Nature, Experience, and Value: Does Beauty Still Matter? · “There are so many beautiful nature preserves and lands to explore, and I have. They all have natural beauty that fills

Nature, Experience, and Value: Does Beauty Still Matter?

Herb SchroederUSDA Forest Service

Northern Research StationEvanston, Illinois, USA

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

ResearchNational Forest System

State and Private Forestry

Northern Research Station

Evanston, IL

http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/units/socialscience/

What is Environmental Psychology?

“The study of human behavior and well-being in relation to the sociophysical environment". (Stokels and Altman 1987)

“The branch of psychology concerned with providing a systematic account of the relationship between a person and the environment". (Russel and Snodgrass 1987)

“The study of the interrelationship between behavior and experience and the built and natural environment.” (Bell, Fisher, Baum, & Greene 1990)

“Environmental Psychology is what environmental psychologists do". (Proshanky, Ittleson, & Rivlin 1970)

Scenic beauty prediction equation for ponderosa pine forests

B = -3.871 + .6006 P1 -.0196 P2 -.0012 P3 -.0141 D +.2620 S + .2016 F + .0359 G

B = scenic beauty estimateP1 = number of ponderosa pine per acre > 16 inches diameterP2 = number of ponderosa pine per acre 5 - 16 inches diameterP3 = number of ponderosa pine per acre < 5 inches diameterD = cubic feet per acre of dead wood on groundS = pounds per acre of shrubsF = pounds per acre of forbsG = pounds per acre of grass

Category ExamplesNaturalness “We appreciate the rustic and primitive character of the whole Black

River area”Beauty “I've walked through this area at least a hundred times, and it's

beautiful in all seasons of the year.”Serenity “I like the pastoral character of the south half of the peninsula -- really

peaceful.”Awe-inspiring "We were stunned when we got to the top and looked out towards the

Bay. It was the wonder & awe a child gets about the world" Excitement “I remember we all went from one clump of flowers to another, as

excited as if discovering gold.”Remoteness “Although only a 7 minute drive from my home, it seems far removed

from my daily surroundings.”Refuge/escape "I like the isolation, the ability to escape the phone, T.V., the effects of

civilization." Social Ties “Many, many, memorable moments with dear friends, and/or groups. ”Family History “Grandpa's cabin was built there at the turn of the century. … My

grandparents were a part of the park history.”Heritage "When I stop on Madeline, the history takes over. I realize this was the

home for the Ojibwe people for many years. Their history on Madeline intrigues me to no end."

Strong Attachments

“We love this Lake so much we would not consider retiring any place else but here.”

Gratitude “With the world becoming such a busy place I am thankful to have a retreat like this to come to! ”

Experiences, Meanings, and Values of Special Places

“Natural beauty” in the experience of special places

“Black River is still in its natural and beautiful condition, causing all the beautiful falls and providing fishing for many.”

“This shore line should be maintained in its natural state for strolling and enjoying the great natural beauty of the lake and woods. Our family has spent much time walking the shoreline and enjoying the natural beauty of the beach and lake.”

“A place where we go that the "peace" and natural beauty almost takes me back in time to Indians and original settlement. A feeling … that makes or helps me understand the beauty of our NATURAL Environment.”

Benefits of contact with green nature

• Recovery from surgery• Stress reduction• Recovery from mental fatigue• Community empowerment• Reduction in violence

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Landscape and Human Health LaboratoryFrances E. Kuo, Director

http://lhhl.illinois.edu/index.htm











“Ah, yes, trees are indeed beautiful, …, but we are talking about so much more than just a pretty face here.”(Provenzano 2008)

Beautification be Damned!

“When I chaired the National Urban Forest Council, I used to go around the United States giving a speech entitled "Beautification Be Damned" and said that because of the economic benefits of trees we would be urging their plantings and maintenance in urban areas even if they were ugly and smelled bad.” (Donald Willeke)

Interaction with natural environments and things

Experiential value


Physiological, social,and psychological

outcomes

Instrumental value

Experiential value



outcomes

Instrumental value

?

"A view then of this bridge and its surroundings as you approach it on the path is soul-enriching!”

“There are so many beautiful nature preserves and lands to explore, and I have. They all have natural beauty that fills me with joy, just to behold it.”

“What an uplifting experience it is to come here in early spring when the old oaks are outlined against the sky.”

“This beautiful spot restores my soul and makes me glad to be alive.”

Photo by Angelo Carosio

"There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm." (Theodore Roosevelt 1910)

"The evenings have been really lovely. But the whole experience here has a flavor, an essence that will not be expressed in words. I get so tired of saying 'lovely'--but where are the words?" (Margaret Murie 1962)

"Spending a whole day floating down a river through the wilderness is an experience that cannot be put into words, except maybe by eloquent writers and poets. There is nothing to interrupt the beauty, except for a couple of bridges, and a cabin or two.” (Survey respondent)

"Our ability to perceive quality in nature begins, as in art, with the pretty. It expands through successive stages of the beautiful to values as yet uncaptured by language. The quality of cranes lies, I think, in this higher gamut, as yet beyond the reach of words." (Leopold 1949)



outcomes

Instrumental value

Experiential value

Documents

Nature, Experience, and Value: Does Beauty Still Matter? · “There are so many beautiful nature preserves and lands to explore, and I have. They all have natural beauty that fills