Dr. Leah Coffey’s research uses qualitative and applied social science to better understand visitor behavior, recreation experiences, and stewardship in parks and protected areas. Working with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, park concessionaires, and conservation organizations, she studies how visitors and seasonal concessionaire employees in national parks experience public lands and how those experiences can inform conservation and management. Her research focuses on Leave No Trace education, stewardship messaging, restorative experiences in nature, and the role of seasonal concessionaire employees in fostering responsible recreation. Through this work, she aims to inform management decisions that enhance visitor experiences and support the long-term stewardship of protected places.
“Meaningful visitor experiences can inspire lasting stewardship. I am passionate about using qualitative research to better understand those experiences and inform Leave No Trace education in parks and protected areas.”
Commit to learning, practicing, and sharing Leave No Trace this April. It takes 30 seconds and helps protect the places you love.
