Who are the new outdoor users?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans sought refuge in the outdoors, some for the first time ever. These new outdoor participants represent an unprecedented opportunity to grow and diversify the land trust community. But first we need to better understand them.

A recent report commissioned by the Outdoor Industry Association examines the profile of the new outdoor participant, defined as someone who participated in an outdoor activity for the first time during the pandemic or after a significant lapse. The report asks and answers important questions about who the new participants are, and how we can keep them engaged.

Among the takeaways: New participants are more likely to be female, younger, living in an urban area and more ethnically diverse than existing participants. New participants primarily seek socially distanced outdoor activities to spend time with loved ones safely, exercise, stay healthy or reduce screen-time fatigue. And new participants are largely motivated by outdoor recreation opportunities with low barriers to entry that are available and accessible within 10 miles of their homes, including walking, running, biking and hiking.

Download the free report at www.outdoorindustry.org.

Kirsten Ferguson is a frequent contributor to Saving Land, the Land Trust Alliance's quarterly magazine.