As the use of iPods, personal computers, televisions and other electronic devices continues to increase, a new study suggests Americans are becoming less in tune with nature.
In an article on CNN.com, the Associated Press breaks down the research which claims electronic gadgets are contributing to a decline in visitors to United States’ national parks. The study, funded by the Nature Conservancy, notes Americans are spending less time outdoors and, therefore, are not as connected to their surroundings. Consequently, they will be less likely to take nature vacations or support conservation and other protection efforts.
The report, which will be officially released Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, explains the drop in park visitation began in the 1980s and 1990s, at the same time video games, the Internet and electronic gadgets were becoming a mainstay in households.
Of direct relevance to New Englanders, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, which winds through five New England states, peaked in 2000 before declining 18 percent by 2005.
This is certainly a troubling trend for conservationists since efforts to protect land from development usually requires substantial support (politically and/or monetarily) from the town or city in which the parcel sits.
Americans need to put down their electronic devices and climb a mountain, go snowshoeing or spend a weekend camping in a national park.
Even those urbanites living in the heart of Boston do not have to travel far for outdoor adventures. Middlesex Fells Reservation to the north and Blue Hills Reservation to the south are both quick trips with excellent outdoor activities and tremendous views of the Boston skyline. Or, explore some lesser known reservations like Moose Hill in Sharon, Mass., which offers a view of Gillette Stadium, as seen in this picture taken when I hiked there last month.
In an article on CNN.com, the Associated Press breaks down the research which claims electronic gadgets are contributing to a decline in visitors to United States’ national parks. The study, funded by the Nature Conservancy, notes Americans are spending less time outdoors and, therefore, are not as connected to their surroundings. Consequently, they will be less likely to take nature vacations or support conservation and other protection efforts.
The report, which will be officially released Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, explains the drop in park visitation began in the 1980s and 1990s, at the same time video games, the Internet and electronic gadgets were becoming a mainstay in households.
Of direct relevance to New Englanders, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, which winds through five New England states, peaked in 2000 before declining 18 percent by 2005.
This is certainly a troubling trend for conservationists since efforts to protect land from development usually requires substantial support (politically and/or monetarily) from the town or city in which the parcel sits.
Americans need to put down their electronic devices and climb a mountain, go snowshoeing or spend a weekend camping in a national park.
Even those urbanites living in the heart of Boston do not have to travel far for outdoor adventures. Middlesex Fells Reservation to the north and Blue Hills Reservation to the south are both quick trips with excellent outdoor activities and tremendous views of the Boston skyline. Or, explore some lesser known reservations like Moose Hill in Sharon, Mass., which offers a view of Gillette Stadium, as seen in this picture taken when I hiked there last month.
These and many more activities will not only be a refreshing change of pace from an electronics-driven lifestyle but help Americans reconnect with nature. And, for those who really cannot bear to put down their gadgets, bring along a camera to record the memories and a GPS to monitor your route, elevation and distance.
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