Understanding Impacts of Environmental Stewardship Programs through Community Geography: Pro-environment Behaviors Cultivated and Reinforced

Environmental Stewardship (ES) is voluntary action on behalf of the environment. ES typically practiced at environmental nonprofit organizations that offer stewardship programs. Because these programs are managed by individual organizations, relatively little external research exists their impacts, e.g., diffusing norms and behaviors more broadly across society. Responding to gap, this paper studies change in outlooks participants two partner nonprofits Texas using surveys (n=407) interviews (n=5). Three categories changes behavior assessed: Natural Areas, Activism, Water Awareness. Findings demonstrate participation was linked pro-environmental all for survey respondents. Follow-up allowed us capture additional aspects not addressed survey. In all, can lead greater uptake selected pro-environment actions, higher awareness issues, appreciation natural amenities.