ERIC Number: EJ1378154
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1948-5123
EISSN: N/A
A Case Study of Millennials' Attitudes toward U.S. National Parks
Ruiz, Troy S.; Havlick, David G.
Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, v15 n1 p29-45 2023
Visitation to some of the most popular national parks in the United States has surged in recent years, but in many national park units, attendance has declined even as the U.S. population increases. Changing demographics, patterns of visitation, maintenance needs, and inconsistent federal support raise questions about national parks' relevance to younger generations. In particular, the attitudes of the U.S. Millennial generation are a key concern for park managers and supporters. We evaluate the views of a sample of Millennials toward America's national parks and find that many lack basic knowledge about national parks, yet still say they value and appreciate the national park system. Land managers should respond to knowledge gaps of Millennials and pursue outreach that strategically consolidates the support of this and younger generations for a national parks system that is expected to provide ecological and cultural benefits for current and future generations.
Descriptors: Parks, Natural Resources, Generational Differences, Attitudes, Diversity, Demography, Historic Sites, Tourism, Costs, Information Technology, College Students, Student Attitudes
Sagamore-Venture. 1807 North Federal Drive, Urbana, IL 61801. Tel: 800-327-5557; Tel: 217-359-5940; Fax: 217-359-5975. Web site: https://www.sagamorepub.com/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Colorado (Colorado Springs)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A