Traci Schauf on ‘The Challenge to Draw People Outdoors’

As more and more adults and children spend time in front of computer screens and video games, the challenge increases to outdoorsmen (and women) to get those electronics-attached folks outside.   As outdoorwomen, we know the benefits of participating in sports and activities that take place in nature, and often assume that others understand those benefits as well. I think we cannot make that assumption, and need to direct our efforts at “marketing” the outdoors in a way that appeals to those who are not naturally compelled to be there.

This marketing approach is one shortcoming I see in many state wildlife programs, where the programs offered hold the inherent assumption that people want to be outside, and will look for these programs.  I think that’s true for some folks, and those are the ones who will seek out events.  But how to reach those who do not hold that assumption, and can we legitimately press our normative beliefs that people ought to be outdoors?

Beyond the physical benefits of exercise, outdoor activities provide a boon in other ways.  Recent studies have shown that people who participate in physical activities together actually bond better because of chemicals produced in the brains and shared memories.  What better argument for a family to go hiking together?

Getting individuals outside is also of benefit to nature itself.  How can you care about your environment if you never see it?  Those who feel an “ownership” of their surroundings are more likely to act to protect and care for it.

The burden then is placed on environmentalists, naturalists, sportsmen and state and federal wildlife and parks programs to present the outdoors in a way that attracts people who are not normally interested in outdoor activities, while still serving those who regularly utilize programs and resources.  This may entail increased use of media, slicker advertising, offering more in the way of “nature light” activities, and discovering how to present these in a way that demonstrates benefit to the target audience.

For my part, I’ll just keep preaching that there is an outdoor activity for everyone, and that everyone should get outdoors. And practice what I preach. ~ Traci Schauf

To follow Traci’s blog, go to http://momonvacation.blogspot.com/