When we think about research in outdoor recreation, we often
focus on people. We study visitor experiences, recreation behaviors, trail
usage patterns, and management strategies. But what if we've been overlooking
an important participant all along?
A recent study by Solana Kline introduces an intriguing concept: treating nature not simply as the setting for recreation, but as an active participant in the experience itself. The article, Participant Auto-Ethnographic Trail Journals: Representing More-Than-Humans Through Embodied Experiences of Nature-Based Recreators, explores how trail users experience and interact with the natural world while hiking, running, biking, and recreating on public lands.
Seeing Nature as More Than a Backdrop
Traditional recreation research often positions nature as the environment in which human activities occur. Kline challenges this perspective by asking researchers to consider "more-than-human" relationships. In simple terms, the study suggests that trees, wildlife, landscapes, weather, and ecosystems actively shape recreation experiences. Participants in the study frequently described feeling connected to, influenced by, and even in conversation with elements of the natural environment. Rather than viewing nature as a passive backdrop, participants described trails, forests, animals, and landscapes as meaningful contributors to their experiences.
The Power of Trail Journaling
The study used participant trail journals as a primary research tool. Participants recorded reflections through written journals, audio recordings, photographs, and follow-up interviews. What makes this approach unique is that researchers intentionally stepped back during the data collection process. Participants documented their experiences independently, allowing them to engage with nature without the presence of a researcher. This seemingly simple change produced rich descriptions of sensory experiences, emotional connections, and observations that might have been missed through traditional interviews or surveys. For professionals, this offers an important reminder: some of the most meaningful insights emerge when people are given space to reflect on their experiences in their own words.
Why This Matters for Outdoor Professionals
Whether you work in parks and recreation, conservation, tourism, environmental education, or public land management, the findings have practical implications.
1. Experiences Matter as Much as Facilities
Many recreation plans focus on infrastructure, amenities, and access. While those factors remain important, this research highlights the value of emotional and sensory experiences. Visitors often seek solitude, reflection, connection, and restoration. Designing and managing spaces that support those experiences may be just as important as maintaining physical infrastructure.
2. Reflection Deepens Engagement
The act of journaling encouraged participants to notice details they might otherwise overlook.
Outdoor educators, interpreters, and recreation leaders can incorporate reflection activities, journaling prompts, photography, or storytelling exercises to help participants engage more deeply with natural environments.
3. Nature Supports Well-Being
Many participants described trails and natural spaces as sources of comfort, renewal, perspective, and personal growth. As conversations around mental health and wellness continue to expand, outdoor recreation professionals are uniquely positioned to create opportunities for meaningful nature-based experiences.
4. Public Lands Create More Than Recreation Opportunities
The study reminds us that public lands are not simply places where recreation occurs. They are spaces where people build relationships with landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems. These experiences can foster stewardship, appreciation, and long-term support for conservation efforts.
A Different Way to Think About Research
One of the most interesting aspects of the study is its willingness to embrace complexity. Research often seeks clear answers and measurable outcomes. This project acknowledges that some experiences are difficult to quantify. Feelings of connection, wonder, belonging, and awe may not fit neatly into a spreadsheet, but they are often at the heart of why people seek outdoor experiences in the first place.
For researchers and practitioners alike, that is an important lesson.
Final Thoughts
The next time you head out on a trail, consider bringing a notebook.
Pay attention to what you hear, see, feel, and notice. Observe how the landscape shapes your experience. Reflect on the ways nature influences your thoughts, emotions, and sense of well-being. You may discover that recreation is not simply something we do in nature. It is something we do with nature. And perhaps that distinction matters more than we realize.
Thank you for reading my blog.
Source Material: Solana Kline (2026) Participant auto-ethnographic trail journals: representing
more-than-humans through embodied experiences of nature-based recreators, World Leisure
Journal, 68:2, 402-422, DOI: 10.1080/16078055.2025.2493064
Check Out My Video: Bradley, M. (2026, June 24). How Nature Speaks: Trail Journaling, More-Than-Human Research, and Outdoor Recreation. YouTube. https://youtu.be/X01kiXbrGKQ
A recent study by Solana Kline introduces an intriguing concept: treating nature not simply as the setting for recreation, but as an active participant in the experience itself. The article, Participant Auto-Ethnographic Trail Journals: Representing More-Than-Humans Through Embodied Experiences of Nature-Based Recreators, explores how trail users experience and interact with the natural world while hiking, running, biking, and recreating on public lands.
Seeing Nature as More Than a Backdrop
Traditional recreation research often positions nature as the environment in which human activities occur. Kline challenges this perspective by asking researchers to consider "more-than-human" relationships. In simple terms, the study suggests that trees, wildlife, landscapes, weather, and ecosystems actively shape recreation experiences. Participants in the study frequently described feeling connected to, influenced by, and even in conversation with elements of the natural environment. Rather than viewing nature as a passive backdrop, participants described trails, forests, animals, and landscapes as meaningful contributors to their experiences.
The Power of Trail Journaling
The study used participant trail journals as a primary research tool. Participants recorded reflections through written journals, audio recordings, photographs, and follow-up interviews. What makes this approach unique is that researchers intentionally stepped back during the data collection process. Participants documented their experiences independently, allowing them to engage with nature without the presence of a researcher. This seemingly simple change produced rich descriptions of sensory experiences, emotional connections, and observations that might have been missed through traditional interviews or surveys. For professionals, this offers an important reminder: some of the most meaningful insights emerge when people are given space to reflect on their experiences in their own words.
Why This Matters for Outdoor Professionals
Whether you work in parks and recreation, conservation, tourism, environmental education, or public land management, the findings have practical implications.
1. Experiences Matter as Much as Facilities
Many recreation plans focus on infrastructure, amenities, and access. While those factors remain important, this research highlights the value of emotional and sensory experiences. Visitors often seek solitude, reflection, connection, and restoration. Designing and managing spaces that support those experiences may be just as important as maintaining physical infrastructure.
2. Reflection Deepens Engagement
The act of journaling encouraged participants to notice details they might otherwise overlook.
Outdoor educators, interpreters, and recreation leaders can incorporate reflection activities, journaling prompts, photography, or storytelling exercises to help participants engage more deeply with natural environments.
3. Nature Supports Well-Being
Many participants described trails and natural spaces as sources of comfort, renewal, perspective, and personal growth. As conversations around mental health and wellness continue to expand, outdoor recreation professionals are uniquely positioned to create opportunities for meaningful nature-based experiences.
4. Public Lands Create More Than Recreation Opportunities
The study reminds us that public lands are not simply places where recreation occurs. They are spaces where people build relationships with landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems. These experiences can foster stewardship, appreciation, and long-term support for conservation efforts.
A Different Way to Think About Research
One of the most interesting aspects of the study is its willingness to embrace complexity. Research often seeks clear answers and measurable outcomes. This project acknowledges that some experiences are difficult to quantify. Feelings of connection, wonder, belonging, and awe may not fit neatly into a spreadsheet, but they are often at the heart of why people seek outdoor experiences in the first place.
For researchers and practitioners alike, that is an important lesson.
Final Thoughts
The next time you head out on a trail, consider bringing a notebook.
Pay attention to what you hear, see, feel, and notice. Observe how the landscape shapes your experience. Reflect on the ways nature influences your thoughts, emotions, and sense of well-being. You may discover that recreation is not simply something we do in nature. It is something we do with nature. And perhaps that distinction matters more than we realize.
Thank you for reading my blog.
Source Material: Solana Kline (2026) Participant auto-ethnographic trail journals: representing
more-than-humans through embodied experiences of nature-based recreators, World Leisure
Journal, 68:2, 402-422, DOI: 10.1080/16078055.2025.2493064
Check Out My Video: Bradley, M. (2026, June 24). How Nature Speaks: Trail Journaling, More-Than-Human Research, and Outdoor Recreation. YouTube. https://youtu.be/X01kiXbrGKQ
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