Keywords

conservation corps, service learning, quasi-experimental design

Abstract

This study examined the impact of conservation corps experiences on participants. Based upon existing gaps in the conservation corps literature and drawing from research on other comparable programs, this study addressed the following research questions: did involvement in a conservation corps program increase participants' (a) intention to pursue natural resource management related careers or education, (b) positive attitudes towards public lands, and (c) environmental activism? A quasi-experimental design was used to answer these questions. The participant group for the study came from IO different Public Lands Service Coalition corps in the Western United States during the 2011 season. The comparison group was recruited from an on line panel drawn from the same states as the participating PLSC organizations. ANCOV A results revealed that participants experienced positive growth in relation to the comparisons over the course of their involvement in the program.

Original Publication Citation

Duerden, M. D., Edwards, M., & Lizzo, R. (2015). Impact of conservation corps experience on corps members. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership 7(1), 35-47.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2015

Publisher

Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Experience Design and Management

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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