Tech Meets Trails: Engage Digital Natives in the Outdoors by Abram Herman

Nature apps can help kids identify trees, insects, flowers and birds!

In a world dominated by screens, getting kids to step outside and connect with nature can feel like a herculean task. Many parents and educators face the dilemma of competing with video games, social media, and streaming platforms for childrens’ attention. However, understanding that incremental change can lead to more long-lasting results, what if we instead harness technology as a bridge to the outdoors?
 
Blending technology with nature-based activities offers a unique opportunity to engage today’s “digital natives” while fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment. Through intentional use of these tools, we can inspire a love of exploration, curiosity, and stewardship in a way that resonates with tech-savvy youth.
 
While screen time is often, and maybe rightly, blamed for the growing disconnect between children and nature, technology can also be a powerful tool for fostering engagement. Apps like iNaturalist, Seek, and Star Walk allow children to interact with the natural world in interactive and educational ways. These platforms transform outdoor spaces into living classrooms, encouraging kids to identify plants, track animal behaviors, and map constellations.
 
Take geocaching, for instance. This modern-day treasure hunt uses GPS-enabled devices to lead participants to hidden caches scattered around the globe. It’s an adventure that combines problem-solving, teamwork, and outdoor exploration, making it an excellent way to get children excited about spending time in nature. Technology can make the outdoors feel like a video game!
 
Critics often worry that using technology outdoors could detract from the benefits of unplugging, which is a fair concern. The key lies in moderation—by framing technology as a tool, rather than the main focus, parents and educators can encourage kids to use it as a stepping stone into deeper, screen-free engagement with nature, while also building healthier attitudes and habits around the ideal role of technology in day to day life. 
 
For example, apps like BirdNET allow users to identify bird calls using their smartphone microphone. Once a child gets excited about this exciting power to identify birds in their backyard, they’re more likely to put down the phone and spend time observing birds with their own eyes and ears.  
 
And blending technology and nature isn’t just about fun—it’s also a powerful way to nurture stewardship of our public lands. When kids use apps to identify plants or participate in outdoor programs, they develop a personal connection to the natural world. Here on the Western Slope we value our public lands for all of the different ways we interact with them as hunters, anglers, bikers, hikers, or any other outdoor activities. If we want to ensure continued stewardship of those public lands it’s crucial that the next generation has a chance to experience them and create a personal attachment and value of their own.
 
Research supports this approach. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children who used interactive technology to learn about nature were more likely to express interest in environmental conservation than those who only received traditional classroom instruction.  
 
One of the greatest advantages of tech-assisted outdoor activities is their accessibility. With a smartphone and internet connection, even families in highly urbanized areas can explore local parks or their backyards with fresh eyes. Similarly, rural communities can use digital tools to connect with broader communities through activities like tracking monarch butterfly migration or monitoring water quality.  
 
For families on a budget, many apps offer free versions, and community programs often lend GPS devices or binoculars to participants. These resources make it easier for everyone to enjoy the benefits of tech-integrated outdoor adventures.  
 
If you’re looking to combine technology and outdoor play, here are a few tips to get started:  
 
1. Choose the Right Tools: Research apps or programs that align with your child’s interests, whether it’s stargazing, wildlife tracking, or geocaching.  
 
2. Set Boundaries: Establish clear limits for screen time during outdoor activities, encouraging moments of direct interaction with nature, without the devices in hand. 
 
3. Start Small: Begin with simple activities like identifying backyard plants or spotting planets and constellations, before moving on to more complex projects.  
 
4. Make It Social: Invite friends or classmates to join in, turning outdoor adventures into shared experiences that build community and cooperation.  
 
By embracing technology as a tool for outdoor exploration, we can meet kids where they are while fostering a genuine love for nature. Whether through identifying birds with an app or hunting for geocaches in a nearby park, tech-integrated activities offer endless opportunities to inspire curiosity and creativity.  
 
In a time when our public lands need defenders more than ever, these small steps can lay the foundation for a future generation of environmental stewards—creating a healthier form of connection with technology, and a greater connection to the wonders of the world around them.