Childhood Environmental Experiences and Adult Sensitivities to Urban Forests

(based on a talk presented at the International People-Plant Council meeting in Chicago in July 2000)

Virginia Lohr and Caroline Pearson-Mims
Dept. of Horticulture, Washington State University Pullman, WA, USA

07/24/2000


Click here to startGraphic image of slides

 

Table of Contents

1. TITLE

2. OBJECTIVES

3. SURVEY QUESTIONS

4. SURVEY - Phone interviews with 2,000 adults in large urban centers in the continental U.S.

5. Age and Gender

6. Education

7. Ethnic background (number)

8. What are the attitudes of the general public in urban areas toward trees? Selected Results

9. “Trees should be planted in business districts to reduce smog and dust.” (Utilitarian benefit question)

10. “Trees in cities help people feel calmer.” (Social benefits question)

11. “Trees should be used in cities, because they make interesting sounds as their leaves rustle.” (Aesthetic value question)

12. “You consider trees important to your quality of life.” ( “Deep values” question)

13. Are adult attitudes affected by child-hood experiences with nature? Selected Results

14. Q1 - “Do trees have a particular personal, symbolic or spiritual meaning to you?” 

15. Q2 - “During the past year, have you participated in a class or program about gardening?” 

16. Was your childhood home next to a garden or flower beds? and Q1 

17. Was your childhood home next to a garden or flower beds? and Q2

18. Was your childhood home next to large buildings? and Q1

19. Was your childhood home next to large buildings? and Q2

20. Active or Passive Nature Interaction?

21. Did you participate in nature or environmental ed in elementary school? and Q1

22. Did you participate in nature or environmental ed in lementary school? and Q2

23. Did you visit or play in local parks as a child? and Q1

24. Did you visit or play in local parks as a child? and Q2

25. Did you pick flowers, fruits, or vegetables from a garden as a child? and Q1

26. Did you pick flowers, fruits, or vegetables from a garden as a child? and Q2

27. CONCLUSIONS

28. SURVEY SUPPORT

Author: Virginia Lohr 

Email: lohr@wsu.edu

Home Page: http://public.wsu.edu/~lohr/hih/