In addition to research and teaching, I am a State Specialist with Ohio State University Extension in Program Evaluation and Youth Leadership Development.  Evaluation activities have focused on research projects related to climate, agriculture, and water, as well as consultation with parks, youth programs, and other organizations on how to measure the impacts of educational and outdoor programs. 

 

I also lead the Youth Environmental Education Outreach Initiative which engages graduate and undergraduate students in program planning and informal education activities.  Since 2009, I have produced the weekly program, Youth Beat Radio, which airs on Columbus Community Radio Stations WCRS 92.7/98.3 FM and WGRN 94.1 FM, with a new podcast under development. The show promotes youth leadership, community service, community action, and youth perspectives, and it provides an opportunity for students to engage in media production. Additionally, I have organized youth leadership summits on the environment for high school students to learn about environmental issues, develop leadership skills, and create action plans to improve communities and the environment.

Beery, T., & Lekies, K. S. (2019).  Childhood collecting in nature:  Quality experience in important places.  Children’s Geographies, 17(1), 118-131.

Waller, T., Ӓrlemalm-Hagser, E., Sandseter, E. B. H., Lee-Hammond, L., Lekies, K., & Wyver, S. (Eds).  (2017).  The Sage handbook of outdoor play and learning. London:  Sage.  

Lekies, K. S., Beery, T. & Brensinger, J. (2017).  Investigating children’s collecting behavior outdoors. In T. Waller, E. Ӓrlemalm-Hagser, E. B. H.  Sandseter, L. Lee-Hammond, K. Lekies, & S. Wyver, (Eds.), The Sage handbook of outdoor play and learning (pp. 547-561).  London: Sage.

Lekies, K. S., & Brensinger, J. (2016).  Is rural closer to nature?  Comparing childhood nature experiences across residential settings.  In C. Freeman and P. Tranter (Eds.), Geographies of children and young people major reference work, Vol. 12, Risk, protection, provision and policy. Springer.

Lekies, K. S., Yost, G. M., & Rode, J. (2015).  Urban youth’s experiences of nature:  Implications for outdoor adventure recreation.  Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism 9, 1-10.

Stough-Hunter, A., Lekies, K. S., & Donnermeyer, J. F.  (2014). When environmental Action Does not activate concern:  The case of impaired water quality in two rural watersheds.  Environmental Management, 54, 1306-1319.

Lekies, K. S., & Beery T. H. (2013).  Everyone needs a rock:  Collecting items from nature in childhood. Children, Youth, and Environments 23(3), 66-88. 

Harrison, J. L., Lekies, K. S., & Arnold, K. (2013).  From participant to planner:  A longitudinal approach to youth leadership. Journal of Sustainability Education 5, Part II.

Wells, N. W. and Lekies, K.S. (2012). Children and nature: Following the trail to environmental attitudes and behaviors. In, J. Dickinson and R. Bonney (Eds.),Citizen science: Public collaboration in environmental research  Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.

Lekies, K.S. (2011). Connection to place:  Exploring community satisfaction and attachment among rural youth.Children, Youth, and Environments 21, 77-99.

Lekies, K.S. and Whitworth, B. (2011). Constructing the nature experience: A semiotic examination of signs on the trail. The American Sociologist  42, 249-260.

Lekies, K.S., Baker, B. and Baldini, J. (2009). Assessing participation in Youth Community Action projects: Opportunities and barriers. Community Development: Journal of the Community Development Society  40, 346-358. 

Lekies, K.S., Eames-Sheavly, M., MacDonald, L.and Wong, K.J. (2007).  Greener Voices: Strategies to increase the participation of children and youth in gardening activities. Children, Youth, and Environments 17, 517-526. 

Wells, N.M. and Lekies, K.S. (2006). Nature and the life course: Pathways from childhood experiences with nature to adult environmentalism. Children, Youth, and Environments 16 (1-24).