Fostering environmental citizenship: the motivations and outcomes of civic recreation

What is the role of civic recreation – recreation-based volunteering – in the human–nature relationship? Through a mixed-method research design, this article investigates what motivates outdoor recreationists, what predicts higher levels of volunteer engagement, and the outcomes volunteers report. Importantly, civic recreation volunteers are motivated by similar reasons to other volunteers. Findings reveal six dimensions of volunteer motivation: civic engagement, environmental values, identity/enduring involvement, social/career networking, personal learning, and obligation. Individuals were most motivated by civic engagement and environmental values. Results from a multiple regression analysis indicated individuals who were motivated by identity/enduring involvement were more likely to have a higher level of volunteer engagement, whereas individuals motivated out of obligation had the lowest volunteer engagement. Finally, individuals report developing a stronger connection to nature, enhanced self-efficacy, self-enhancement, social connections, improved management, and increased civic engagement. These results suggest civic recreation has the potential to create advocates for the environment.