Archeological investigations of the Mississippi Delta (U.S.) are reaching the century mark and provide information relevant to Holocene settlement patterns and present-day issues of human adaptation to coastal change. This review synthesizes the history of archeological research over the last ~100 years in the Mississippi Delta, an area that is deteriorating at a historically unprecedented rate. Early 20th century investigations provided sketches of pre-contact Indigenous culture, and extensive yet destructive Great Depression-era federal projects created the foundations of Mississippi Delta archeology. We highlight the abundant and underutilized data generated by regulatory cultural resource surveys over the past 50 years and, most recently, salvage efforts for a vanishing coast. From this centennial perspective, we advise on future research directions and demonstrate how coupling archeology with emergent theory on human-natural systems, including ecosystem services, benefits land-management practices here and in other landscapes undergoing rapid 21st century environmental change.
Health benefits of outdoor recreation have been broadly demonstrated and land managers recognize the equity implications of providing safe and inclusive outdoor spaces. Data on public lands visitation and outdoor participation show that Hispanic recreationists are less likely to engage in outdoor leisure than White persons. Early studies of outdoor preferences of Hispanic persons identified a desire for large-group settings and social activities. To update our understanding of outdoor recreation needs, preferences, and constraints, we collaborated with a Latinx organization in Portland, Oregon (USA). We collaboratively designed three focus groups that combined structured engagement, cognitive sorting, and participatory mapping to elicit desired outdoor activities and settings and identify constraints and opportunities. Results suggest that urban Hispanic recreationists seek a variety of human-powered, motorized, and contemplative outdoor activities and gravitate toward familiar settings. Predominant barriers relate to a lack of experience with outdoor activities and gear and lack of exposure to public land settings.
Study Implications: Early studies about Hispanic outdoor participation emphasized preferences for social activities in group settings. Urban Hispanic recreationists in our study sought a diversity of human-powered, motorized, and contemplative outdoor activities. Guided group outings and Spanish-language materials were identified as steps to increase participation. Barriers included a lack of awareness of prospective recreation sites, the absence of recreation partners, and unfamiliarity with outdoor gear. Agencies seeking to enhance access may gain the greatest efficiencies by enabling guided group events providing gear, instruction, and companionship. Outreach efforts in Spanish detailing information about setting and safety features would be well received.
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