen F. Legge, Wayne Smith

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Abstract: This article reports research that critically examined our teacher education outdoor education pedagogy. The purpose was to use visual ethnography to critique our teaching over twenty years of annual five-day bush-based residential camps. The bush camps were situated in an outdoor education programme contributing to a four-year undergraduate teacher education Bachelor of Physical Education in Aotearoa New Zealand. The research method involved photo-elicitation of selected photographs representing students’ experiences and our practices. We each wrote about the photographs using introspection and recall to create a layered narrative analysis reflecting on the educative focus of the images. We responded to …

Simulated Learning In Musculoskeletal Assessment And Rehabilitation Education: Comparing The Effect Of A Simulation-Based Learning Activity With A Peer-Based Learning Activity, Mark Hecimovich, Simone Volet

Faculty Publications

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders and diseases are leading causes of pain, physical disability, and doctor visits throughout the world. Health professionals must be trained to assess, treat through rehabilitation and monitor patients with these disorders. Yet, due to overcrowded curricula, some health education programs struggle to accommodate more than minimal training in musculoskeletal conditions. Consequently, educators in these professions must consider how traditional instruction could be complemented effectively to enhance students’ preparation for the diverse musculoskeletal disorders and pathologies they may encounter. The purpose of this study was to explore the benefits that can be obtained from laboratory practice in musculoskeletal …

Appalachian And Pacific Crest Trail Hikers: A Comparison Of Benefits And Motivations, Eddie Hill, Edwin Gómez, Marni Goldenberg, Barbara Freidt, Stephanie Fellows, Laura Hill

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

The Appalachian Trail (AT) and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) are two scenic trails named in the National Trails System Act of 1968. Recently, trails and footpaths have been used to promote such benefits as healthy lifestyles, sense of community, and an increased quality of life. The purpose of this study was to compare the motivations and benefits from hikers of the AT and the PCT. Grounded in Driver’s benefits model and means-end theory, and using an Internet questionnaire, 766 usable questionnaires were collected. Significant differences were found between AT and PCT users who: hike to prevent a worse health condition; …

A Qualitative Assessment Of Virginia Beach Dog Park Users, Edwin Gómez, John Hunting

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

The purpose of this paper is to look at a Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) dog park as a case study exploring the benefits and perceptions of dog parks by its users. The qualitative methodology follows an earlier dog park study by Gómez (2013) in Norfolk, VA. Our findings indicated three major themes: (a) dog exercise, (b) socialization for dogs (and humans), and (c) safe off-leash place. Findings from Virginia Beach are compared to earlier findings in Norfolk.

Travel And Recreation: The Economics Of "We Like It Here!", Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Outlook for 2014 and Review of 2013.

Statewide Nonresident Travel Survey: Survey Methods And Data Analysis, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The Statewide Nonresident Travel Survey is conducted throughout Montana, and the resulting data are analyzed and made available to the public on the ITRR website on a quarterly basis. Statewide visitation and traveler spending estimates, as well as an analysis of the contribution of nonresident travel to Montana's economy, are published annually. This research note provides information regarding the survey methods and data analysis process.

Gardiner, Mt - Visitor Perceptions, Image, And Spending, 2013, Meredith S. Berry, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study assesses the image and perceptions of Gardiner by visitors as well as their reasons for visiting Gardiner and spending patterns within the town. Visitors to Gardiner were primarily in the town to eat and drink, shop, drive through and get fuel; average daily spending was $178. Visitors, both in open-ended and structured responses noted that Gardiner was a friendly and welcoming community, and a fun place. Respondents also believed, however, that there was room for improvement with services available such as food and shopping opportunities. Visitors have many opinions about Gardiner, some positive and some negative. Gardiner is …

Analysis Of Touring Cyclists: Impacts, Needs And Opportunities For Montana, Norma P. Nickerson, Jake Jorgenson, Meredith Berry, Jane Kwenye

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The purpose of this study was to understand the niche market of touring cyclists and to examine the potential for cycle tourism in the state of Montana. Results indicate a strong potential for cycle tourism in the state of Montana. Multi-day cyclists are generally satisfied while in Montana, but improvements are needed. Touring cyclists fit directly in line with Montana’s geotourism marketing brand pillars.

Whitefish Trail Visitor Study, Christine Oschell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The purpose of this study was to provide the Whitefish Legacy Partners with information about the users of the Whitefish Trail. This includes how and why they are using the trail, the money they spent in Whitefish when they used the trail and how satisfied they were with aspects of the trail.

Travel And Recreation In Montana: 2013 In Review And 2014 Outlook, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Outlook for 2014 and Review of 2013.

An Exploratory Examination Of Families Engaged In An Adventure Running Kids Program, Heather Isnor

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Academics and practitioners have only just begun to delve into the health benefits of outdoor activities in the last few years. In general, the forested settings of these activities have been documented to decrease stress levels, increase recovery rates from disease, and lessen the symptoms of mental illnesses (Kuo & Faber Taylor, 2004). It is believed that the natural environment acts as a setting where humans can engage in physical activity, aesthetic experiences, and social interactions that, in turn, release stress and lead to improved well-being (Bird, 2012). Currently, however, children are experiencing limited exposure to nature and which has …