ERIC Number: EJ1467622
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1472-9679
EISSN: EISSN-1754-0402
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Community Nature Journaling: Wellbeing and Learning Outcomes for Adult and Youth Participants
Lucy R. McClain1; Amy E. Powell1; Kyle A. Bettwy2
Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, v25 n1 p282-300 2025
Nature journaling is a practice embedded within the principles of environmental education and experienced a resurgence as a therapeutic activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using sociocultural theories of learning to understand when and how people learn in out-of-school, outdoor settings, this study explored the perceived benefits and learning outcomes stemming from a public community nature journal (CNJ) program. This qualitative research study was conducted over a 12-month period with 153 individuals (112 adults, 41 youth) who were surveyed about their wellbeing and learning outcomes from the program. Thematic analysis of the surveys indicated that community and fellowship was a central component of enjoyment for adults attending the CNJ program, while youth participants appreciated natural history encounters built into the program. This research suggests that nature journaling has the potential to mitigate social isolation among older adults, while fostering a deep sense of awareness of the natural world for younger generations.
Descriptors: Journal Writing, Well Being, Outcomes of Education, Environmental Education, Informal Education, Adults, Youth, Community Programs, Social Isolation, Consciousness Raising, Outdoor Education
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Pennsylvania
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, College of Health and Human Development, Penn State University, University Park, USA; 2Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, Penn State University, Petersburg, USA