Elizabeth Perry

Dr. Elizabeth Perry is an Assistant Professor of Protected Areas and Natural Resources Recreation Management at Michigan State University's Department of Community Sustainability, and Director of the Park Connections Lab. She holds a B.S. in Natural Resource Ecology (University of Idaho), M.S. in Forest Ecosystems (Oregon State University), Ph.D. in Natural Resources (University of Vermont), and postdoctoral training in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (Clemson University). Her research focuses on sustainable protected area management, outdoor recreation, and community connections, addressing challenges such as climate change, access equity, and visitor use management.

Teaching includes courses like Sustaining National Parks and Recreation Lands and Sustainable Tourism and Protected Areas Management. Notable awards include the 2025 CANR Excellence in Teaching Award and MSU Teacher-Scholar Award. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, often with conservation agencies and community groups, and has secured over $365,000 in grants for state game areas research. Perry’s lab, Park Connections, bridges applied research with practical solutions for parks and communities.

Key research themes include climate adaptation strategies for parks, recreation conflict resolution, and leveraging partnerships to enhance park relevance. Recent projects examine urban park ecosystems in Southeast Michigan and displacement risks from wildfires and crowding in California forests.