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College of Natural Resources
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management

Environmental Education and Communication

Kids Working Together - Areas of Research - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State

Cultivating Environmental Awareness

While technical innovations are needed to address grand challenges such as climate change, environmental health and shrinking biodiversity, their adoption relies on people who understand the science behind complex environmental challenges, care about the issues, and are motivated and equipped to work toward solutions. Our faculty work to build environmental literacy in a host of contexts, bringing together faculty from across campus to study how to connect children to nature, integrate nature-based learning in our schools, leverage citizen science to inspire people to connect with the natural world, and empower youth to inspire communities toward sustainable solutions.

Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Research Features

October 08, 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. …

October 02, 2024

What Climate Change Means for Tourism

Tourism-dependent communities must take action to become more resilient to climate change if they want to maintain visitors, according to NC State professor Erin Seekamp.

May 03, 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…

Meet Our Experts

At the College of Natural Resources, our faculty are at the forefront of education and research in the field of environmental education and communication.