Decreased cortisol among hikers who preferentially visit and value biodiverse riparian zones

Abstract

While outdoor recreationists often report increases to their well-being for time spent in nature, the mechanisms through which local ecologies affect human health have been difficult to quantify, and thus to manage. We combine data from pre-post salivary cortisol measures, GPS tracks, visitor photos, and surveys from 88 hikers traversing several types of landscape within peri-urban public lands in southwest Idaho, USA. We find that time in biodiverse riparian areas and areas of perceived aesthetic value correlates with decreases in salivary cortisol and improved well-being for hikers. Wildlife sightings were not associated with changes in salivary cortisol, but were associated with riparian travel and aesthetic preferences, indicating an indirect pathway for ecosystem services. Additionally, wildlife sightings decreased on high-use days, even though hikers did not perceive a negative impact of their recreational activity. These results suggest that cultural and physiological ecosystem services of nature depend on the ecological community of the area. Preferential visitation and high service value of riparian areas by hikers and wildlife alike target shared riparian areas as hot spots for management efforts to promote both ecological and human health within an increasingly urbanizing world.

Social Perception of Riparian Forests

“…The respondents' answers signal that the majority of surveyed people were drawn to riverine forests mainly to enjoy nature while having a walk (Figure 2), which simultaneously provided them with several benefits-aesthetic experiences, stress reduction, and physical activities [3,23]. Having walks and hikes in biodiverse riparian areas and forests alongside streams and rivers has been proven to reduce salivary cortisol levels and improve the overall well-being of hikers [12]. Furthermore, natural riparian areas and wildlife sightings have also been associated with aesthetic and travel preferences among residents [12].…”

“…Having walks and hikes in biodiverse riparian areas and forests alongside streams and rivers has been proven to reduce salivary cortisol levels and improve the overall well-being of hikers [12]. Furthermore, natural riparian areas and wildlife sightings have also been associated with aesthetic and travel preferences among residents [12]. Berry and mushroom picking are other activities that were rather popular among the respondents, as previous research in 2010 indicated that around 77% of the inhabitants of Latvia had gone to forests in order to gather one of these goods [24] and Respondents' attitude (concerned/ not concerned) towards proposed issues related to the state of rivers and riverine forests.…”

“…Rivers and riparian forests have always been major providers of cultural ecosystem services, functioning as areas for recreation, relaxation, destressing, ecotourism, orienteering, refreshment, and fitness [3,10,11]. Consequentially, recreationalists tend to be attracted to riparian areas for activities such as hiking, swimming, camping, boating, fishing, and aesthetic experiences; therefore, spending time in nature can have physiological, physical, and psychological benefits for wellness [12]. Previous research shows, that, from an aesthetic point of view, the general public tends to prefer heavily vegetated river landscapes as opposed to those with channelized riparian corridors or limited vegetation [13].…”