Technology That Inspires a Connection to Nature: Reframing the Role of Technology in Outdoor Engagement and Conservation

Finding ways to utilize technology to engage the digital generation with the outdoors is important for many reasons. Spending time outside is associated with improvement in mental and physical health which has been demonstrated to decline with high users of technology. Positive outdoor experiences help shape conservation behavior which is essential as we face the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. This paper reviews the implications of high technology use and the effects on time spent engaged with the natural world. It also explores the possibilities of utilizing technology to increase outdoor engagement. Drawing on the experience of Pokémon Go, a native plants tour was created utilizing an app that mimicked the same technology. A group of teens aged 12-18 field tested the tour to see how this technology engaged them in learning about native plants with the ultimate goal of increasing environmental stewardship and community engagement.