Our Research

By Amber Hawes  Our lab and the College of Natural Resources (CNR) had the honor of hosting Susan Buxton, the Director of Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) from November 18 th to November 19 th . This was incredibly significant for our lab and an excellent opportunity for students in our department to learn from such an experienced expert in the field.  IDPR Director Susan Buxton presenting for the Outdoor Innovations Speaker Series at the Kenworthy Performing

By Nate Moody October 20-23, 2025, the University of Idaho Parks and Recreation Lab (PRL) travelled across the Bitterroot Mountains to Missoula, Montana for the annual George Wright Society ParkForum meeting. In total, five members of the PRL came and presented a mixture of posters and presentations. The meeting allowed PRL students and faculty a chance to network with other national and international parks and protected areas managers, researchers, and students. Here are som

By Chris Zajchowski Students walking along Chatcolet Lake at Heyburn State Park and examining ongoing construction projects. Photo Credit: Cole Buzzini, ‘26 This Fall, University of Idaho students in NRS 1250: Introduction to Conservation and Natural Resources are busy learning about different public, private, tribal, and nonprofit land management models. Their semester-long research project puts this learning into practice through interviews with cabin leaseholders at Heybu

By: Olivia Howell When I got an email from my professor, Dr. Chris Zajchowski, about a new field course, I jumped at the opportunity to...

By: Jacqueline Snow What a week! I successfully defended my thesis, celebrated my first publication, and was honored as the Outstanding...

By: Anna Medlin This April marked a major milestone — I successfully defended my master’s thesis, “Where You Stand Depends on Where You...

Author: Shahriar Md Arifur Rahman  In this spring semester, I was continuing my previous work on Idahoans’ perception of risk from...

ABSTRACT: Wildland fire smoke contributes to unhealthy indexes of particulate matter that impact human health. Research continues to...

Author: Anna Medlin  As part of my thesis with Idaho’s Department of Parks and Recreation, I had the incredible opportunity to visit all...

Author: Anna Medlin  Our lab wrapped up the spring semester by attending the 2024 National Outdoor Recreation Conference in Lake Tahoe,...

By: Shahriar Md Arifur Rahman The majority of my working hours this summer are being devoted to investigating how inhabitants of Idaho...

By: Jacqueline Snow This summer, my research focuses on collecting data from trail cameras and TrafX counters at Rinker Rock Creek Ranch...

Authors: Joohea Lee, Soeun Yang, Chris Zajchowski, Hana Kim ABSTRACT: In response to increasing concerns about the health risks...

Authors: Michael Wilcox, Chris Zajchowski, Jessica Fefer, Elizabeth E. Perry, Ryan L. Sharp, Matthew T J Brownlee ABSTRACT Urban and...

This field note highlights a research project at McCroskey State Park aimed at scoping amenity development and preserving the Palouse...

Graduate students Anna and Jacqueline participated in an independent study course, NRS 502, this spring under the guidance of Professor...

Authors: Anna Medlin & Chris Zajchowski Photo Credit: Wix ABSTRACT Homo sapiens burned wood for warmth and cooking for hundreds of...

Author: Anna Medlin Throughout my first semester of graduate school at the University of Idaho, I have had the privilege to meet many...

Authors: Shahriar Rahman At the heart of a collaborative research endeavor lies the paramount importance of gathering all collaborators...

Author: Madelyn Newton Cottrell Madelyn (UI), Bess Perry (MSU), Hunter McBurnett (MSU) and DOI staff on the terrace of the Department of...