Ryan, R.L., 2005, Exploring the effects of environmental experience on attachment to urban natural areas, in: Environment and Behavior, 37, 6
- Author : Ryan, R.L.
- Year : 2005
- Journal/Series : Environment and Behavior
- Volume Number (ANNUAL: Counting Volumes of the Year shown above) : 6
- Volume Number (CONSECUTIVE: Counting all Volumes of this Journal ever published) : 37
- Pages : 3-42
- Abstract in English : Changes in the landscape can have sad consequences for those who have an attachment to natural areas. Yet the effects of these changes on people and their attachment to natural areas have gone relatively unstudied. This study explored the relationship between place attachment and both environmental experience and environmental attributes within three natural areas in Michigan. The results of this study showed that the public has a strong attachment for urban parks and natural areas. This attachment can be a powerful force for preservation and restoration of urban parks. The results supported the study’s hypothesis that the environmental characteristics of urban natural areas affect attachment. The study showed that expert’s vision of what is appropriate within a natural area may differ from those of neighbours and users. The park staff and volunteers have an attachment that is rooted in such concepts as biodiversity and native ecosystems, whereas other park users, especially neighbours, appreciated a more refined, ornamental landscape. Such differences in attachment can readily become a source of conflict. Urban natural areas are extremely important to many local residents. Attachment to these places makes people concerned about protecting nature within the city. Yet people view natural areas through the lens of their own different experiences, which in turn, creates attachments to different qualities of these places. It is essential that park planners and managers incorporate these diverse viewpoints when making design and management decisions.
- Comments/Notes : KEYWORDS: place attachment, urban parks, management, ecological restoration, nature experience, quality. This article is related to urban forestry.