Enhancing Recreation and Conservation in Environments Shared by Humans and Bats Through Input from Visitors in National Parks

Objectives of this collaborative project are to: 1. Understand visitors⿿ recreational interests in caves and attitudes toward bats and stewardship of these resources at show caves in national parks. Visitors will represent a range of perspectives, such as school groups, outdoor recreation or education organizations, cave enthusiasts, or casual tourists. 2. Evaluate current education techniques about bats and cave resources to identify engaging and effective approaches for future interpretive programs. 3. Integrate social science approaches into NPS educational efforts and management decisions. 4. Foster relationships and a shared understanding of what it means to balance stewardship and enjoyment of public lands, with particular emphasis on unique and valuable cave resources. 5. Provide opportunities for University of Tennessee professional staff and students to gain ⿿real-life⿝ experiences in national parks and apply their expertise in helping parks enhance natural resource conservation by integrating social science research results.