Park and recreation managers often navigate the complex interplay of homelessness, park and recreation management, environmental stewardship, and social service provision. These dynamics converge in parks, forests, campgrounds, and other public recreation spaces, requiring the consideration of competing social and ecological interests.
This interactive session will be facilitated by researchers studying these dynamics. We will begin with a brief presentation about the state of research on homelessness in park and recreation management contexts. Then, we will encourage attendees to share their observations of how homelessness intersects with parks and recreation management in Vermont. Attendees will help identify gaps between existing research findings and the information and guidance local practitioners seek. The researchers will document the discussion to inform the development of a practitioner-driven research agenda on homelessness in parks that will guide future partnerships among researchers, managers, and other community partners. Attendees will be offered the opportunity to further participate in research agenda development, engage in future research, and learn about future research findings.
Learning Objectives:
Attendees will learn about the state of academic research on homelessness and park and recreation management.
Attendees will learn how their peers navigate challenges related to homelessness in their communities and share innovative approaches being piloted.
Attendees will learn about the development of a practitioner-driven research agenda focused on generating knowledge that is relevant, actionable, and responsive.
Presenters:
Monika Derrien, Assistant Professor, University of Vermont
Monika Derrien teaches in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Program in the Rubenstein School for Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. She is a qualitative social scientist focusing on outdoor recreation planning and management on public lands, and its implications for human health and wellbeing. Her current research focuses on unsheltered homelessness in parks and protected areas. Prior to arriving at UVM, Monika worked as a research social scientist for the USDA Forest Service. She was born and raised in New York City.
Morgan Henderson, PhD Student, University of Vermont
Morgan is a PhD student in Natural Resources, studying at the intersection of natural resource management and homelessness. She is passionate about utilizing spatial data to better understand the overlap of environmental and social issues. Her research aims to support people experiencing homelessness as well as land managers and natural resource specialists through connection and shared understanding. Morgan is originally from Southern California, but most recently lived in the PNW before moving to Vermont for graduate school.