a recreational activity where people use words or pictures to capture an observation while outside in nature - became increasingly popular during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. A new study led by researchers in the Penn State Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management found that adults and youth differ in the reasons they are drawn to nature journaling.
The team, led by Associate Teaching Professor Lucy McClain and doctoral student Amy Powell, found that adults appreciated the fellowship and community-building aspects of nature journaling whereas youth appreciated the opportunities for different wildlife sightings. The researchers published their work in the Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning.
"Coming out of the pandemic, many adults were faced with social isolation," McClain said. "Outdoor programs like nature journaling were beneficial for people's individual wellbeing and also helped them reconnect with their local community."
