Exploring the Effects of Environmental Experience on Attachment to Urban Natural Areas

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between place attachment and both environmental experience and environmental attributes within three urban natural areas in Michigan. To understand these relationships, 328 park users—including neighbors, visitors, volunteers, and staff—were asked about their attachment, use, environmental knowledge, and attitudes toward management using a photo questionnaire. The results showed that attachment has different manifestations related to experience—a place-specific attachment was generally held by neighbors and recreational users, whereas a conceptual attachment was held by volunteers, staff, and those with extensive natural-areas knowledge. Each form of attachment was associated with distinctive perspectives on management. The study showed that the expert’s vision of appropriate management of a natural area may differ from those of neighbors and users, which can readily lead to conflict. If, however, attachment is recognized as a multifaceted and far-reaching component of people’s relationship to a place, such conflicts can be mitigated.