Visitor Use and Associated Benefits of the UMD Bagley Nature Area

Abstract

The benefits associated with time spent outdoors such as a decrease in obesity, positive social impacts, improvement in mood and stress reduction are well documented (US Fish & Wildlife Service, 2016; Wolch et al., 2011; Benefits of Connecting Children with Nature, 2012; Izenstark & Ebata, 2014). There are also benefits to diverse populations spending time in nature such as increasing the physical activity of urban youth, increasing a sense of identity among recent immigrants as well as providing a sense of relief and self-efficacy (Babey, et al., 2008; Wong, 1997). The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) campus is unique in having a 55 acre nature area right on campus known as the Bagley Nature Area (BNA). This site is used extensively for nature-based instruction, as a park for students to enjoy, as a place to gain physical exercise in the outdoors, and by community members for exercise, wildlife watching, and time spent in nature. However, in spite of the diverse use this area receives, the full extent of visitor impacts on the site and the type of visitor (e.g. college classes, student use, athletic teams, community members) have not been reviewed since 2007(Gilbertson, 2007; Gilbertson, Bates, & Pastor, 2007). The purpose of this UROP study is to analyze data collected from users at the BNA to determine visitor use and visitor types. Data was collected via the use of electronic eye sensors and a discreetly placed trail camera. This data will be used to help guide management of the site and to determine the ways that the site is currently being used with the overall goal of managing this valuable campus and community resource in an environmentally sustainable manner.