Garrett Hutson, PhD

Associate Professor, Recreation and Leisure Studies

Garrett Hutson

Office: Academic South Room 344
905 688 5550 x4784
ghutson@brocku.ca

Google Scholar

My research explores the complexities of person-environment relationships and their impacts on a variety of outdoor recreation contexts. Through much of my work, I aim to highlight the social-ecological significance of outdoor experiences to the study of sustainability and society through examining the ways outdoor educational programs and outdoor recreation communities of practice help or hinder relationships with natural outdoor environments. I am an affiliated faculty member with Brock’s environmental sustainability research centre, and I currently teach undergraduate courses on leadership, risk management, qualitative research, and environmental education.

Research Interests

  • Nature connection
  • Pro-environmental behavior
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Place meanings

Publications

Baird, J., Dale, G., Holzer, J.M., Hutson, G., Ives, C.D., & Plummer, R. (2022). The role of a nature-based program in fostering multiple connections to nature. Sustainability Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-022-01119-w

Witkowski, S., Plummer, R., & Hutson, G. (2022). Influences of engaging in a participatory monitoring and evaluation process on stakeholder perceptions of key performance indicators for trails. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 40(1), 115-133.

Carter, D. P., Hutson, G., Lam, P., Rose, J., & Furman, N. (2020). The self-governance challenges facing climbers with examples from Utah, Colorado, and Ontario. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 31, 100323.

Baird, J., Hutson, G., & Plummer, R. (2020). Examining links between connections to nature and intentions for pro-environmental behavior as outcomes of NOLS. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 12(4), 367-379.

O’Connell, T.S., Howard, R.A., Hutson, G. (2020). The Impact of COVID-19 on Outdoor Recreation Participation in Canada. Initial Report on a National Study of Outdoor Recreationists. Link: https://www.coeo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Initial-Reportthe_impact_of_covid_on_or_in_canada.pdf

Hutson, G., Peredun, L., & Rochelle, S. (2019). The impact of NOLS Rocky Mountain on the development of a sense of place. Journal of Experiential Education, 42(4), 382-397.

Hutson, G., & Howard, R. (2018). Risk communication in protected areas: Baseline practices for outdoor recreation. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 10(3), 187-196.

Martin, B., Hutson, G, & Goldenberg, M. (2018). Outdoor and adventure recreation. In T. Tapps, & M.S. Wells, (Eds.), Introduction to Recreation and Leisure (3rd . ed.), (pp. 325-359). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Teaching

  • Qualitative approaches to inquiry
  • Outdoor and environmental education
  • Leadership in parks and leisure services
  • Risk Management in Recreation

Graduate Student Opportunities

I’m currently accepting graduate students. Please reach out via email to discuss further.

Undergraduate Student Opportunities

I supervise undergraduate thesis research, directed readings, placements, and internships. Please reach out via email to discuss further.