Study: Outdoor activities foster a greater appreciation of nature

Jun. 24—LEWISBURG — Nature-based-activities can transform human experiences and interactions with wildlife in profound and unexpected ways, according to Bucknell Freeman College of Management Professor Annetta Grant in a recently published study on the transformative nature of fly fishing.

Grant and her research team found that spending time in nature through activities like fly fishing not only enhances individuals' connection with the environment but can also foster a sense of protection toward it.

"The big implication is that the more time people spend in nature — in this case, fly fishing — the more they end up learning about it, and that can change the way they see nature," Grant said.

A leisure activity can change people such that they can be stewards of the environment, Grant said. "To re-see nature, people have to go through a learning process where they have to learn about species and the environment. They see how things such as weather are connected with the behavior of species, and how water is a marker of the health of the environment."

To understand the human experience of encounters with fish, over several years, Grant conducted in-person and video interviews with 21 fly fishers and one guide. In-person interviews took place on the riverbank or while driving to the river. This was enhanced with streamside observations and participating in fly fishing communities.

The study also explored the power dynamics present in human-wildlife interactions, particularly in the context of consumption. Traditional views often see wild species as resources for human use. However, Grant's research revealed more reciprocal expressions of power, where both humans and other species influence each other — and as the study shows, wild animals can transform people in surprising ways.

Grant said the research encourages more sustainable and ethical consumption practices. It also emphasizes the transformative potential of nature-based experiences as a way to encourage responsible stewardship of the environment.