Dr. Andrea Faber Taylor, from the University of Illinois, shares about her foundational research related to the importance of nature & green space.
{1:15}
Q. What are some helpful talking points local parks & recreation professional could use when advocating for the importance of nature & green space?
A.
– Key Finding: Nature is Restorative
– Green spaces help in recovery of stress, attentional fatigue, and mental fatigue.
– Consider taking a walk as a family, it does not have to be a deep woods experience. Neighborhood parks & your backyard are great options of places to recover from the stress of the week.
– Green spaces have just the right amount of stimulation, unlike television or social media, to help with reflective thinking, problem solving creative solutions, and long-term planning.
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Q. What is the definition of attentional fatigue?
A. Not being able to stay on task, tune out distractions, and concentrate. A broader definition includes self-control, not being able to manage your emotion or being able to respond appropriately to situations.
{4:54}
Q. What are your thoughts on how park & recreation professionals can encourage people to get outside and use the resources?
A.
– Participatory planning.
– Alter the space to be what they need or want; for example, temporary dens for preteens with the use of branches, bushes, or low hanging evergreens.
– Space for pretend play. The ability to use plant material as “loose parts.”
– Example space: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
– Crazy idea: Incorporate ‘pick-able’ plant materials, plants with flowers, berries, seeds, or other parts, that children would be allowed to gather and incorporate into their pretend play. And label those plants so that species’ names become associated with these plant parts.
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Highlight Comment
The power of when children bond with nature.
When children bond with nature before age 11, they will grow up to be better stewards of the environment and will actively care for the earth.
{9:22}
Highlight Comment
Andrea remembers a mysterious violet patch in her woods as a child. And she would go look for it every spring.
Contact the Rec-lebrity:
Andrea Faber Taylor, PhD
Teaching Assistant Professor, Crop Sciences / Horticulture
Child Environment & Behavior Researcher
1023 Plant Sciences Lab
1201 S. Dorner Dr.
Urbana, IL 61801 MC-634afabrtay@illinois.edu
217-244-3898
Rec-lebrity Interviews conducted by Campfire Concepts President, Jarrod Scheunemann, and Marketing Director, Jessie Scheunemann, focus on local park and recreation management strategies and best practices. Join this dynamic pair and other “rec-lebrities” in their treehouse and on location to find your next great idea.
