Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A49]

Holyoke Community College Trail Management: The Impact of Outdoor Recreation on Mental Health and Ecosystem Sustainability

Presenter: Laurel Anne Lamoureux

Faculty Sponsor: Heather Ruel

School: Holyoke Community College

Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability

ABSTRACT

The Holyoke Community College hiking trails come in various designs and intensity, and something they all share in common is the reasons trails are so important. The importance ranges from the protection of the environment the trails travel through, to the physical challenges exerted on the body and the positive mental outlook that can take place in the mind. Spending time in nature has many positive outcomes like lower stress, improved focus, and improved mental health. To encourage use of the trails this project proposes improving trail signs, symbols, and maps to help hikers reach their destination safely while also educating them about their environment. A survey has been designed to identify the needs of students, faculty and community members and the first step in this project is distributing the survey. Once tabulated, the data acquired from this survey will be used to prioritize improvements to the HCC trail. The goal of this project is to update the Holyoke Community College trails, encourage their use, and have a positive effect on students and members of the community by improving their physical and mental health. 

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