Environmental Stewardship Sessions

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

OSI: Green Matters at Brookside Gardens
8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
0.6 CEUs

As a horticultural display garden and county park, Brookside Gardens is committed to the stewardship of the natural resources under its care.  Through strategic planning, the Gardens makes sustainable choices in all aspects of operations, including purchasing, educational programming and landscape design and maintenance. A partnership, formed with the Montgomery County Public School system's, Green Schools Focus program, will share knowledge about sustainable horticultural practices while they share their experience to reduce energy use in facilities. Learn horticultural practices like rain gardens, IPM, composting, nutrient management, as well as standards for green purchasing and energy-saving practices and how your organization can make a difference in your community by making sustainable choices in all aspects operations.  Tour of the gardens, conservatories, and service area will be complemented by in-classroom training session.

• Stephanie Oberle - Assistant Director, Brookside Gardens, M-NCPPC (OSI Presenter/Host)
• David Vismara - Director, Brookside Gardens, M-NCPPC (OSI Presenter/Host)
• Karen Anderson - Green Schools Program Manager, Montgomery County Public Schools (OSI Presenter)
  

OSI: Transforming to Creating the Gateway to America's Largest Estuary
8:15 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
0.5 CEUs

Marshy Point Park was established to preserve hundreds of acres of pristine shoreline on Dundee and Saltpeter Creeks, tidal tributaries of the Gunpowder River and the Chesapeake Bay (America’s largest estuary).  Baltimore County has constructed a series of park enhancements that have transformed the park into a quality interpretive center that provides invaluable hands-on opportunities to experience for the Bay’s tidal ecosystem.  Participants will begin their park tour at the Marshy Point Nature Center, which serves as the base for the educational visits each year.   An overview of Baltimore County’s environmental and historical interpretation system will be included.  Participants will take a short hike and a naturalists- guided canoe tour of Dundee Creek will be offered.   Participants will learn about the tidal ecosystem and how staff utilizes the natural environment and facilities to enrich interpretive opportunities for citizens.

• Robert Stanhope - Chief Naturalist, Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks (OSI Presenter)
• James Frank - Naturalist, Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks (OSI Presenter)
• Patrick McDougall - Planner, Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks (OSI Host)
• Jeanette  Tansey  - Chief-- Capital Planning and Development, City of Baltimore - Department of Recreation and Parks (OSI Host)
  

OSI: Designing and Maintaining Sustainable Trails
8:30a.m. - 5 p.m.
0.6 CEUs

Learn the principle elements of designing and constructing natural surface, sustainable trails for non-motorized users, including hiking, mountain biking and equestrians. Define the concept of sustainable trails and discuss them in terms of their benefit to minimizing environmental impacts, reducing maintenance costs and maximizing the visitor experience.  Also learn the elements of sustainable design and construction that maximize water flow off of trails and review in the field elements including the fundamental relationship between trail grade and cross slope, soil type, trail usage and other factors and the use of grade reversals, out-sloping trail treads and avoiding fall lines and low, flat wet areas. Learn about wet area solutions and review this all in the field, including constructing turnpikes, bridges, boardwalks, puncheons and the appropriate application of geotextiles.

• Nita Settina - Director, Maryland Park Service (OSI Presenter)
• Captain Robin Melton - Park Manager, Maryland Park Service (OSI Host)
  

OSI: Explore Preservation of History and Environment through Recreation
9:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
0.4 CEUs

Join us on a journey along the Gwynns Falls Trail. We will embark from the Crimea Estate in Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park – home of the Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound facility and cycle to the Inner Harbor Visitor Center. In addition to cycling the Gwynns Falls Trail (connecting 2000 acres of Park lands and 30 communities), participants will get a close up look at the Carrie Murray Nature Center, learn about Leon Day Park (named for a Hall of Famer), visit Carroll Park and hear about the exciting future of the area to be known as Inner Harbor South. Understanding Baltimore’s approach to preserve various critical natural resources along the Gwynns Falls Trail will be demonstrated through a tour of the following of the historic Crimea Estate, the local wildlife shelter, the gunpowder Patapsco watershed, and the Gwynns Falls Trail recreation opportunities (which connects these items).

• Michael Strawbridge - , Baltimore City Dept. of Rec. & Parks (OSI Presenter/Host)
• Steven Robinson  - Special Assistant to the Chief of Parks, City of Baltimore - Department of Recreation and Parks (OSI Host)
  

12:45 - 2 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

Learn the components of an Environmental Management System (EMS) and how the Park and Recreation Department within the City of Dallas developed and implemented basic elements across all operations to identify and reduce its footprint on the environment. Discuss the outcomes expected and obtained though EMS implementation at the Dallas Zoo and Aquarium at Fair Park.

• Doug  Dykman  - Deputy Director Zoo Operations, City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department - Dallas Zoo  (Speaker)
• John  Lawrence  - Environmental Coordinator, City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department (Chair/Speaker)
  

TreeBaltimore - Managing an Urban Forest Towards a Tree Canopy Goal
12:45 - 2 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

In 2006, Baltimore committed to doubling its tree canopy within 30 years. As a first step, the Forestry Division of Baltimore’s Department of Recreation and Parks completed an urban forest management plan. A sampling tree inventory was also completed. Eight policies frame Baltimore’s urban forest management: 1) Interagency cooperation; 2) Managing public lands for a sustainable urban forest; 3) An integrated regulatory framework for comprehensive urban forest management; 4) Urban infrastructure designed to maximize nurturing tree growing environments; 5) Tree species best suited to their growing environments, that do not threaten other plant communities; 6) Protecting existing trees; 7) Increasing tree planting on private lands through incentive programs; 8) Building capacity for tree planting and care through promotion and public/private partnering.

• Myra Brosius  - Tree Baltimore Coordinator, City of Baltimore - Department of Recreation and Parks (Speaker)
• Hugo Lam  - Director of Parks Conservation, City of Baltimore - Department of Recreation and Parks (Chair/Speaker)
  

Saving Green (Trees and Dollars) With Volunteers
2:15 - 3:30 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

Sustaining a healthy community forest has rapidly become a goal of increasing importance to parks and recreation service providers and consumers. Citizen Forester volunteers have proven to be an invaluable resource to municipalities in achieving excellence in public tree management. Learn how these skilled volunteers effectively assist with tree inventories, pruning trees, measuring street trees for clearance, and coordinating educational outreach efforts. Using the Citizen Forester program in North Texas as an example, participants will learn how to develop a volunteer program to maintain community trees and expand the level of services provided to citizens. Program structure, promotional strategies, and project accomplishments will be presented. Participants will also gain understanding about how to adjust and easily replicate the Citizen Forester program to meet the urban forestry needs of their organizations.

• Melanie Migura  - Forester, City of Fort Worth Parks & Community Services (Speaker)
• Michelle Villafranca  - Forester, City of Fort Worth Parks & Community Services (Chair)
  

Youth Outdoors: Engaging Their Rights and Understanding Their Perspectives
2:15 - 3:30 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

Nationwide, there has been a heightened awareness regarding a disconnect between youth and the outdoors. This session will illustrate efforts in California to engage youth and promote the outdoors as a healthy alternative for youth. The California Roundtable on Recreation, Parks and Tourism developed the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights in 2004 that promotes a list of 10 activities that every child should experience between the ages of four and 14. Learn recent research findings about youth and the outdoors and the steps that others can take to adopt a Children’s Bill of Rights for their state or community.

• William Hendricks  - Professor and Coordinator, Cal Poly (Speaker)
• Nina Gordon  - Senior Policy Coordinator, California Department of Parks and Recreation (Speaker)
• Marni  Goldenberg  - Assistant Professor, Cal Poly (Chair)
  

Pennsylvania Conservation Landscapes - Investing in Nature, Outdoor Recreation and Communities
3:45 - 5 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has developed an innovative program to maximize the benefit of public lands and public funding and grants around high value landscapes to preserve land, develop outdoor recreation and sustain and revitalize existing communities. The session will feature the leaders of this initiative to provide an overview of the development of the conservation landscape strategy and to provide some lessons on working at the landscape scale. Also learn about the techniques and the outcomes of this partnership work.

• Cindy Dunn  - Deputy Secretary for Conservation and Technical Services, PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (Speaker)
• Lauren Imgrund  - Natural Resource Specialist, PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (Speaker)
• Brenda Barrett  - Director, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (Chair)
  

Rainwater Harvesting: A Tool for a Sustainable Future
3:45 - 5 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

Learn about the funding options, equipment and components of a large-scale rainwater harvesting system, the environmental benefits and outreach and educational opportunities.

• Michelle Villafranca  - Forester, City of Fort Worth Parks & Community Services (Speaker)
• Melanie Migura  - Forester, City of Fort Worth Parks & Community Services (Chair)
  

Sugar, Spice, Snips, and Snails: Girls and Boys in the Outdoors
3:45 - 5 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

Get concrete suggestions on developing nature-based programs for girls and boys based on their social, biological, and cognitive needs. Examine gender issues in the outdoors, promising practices in providing outdoor programs for boys and girls, and why it’s important to do so.

• Ann Gillard  - Assistant, Texas A&M University (Speaker)
• Corliss Outley  - Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University (Chair)
  

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Strategies for Identifying and Working With Green Partners
2 - 3:15 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

Explore how to move toward green operations and learn how to identify key green partnerships that are working in communities across the US. These types of partnerships are improving open spaces and changing the look and feel of play spaces while benefiting the local economy and community.

• Jared Liu  - Director of Program, Alliance for Community Trees (Speaker)
• David Flanigan - Director of Operations, KaBOOM! (Chair/Speaker)
  

Winning Land Conservation Ballot Measures
2 - 3:15 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

 Conserving parks and open spaces for public use requires financial support. The Trust for Public Land works with communities across the nation with a proven business model of winning ballot measures. Learn the five step process that can lead to successful ballot measures in your community.

• David Carter  - Director of Conservation Finance - SE, The Trust for Public Land (Chair/Speaker)

HOT TOPIC: Using Conservation to Fuel Sustainable Communities and 21st Century Economies
3:45 - 5 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

New environmental challenges in the 21st century are demanding a change in conservation practice. This change requires a deeper understanding of conservation practices as powerful instruments for achieving sustainable economies and communities. The Secretary of Pennsylvania’s natural resource agency – the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - will deliver a compelling presentation on how many communities, from big cities to small towns, are capitalizing on their wealth of natural, recreational and heritage resources to build sustainability and prosperity. Learn how Pennsylvania’s counties, conservancies, foundations, local governments, and businesses are coming together to work with state government on broad, landscape-scale initiatives that involve collaborative planning and strategic investment in natural resources to significantly expand regional economies.

• Michael  DiBerardinis  - Secretary, PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (Speaker)
• Gretchen Leslie  - Director, PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (Chair)
  

Incorporating Green Development Into Your Park Systems
3:45 - 5 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

As the concern over global warming continues to grow, the public will start to expect agencies that manage natural resources to become experts on renewable energy sources. Maricopa County has begun initiating new and innovative green programs to make the county a regional leader in energy and environmental efficiency. Learn of several types of solar energy systems, energy reduction construction, building effective partnerships, and the implementation process. Best practices gained from several solar energy installations and LEED certification within Maricopa County’s park system will be shared. Explore various types of initiatives available demonstrate environmental stewardship and the benefits of solar energy.

• Akram  Rosheidat  - Architect, TRK Architecture and Facilities Management, Inc. (Speaker)
• William Scalzo - , World Class Service (Chair/Speaker)
  

OSI: Responding to the Climate Crisis: The Gunpowder Global Warming Initiative
8:15 a.m. -  5:15 p.m.
0.6 CEUs

This session will describe one park’s response to the climate crisis, and explore simple ways that public land managers with limited resources can break this large and complex issue down to a more manageable size.  In February 2007, Gunpowder Falls State Park launched the Gunpowder Global Warming Initiative (GGWI).  We will examine this model and its various components, including strategies for inspiring and training staff, working toward a more sustainable and energy efficient park operation, and inspiring the public to join in this effort in their own lives, homes, communities.  The concept of sustainable living will be defined and discussed in terms of its specific applicability in a park setting.   Workshop participants will leave with ideas that can be implemented at their own sites, as well as contacts for future information sharing and partnerships that enhance sustainability efforts.

• Lt. Peyton Taylor - , Maryland Park Service (OSI Presenter)
• Mike Browning - , Patapsco Valley State Park (OSI Host)
  

Tools for Greening Your Agency
8:30 - 9:45 a.m.
0.1 CEUs

This session, presented by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association's Environmental Committee, will help agencies assess their environmental practices and plan future initiatives. Tools used will include:1) A Model Environmental Policy 2) An Environmental Tool Kit to be used as a “How To” manual on ways to implement policies and locate additional resources 3) An Environmental Report Card to be used by agencies as an evaluation tool to determine whether an agency is “in the green” or needs improvement. The presentation will show “It’s Easy to be Green” using the work of the committee and agencies throughout Illinois.

• Alice Eastman  - Superintendent of Natural Resources, Bolingbrook Park District (Speaker)
• Janet Herbert  - Special Projects Coordinator, Rockford Park District (Speaker)
• Cameron Bettin  - Superintendent of Planning, Plainfield Park District (Chair)
  

Urban Outdoor Adventures an Easy Path to Nature Connection
8:30 - 9:45 a.m.
0.1 CEUs

Growing evidence shows that time spent in nature is essential to the overall development for children. Correspondingly, people both young and older are spending less time in nature nationwide. In order to address this issue, it is important to look at the barriers, consequences and benefits that people experience through a connection to nature or lack thereof. This session will highlight a current program run by the City of Eugene Outdoor Program that seeks to increase our communities’ connection to nature through creating outdoor programs that are accessible and within city limits. This program called, Urban Outdoor Adventures promotes outdoor activities that are nearby and eliminate many outdoor related barriers.

• Aimee Goglia  - Urban Outdoor Adventures Coordinator, City of Eugene (Speaker)
• Craig Smith  - Recreation Program Manager, City of Eugene Outdoor Program (Chair/Speaker)
  

Gulls and Geese: Chicago's Nuisance Wildlife Management Program
8:30 - 11:45 a.m.
0.3 CEUs

If your city has surface water, you have nuisance birds. Whether they are ring-billed gulls or resident Canada Geese, nuisance wildlife can have tremendous economic consequences for a city. It is important for park managers to be able to identify damage caused by wildlife species from a public use standpoint and a maintenance standpoint, as well as to determine a threshold at which certain populations may need to be managed. Share nuisance wildlife management experience: what works and what doesn’t. Determine how to identify wildlife damage, the causes and consequences and we will then cover the tools available to manage nuisance wildlife species, and how to use them properly and safely. We will conclude with a discussion of determining appropriate population threshold levels, conducting wildlife damage assessments and developing comprehensive wildlife damage management programs for park systems.

• Zhanna Yermakov  - Natural Areas Manager, Chicago Park District (Speaker)
• Carla Wagner   - Staff Biologist, Wild Goose Chase, Inc. (Speaker)
• Ellen Sargent  - Deputy Director of Natural Resources, Chicago Park District (Chair)
  

Developing Community-Based Environmental Programs for Sports Fields and Parks
10:15 - 11:30 a.m.
0.1 CEUs

Pesticide-free, limited inputs, low water use, IPM; what does your community desire for its environmental goals for its parks and athletic fields management? How do you work together to collaboratively develop your environmental initiatives? How do you align your community’s environmental initiatives with the appropriate management practices to produce safe playing surfaces? Develop strategies to work with your community to develop environmental goals for sports fields and parks.

• David Pinsonneault  - Public Grounds Supervisor, Town of Lexington (Speaker)
• Kim Heck  - Chief Executive Officer, Sports Turf Managers Association (Chair)
  

Environmentally Preferable Playground Equipment
10:15 - 11:30 a.m.
0.1 CEUs

The mayors of more than 850 cities in the U.S. have signed the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, and these cities are now crafting sustainability plans to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases, conserve water and other natural resources, and reduce energy use. Learn how to enable your purchasing power to have a positive effect on the sustainability of your operations and the environmental health of the planet. Learn the fundamental principles of environmental  stewardship, a working knowledge of what makes a product environmentally preferable, and how these standards can be applied to the purchasing of playground equipment.

• Tim Gosswiller - Director of Materials, Landscape Structures Inc. (Speaker)
• Pat Faust - President, Landscape Structures Inc. (Chair)
  

What Are They Worth? The True Value of Nature Preserves
10:15 - 11:30 a.m.
0.1 CEUs

The true “value” of passive recreational facilities and natural areas are all too often overlooked or easily dismissed. Hear about findings of research conducted by Mecklenburg County park and recreation staff to determine the true value of nature preserves, including economic impacts of nature-based tourism, environmental benefits, and the social/health benefits associated with these types of facilities and programs. Combined, these benefits paint an unmistakable picture of the “true value” of preserving and programming these areas.

• Michael Kirschman  - Division Director, Stewardship Services, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation (Chair/Speaker)

Engage, Educate and Empower! Move Public Audiences to Active Stewardship Involvement
2 - 3:15 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

Learn how interactive, hands-on activities from our successful Youth Stewardship Education programs can be adapted to varied audiences. These proven activities help to build public awareness to the many threats facing our natural areas, while meeting state educational learning standards. Restoration/Stewardship activities show how the public can, Make a Difference in their natural communities, building stronger ties to the land.

• Jan Ward  - Environmental Educator / Youth Stewardship Education Program Coordinator, Lake County Forest Preserves (Speaker)
• Jenny  Sazama  - Environmental Educator, Lake County Forest Preserves (Speaker)
• Andrew Kimmel  - Deputy Executive Director , Lake County Forest Preserves (Chair)
  

Native Landscaping Within Parks: Find Out Why and How
3:45 - 5 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

Native plants provide one way for designers and other professionals to create locally appropriate design and a regional aesthetic. They also have very deep root systems which provide additional groundwater recharge, rebuilding of soil material and soil stabilization and as well as providing several roles above the soil. Many native plantings in the past have looked unkempt, overgrown or out of place, which may be due to improper site preparation, seed mix selection, seed sources, lack of understanding of plant material or maintenance. Successful native planting may seem like an arduous task to undertake with all of these variables. However, many of these have been refined by the restoration ecology community and can be used to provide great looking, functional spaces for any park. Additionally, designers who have a special focus on native plant communities have been sharing their knowledge of common habitats, structures and idiosyncrasies of the plant materials.

• Jill Enz  - Ecological Designer/Project Manager, Applied Ecological Services, Inc. (Speaker)
• Zhanna Yermakov  - Natural Areas Manager, Chicago Park District (Chair/Speaker)
  

Friday, October 17, 2008

Enhancing Outdoor Recreation with Environmental Education to Foster Nature Appreciation
8:30 - 9:45 a.m.
0.1 CEUs

Outdoor recreation is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. When paired with environmental principles, it promotes wellness for not only the body but for the mind and spirit as well. Fostering an appreciation for nature enhances the outdoor recreation experience and helps to protect park resources. Hear about benefits of nature-based outdoor recreation, highlighting the diverse programs at Lake County (Illinois) Forest Preserves and tips on how to easily include environmental principles into your existing programs. Bring one of your programs for the hands-on development process within the session. A list of environmental education resources will be available.

• April Vaos  - Environmental Educator, Lake County Forest Preserves (Speaker)
• Jenny  Sazama  - Environmental Educator, Lake County Forest Preserves (Speaker)
• Andrew Kimmel  - Deputy Executive Director , Lake County Forest Preserves (Chair)
  

Eco-Tourism and Sustainability: Discovering Trends, Resources, and Your Community’s Potential
8:30 - 11:45 a.m.
0.3 CEUs

Discuss the current trends in ecotourism development and sustainable travel, with a particular focus on the community. Explore trends in ecotourism as a tool for sustainable community development, share case studies, and help the participants understand current programs designed to engage communities in North America. Further, discuss the social and environmental aspects of agro-ecotourism as a market-linked method of biodiversity conservation and sustainable community development. Conclude the session with a discussion focused on resources available to practitioners, industry representatives, and land managers on ecotourism and sustainable development best practices.

• Kelly Bricker  - Associate Professor, University of Utah - The International Ecotourism Society (Speaker)
• Christina  Cavaliere  - Director of Education and Training, The International Ecotourism Society (Speaker)
• Cindy Heath  - Director, Lebanon Recreation & Parks Department (Chair)
  

The Sustainable Sites Initiative: Measurable Standards for Landscapes
10:15 - 11:30 a.m.
0.1 CEUs

Significant parts of the built environment such as parks and natural lands are not dominated by structures. The Sustainable Sites Initiative is a new set of standards and metrics providing a basis for measuring, recognizing and verifying sustainable design and resource stewardship. Learn the basic concepts of Sustainable Sites and apply best practices for site and landscape development strategies that strengthen sustainable management.

• Jose Alminana  - Principal, Andropogon Associates, Ltd. (Speaker)
• Richard  Dolesh  - Senior Director of Public Policy, National Recreation and Park Association (Chair/Speaker)
  

Connecting Green Alliance, a Bi-State Strategy
2 - 3:15 op.m.
0.1 CEUs

A case study to 1) establish the blueprint for a city pedestrian and bikeway system 2) develop a region-wide pedestrian and bikeway systems plan 3) building community support and partnerships with user groups. See a transition from a dying intercity with only limited pedestrian and bike access to a bi-state parks, pedestrian and open space system that address the health, alternative transportation, economic and environmental issues.

• Kelly Punteney  - Private Consultant, NW Urban Landscape (Chair/Speaker)

Leave No Child Inside: Connecting Families to Nature in City Parks
2 - 3:15 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

How can you engage toddlers, families, and children to care about nature in their city parks? Chicago Wilderness is an alliance of more than 230 organizations committed to reconnect kids with the outdoors as part of a healthy childhood. Programming that is making an impact will be highlighted including: seasonal family programming and camping programs from the Chicago Park District and partnering institutions.

• Lucy Hutcherson  - Director of Conservation & Communication Programs, Chicago Wilderness (Speaker)
• Peggy Stewart  - Manager of Outdoor and Environmental Education, Chicago Park District (Chair/Speaker)
  

Nature and Youth Development: Planting the Seed
2 - 3:15 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

Discuss the benefits that youth experience through their contact with nature. Nature-based benefits, concepts and initiatives will be reviewed. Gain insights into available resources and applications that will allow them to incorporate nature-based programming into their existing youth development efforts. Dialogue will also highlight current efforts among practitioners and researchers to connect youth with the outdoors.

• Rachel Aaron  - Graduate Student, Texas A&M University - Department of Recreation, Park & Tourism  Sciences (Speaker)
• Mat Duerden  - Graduate Student, Texas A&M University - Department of Recreation, Park & Tourism Sciences (Speaker)
• Clifton Watts  - Professor , Texas A&M University - Department of Recreation, Park & Tourism Sciences (Chair)
  

It's Easy Being Green
3:45 - 5 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

As the owner and manager of over 7,500 acres of parkland throughout the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District has always been green. However, as green becomes a more complex adjective to apply to a municipal agency, we have had to look further into the qualifications and definition of what green is. We set out to review what green best management practices we were implementing and what practices we could improve upon. Our Greening Initiatives program includes daily landscape and facility management operations, capital projects, staff and patron education as well as administrative efforts.

• Ellen Sargent  - Deputy Director of Natural Resources, Chicago Park District (Chair/Speaker)

Outdoor Recreation: The Changing Face of the Future
3:45 -  5 p.m.
0.1 CEUs

The 2008-2012 Oregon SCORP addresses two major demographic and social changes facing outdoor recreation providers: 1)  Fewer youths are learning outdoor skills, and 2) Oregon’s population is becoming increasingly diverse. One way in which the first change is being addressed is by providing Oregon’s youth with new opportunities to learn outdoor recreation skills in outdoor settings.  This will rebuild a foundation for future adult outdoor recreation participation.  The second change is illustrated by the fact that by 2020 the combination of Hispanics, Asians, and African-Americans will make up 22% of Oregon’s state population. Research has shown that these minorities are less likely to participate in outdoor recreation, and it is critical to understand the constraints that limit their participation.  The Oregon SCORP process includes a series of studies designed to provide usable knowledge to proactively address these statewide demographic and social changes which impact outdoor recreation participation.

• Terry Bergerson  - Outdoor Recreation Planner, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (Speaker)
• Kreg Lindberg  - Associate Professor, Oregon State University (Speaker)
• Robert Burns  - Assistant Professor, Recreation, Parks and Tourism Resources, West Virginia University (Chair)