Hi Robby,
I read some related threads, looking for an answer to your question:
https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/what-are-the-benefits-of-using-inaturalist-to-a-non-biologist/
https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/how-to-introduce-new-users-to-inat/
https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/good-ways-to-get-local-community-involved-in-city-nature-challenge/
But you specifically asked
Most of the people replying in those threads already had a pre-existing connection with nature, or at least, some kind of curiosity about it. So iNat was not necessarily connecting them with nature, but more like a tool to deepen or strengthen an interest that they already had. It wasn’t always true, but it was often true.
iNat is a tool that is powerful, sophisticated, and complicated. I don’t think it’s the best way to connect people with nature. It might be too much, too soon.
Like if a sedentary person wants to start moving a bit, we don’t start measuring macros and RPE and basal metabolic rate. We help them find a form of movement that they don’t hate too much, that is sustainable. Baby steps.
Ummm . . .