ENVS THESIS DEFENSE: Weds May 04 NOON WSQ 111: Tina Peterson, M.S. Candidate: Wilderness State Park Volunteers: A Qualitative Study of Meaning and Sustainability
Emily Moffitt
PLEASE FORWARD, ANNOUNCE, AND POST:
The Department of Environmental Studies at San José State University
is pleased to present a public research presentation
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Wednesday, May 04, 2016 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM WASHINGTON SQUARE HALL 111 |
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Tina Peterson M.S. Candidate Environmental Studies Department San Jose State University
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Wilderness State Park Volunteers: A Qualitative Study of Meaning and Sustainability
In an increasingly urbanized and wired environment, humans, who evolved in the natural world, no longer have regular contact with nature. This is a problem with negative implications for environmental learning and environmental stewardship, both of which foster a biocentric personal philosophy. Fortunately, national, state and county parks provide access to open space and encourage people to cultivate an affinity for nature. The California Department of Parks, which oversees 280 state park units, is underfunded and faces problems in fulfilling its triple mission of protecting natural and cultural resources, preserving biodiversity and creating opportunities for outdoor recreation. Volunteer associations at state parks fill some of this service gap by providing visitor services, maintenance of trails and natural history interpretation. This case study uses qualitative methods and grounded theory-based analysis to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of one volunteer group, the Uniformed Volunteer Program (UVP) at Wilderness State Park. Robust data show that UVP volunteers construct meanings and exhibit attributes that contribute to program sustainability and to visitor experience and safety. Data also show that some programatic problems exist as described by study participants.
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LIGHT REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED. ALL ARE WELCOME. |