Recreational Changes in the Forest Ecosystem Components: Case Study of the Cultural Heritage Site “White Sea Petroglyphs” (Republic of Karelia)

Recreation digression of forest ecosystems in the heritage site “White Sea Petroglyphs” was studied for the first time. This site is a compact system of rock outcrops partially cleared of forest vegetation, which bear Neolithic rock carvings (petroglyphs), and are linked together by walking trails. Patterns have been identified in the transformation of soils, plant cover components (tree stand, tree seedlings, understory and living ground cover), as well as fine roots (within 3 mm in diameter) of woody species under the recreation impact. Trampling was found to deform and destroy the top soil horizons, entailing a significant loss of the forest floor thickness and organic matter stores. Overall, the flora of the area is quite well preserved; 95–100 % of which is represented by native species. The living ground cover is noticeably damaged in the most actively used sites (fragments of trails and vista points). They feature a poor species composition, shrinking of the herb-dwarf shrub and moss-lichen cover, and a low percent cover of grassland and ruderal species. Easily accessible and actively visited sites have no or reducing amounts of tree seedlings, the tree stand is damaged and forest regeneration is hampered – the number of viable seedlings is minimal (100 pcs/ha). The mass of roots below 3 mm in diameter in heavily trampled trails showed a reduction of up to 74 %, while the root saturation in less affected trails slightly increased. Recreation transformations of the plant communities have not resulted in a loss of their resilience so far. The recreational digression in the studied sites was classified into stages I–III (weakly disturbed – strongly disturbed). Function zoning of the area should be modified using recreation-tolerant communities more intensively in order to reduce recreation impact. The most damaged areas, which are losing their stability, should be excluded from active use by modification of walking trails and building additional boardwalks.

State and stability of pine plantings in the conditions of anthropogenous influence (on the example of the camp site «Forestry fairy tale»)

Conducted dendrochronological and dendroclimatic analyses of the status and growth rates of natural stands of Scots pine V age class (ТЛУ-В2) growing in the area of recreation impact on the territory of the camp "Forest fairy tale", and at some distance from it. When reducing recreational pressure, a 30 % increase the percentage of stock of trees the category of "no signs of weakening." Weighted average of the category status is changed from 1,8 to 3,3 with increasing recreational load.

The Perceived Benefits of Participating in Campus Recreation Programs and Facilities: A Comparison between Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Both researchers and administrators are interested in factors that influence student success. The purpose of this study was to compare undergraduate and graduate students on the perceived benefits they received from participating in campus recreation facilities and programs. Students were randomly selected to complete the campus recreation survey, which was based upon the NIRSA/Student Voice Campus Recreation Impact Study survey. Of the students who answered the demographic questions, 35% were graduate students and 65% were undergraduate students; 43% were male and 57% were female; and the majority of the sample was White (68%). The results showed that participation in campus recreation had an influence on undergraduate and graduate students' decisions to attend and continue to attend the university. Participating in campus recreation facilities and programs had a positive influence on a variety of aspects of both undergraduate and graduate students' lives; students reported academic, health, and social benefits.

The Influence of Campus Recreation beyond the Gym

Increasing student retention is an important issue on college campuses. Researchers have found that nonacademic aspects of campus such as campus recreation can positively influence students' lives (Belch, Gebel, & Maas, 2001; Lindsey & Sessoms, 2006). The purpose of this study was to examine some ways in which participation in campus recreation positively influenced students' lives. After receiving IRB approval, students were randomly selected to complete the campus recreation survey. The survey was based on the NIRSA/Student Voice Campus Recreation Impact Study survey. Of the students who answered the demographic questions, 45% were graduate/professional/continuing education students and 55% were undergraduate students; 43% were male, 56% were female, and < 1% transgender; and the majority of the sample was White (78%). The results showed that students reported a variety of benefits including health and social benefits from their participation in campus recreation facilities and programs.