Connecting to Nature Through Ecological Restoration
A Case Study of Youth Involvement in Salmon Recovery in Washington State
Lauren Vorona, MLWS 2022
Engagement in nature is declining as access becomes increasingly limited, especially for urban youth. Youth-nature connection is falling alongside the salmon population in Washington state. This report aims to provide a guide to organizations who work with youth and those who do environmental work more broadly to strengthen youth-nature connection through salmon habitat restoration. The program must include, a community or whole watershed focus, the best science working in conjunction to local knowledge, and an understanding of the potential negative associations urban teens have with nature and a plan to change their mentality by providing engaging and safe experiences outdoors.
