In a news release dated October 5, 2009, researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have found that it’s the people who are involved in active outdoor sports who are more likely to support major conservation groups (such as the Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, the Sierra Club or Environmental Defense).

According to the release, Oliver Pergams (visiting research assistant professor of biological sciences at the University Illinois at Chicago), Patricia Zaradic (director of the Red Rock Institute in Pennsylvania) and Peter Kareiva (chief scientist at the Nature Conservancy) have completed a study suggesting that “only people who engage in vigorous outdoor sports, like hiking and backpacking, tend later to become supporters of mainline conservation groups, while those who only go sightseeing or fishing do not.”

Pergams and Zaradic worked on a previous study last year showing that, since the late 1980’s, there has been a steady decline in nature recreation and a correlating rise in more sedentary activities (playing video games, surfing the net, watching movies…).

This new study shows “a direct correlation between outdoor recreation and investment in conservation” and now they can even pinpoint the outdoor activities that are most likely to foster support for conservation groups.

Oddly enough, the researchers found that “the more time one spent fishing or sightseeing in natural areas, the less likely that person was to support these particular conservation causes."

The bad news for conservation groups is that their limited market for supporters is shrinking. In recessionary times, the impact is even greater. Raising awareness and appreciation for the outdoors is a goal worth taking on.

What Can You Do?
1. Send a donation to a conservation group.
2. Spread the word among friends and fellow outdoor enthusiasts using social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.
3. Raise awareness in the next generation – our kids.