Recognizing connection to nature: Perspectives from the field

ABSTRACT

The researcher conducted 17 semistructured interviews with environmental education professionals working in the field of nature connection to better understand how practitioners define and measure connection to nature. Participants noted the development of a conservation ethic as the most important indication of connection to nature. Practitioners believed that connection to nature outcomes are overshadowed by funders and school partners' emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math oriented outcomes and discussed the importance of sharing language consistent connection to nature evaluation tools that could be adapted to their programming. These ideas are discussed as important considerations in advancing the field.