A Place for Me?: An Exploration of Black Students' Perceptions and Preferences for Nature-Based Recreation Spaces at an HBCU.

This article examines how 202 Black college students at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) perceive and prefer nature-based outdoor recreation spaces, with a focus on water-based settings such as beaches, rivers, and lakes. Using a qualitative photo elicitation method grounded in Kaplan's information processing theory, the study identified five key themes: emotional restoration and calm, affordance of freedom and possibility, aesthetic appreciation and connectedness, anxiety and threat perception, and connection to memory and cultural place-making. Findings highlight that while water-based environments evoke strong positive emotional and cultural associations, including family memories and healing, concerns about safety and comfort also persist. The study underscores the importance of culturally responsive, inclusive outdoor recreation programming that acknowledges historical exclusion and addresses barriers to participation, aiming to enhance Black students' mental wellness and sense of belonging in natural spaces.