Discusses five major issues confronting environmental interpretation. Also addresses eight major topics that interpreters must clarify and on which action must be taken: (1) the definition of the field; (2) philosophy; (3) audience; (4) site or setting; (5) organization; (6) communications delivery system; (7) education; and (8) research. (JN)

Reviews some differences in the educating approach of environmental education and environmental interpretation and the cognitive processes involved. Also presents an interpretive field study based on the cognitive processes reviewed. The study evaluated the ability of 150 users of forest trails to recognize interpretive messages experienced during…

Addresses challenges facing many developing countries in establishing and maintaining a comprehensive natural resource management policy when environmental conservation takes a back seat to agricultural production. Examines current environmental education and interpretation efforts in the Dominican Republic and offers suggestions for developing an…

This bibliography includes studies, reports, papers, and plans which deal with heritage interpretation in Canada. It was compiled to help managers, interpreters, and researchers make advances in the field of interpretation. Entries, arranged alphabetically by author, were selected according to the following criteria: (1) subject must be directly…

The standards presented in this document are used to evaluate the educational and recreational programs of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). These standards are grouped into the FWS interpretation and recreation (I&R) program areas of outdoor classrooms, interpretation, recreation, program information, and dedicated areas.…

Describes some of the interpretive developments underway in Sweden. Discusses some programs in both natural and cultural interpretation. Calls for increasing the purpose and content of heritage preservation and conservation to the general public. (TW)

The educational and recreational programs of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) are carried out to help achieve the overall mission of the FWS, which is to provide federal leadership to conserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuous benefit of people. A set of standards and related questions…

This collection gathers together over 50 high-quality materials to support environmental education (EE) curricula. Because each community has unique environmental and educational needs, the guide includes a broad set of educational materials that can be adapted to a variety of settings. The materials can be used to supplement educational…

Summarizes the findings used in developing a directory of interpretive curricula in colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Reports on the numbers of schools offering courses, majors, specializations, and degrees in interpretation, as well as the texts, and the areas of content that are emphasized in the curricula. (TW)

Shows how the integration of interpretive programs with school science curricula can strengthen the power and relevance of science education, while increasing the scientific depth of environmental programs. Curriculum resources, need for interpretive resources, role of interpreters, and evaluation/development strategies are addressed. (JN)

Reports on a study into the awareness of conservation issues, and the enhancement thereof, as a result of visiting interpretive facilities in three South African nature reserves. Results indicate a statistically significant increase in awareness at all three reserves, although the levels of awareness were low. (TW)

Natural history facts and concepts were presented to 160 multiaged individuals through tactual and/or visual interpretive stations along a nature trail. Individuals were tested to indicate knowledge retention after the trail experience. Visual, tactual, and visual/tactual approaches proved to be equally effective treatments in most cases.…

Provided in this document is an alphabetical listing of colleges and universities in the United States (by state) and Canada (Alberta and Ontario) offering classes and/or a curriculum in environmental interpretation. Detailed descriptions of these classes and/or curricula and a bibliography of course textbooks are also provided. In addition,…

Discusses the development and formal thrust of an environmental education program. Indicates that efforts have resulted in a viable learning process which transcends the traditional nature study program. Describes a learning continuum of activities focusing on concepts, values, and problem solving skills, organization of the system, future…

Provides a chronology of some of the nationally and regionally significant events which relate to the development of interpretive programs in Canada from 1789 through 1985. Includes the establishment of facilities, creation of organizations, important legislation, and honors to individuals and groups. (TW)