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College of Natural Resources
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management

Research

Kathryn Stevenson holding a book while sitting at her desk - Natural Resources Professor Promotes Post-Disaster Resilience in Impacted Communities - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

Mar 3, 2025

Natural Resources Professor Promotes Post-Disaster Resilience in Impacted Communities

Kathryn Stevenson is one of many researchers collaborating on a project aimed at supporting teachers in resilience-focused disaster response.
Afternoon sunlight streams through the fall foliage at Wolf Plaza - NC State Announces Launch of Universitywide Climate and Sustainability Academy - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

Dec 5, 2024

NC State Announces Launch of Universitywide Climate and Sustainability Academy

Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Warwick Arden and Senior Vice Provost for University Interdisciplinary Programs Rob Dunn today officially announced the launch of the Climate and Sustainability Academy.
Faculty member Tal Ben-Horin and graduate student Zakir Bulmer prepare their gear for a scuba diving excursion - NC State on the Coast - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

Oct 8, 2024

NC State on the Coast

On a breezy September day, doctoral student Zakir Bulmer sits on the edge of a boat on the Pamlico Sound and allows himself to fall backwards into the water. He’s spending the day scuba diving at different sites across the sound with his advisor, Tal Ben-Horin, an assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences. …

Apr 8, 2025

Federal Funding for Research Fuels Innovation in Natural Resources

College of Natural Resources faculty received nearly $22 million in federal research grants last year.
Two birds on branch - Birdwatching can help students improve mental health, reduce distress - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

May 3, 2024

Birdwatching can help students improve mental health, reduce distress

A new study finds people who have nature-based experiences report better well-being and lower psychological distress than those who do not. Birdwatching in particular yielded promising results, with higher gains in subjective well-being and more reduction in distress than more generic nature exposure, such as walks. Because birdwatching is an easily accessible activity, the results…
A student in a classroom wears a virtual reality headset - Immersive VR Tours Promote Inclusive Recreation - Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at NC State University

Mar 27, 2024

Immersive VR Tours Promote Inclusive Recreation

Using student-created virtual reality (VR) tours to explore recreation activities throughout North Carolina, this grant helped promote VR experiences as a fun and engaging form of recreation.
aerial view of a city neighborhood - Greener Neighborhoods Can Protect Us- at the Cellular Level - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

Oct 18, 2023

Greener Neighborhoods Can Protect Us – at the Cellular Level

A new study finds that greenspace in urban environments has a positive impact on a key genetic marker associated with exposure to stress.
Suspension bridge - Survey: Tourists' Long-Term Plans More Uncertain Under Climate Change - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

Aug 25, 2023

Survey: Tourists’ Long-Term Plans More Uncertain Under Climate Change

Findings from a new study suggest that climate change could impact not only the total number of tourists visiting a place, but also the timing and duration – factors that could be important for tourism-related staffing and revenue.

Aug 3, 2023

Extreme Heat is Changing How People Experience the Outdoors

As record-breaking heat waves become more common around the world, many people are changing the timing and location of their outdoor activities.

Jun 14, 2023

Urban Tree Planting is Booming, Just Not In Low-Income and Minority Neighborhoods

The distribution of trees remains inequitable in many American cities, with low-income and non-white neighborhoods typically having fewer trees.