Garrett Hutson

Garrett Hutson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University’s Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. He is actively involved in teaching, research, and graduate supervision, with a focus on outdoor education, sustainability, and human-nature relationships. He is also affiliated with the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, where he served as Acting Graduate Program Director for one year.

Education: While specific degrees are not listed, he holds a PhD and is qualified to teach and supervise at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Research Interests: His work emphasizes the social-ecological importance of outdoor experiences, particularly how outdoor education and recreation influence human-nature relationships. Key themes include:

• Nature, health, and well-being
• Outdoor and sustainability education
• Environmental leadership development
• Pro-environmental behavior change
• Social media in parks and protected areas
• Place attachment and subjective well-being

His research is applied and collaborative, often involving partnerships with agencies like Niagara Parks Commission, Ontario Parks, and Leave No Trace Canada.

Publications: His recent work spans environmental education, park management, community well-being, and outdoor recreation policy, with a strong emphasis on qualitative and mixed-methods research.

Scientific Awards & Certifications: While no formal awards are listed, he is certified as a Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor and actively participates in environmental and outdoor education organizations.

Graduate Supervision & Teaching: He teaches courses in qualitative data analysis, outdoor recreation theory, and environmental education. He is currently accepting graduate students and has supervised or co-supervised a range of thesis projects on topics such as sport policy, youth outdoor experiences, and leisure in recovery contexts.

Affiliations & Service: Beyond his departmental role, he contributes to Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre and collaborates with national and international outdoor education organizations.