Park managers use personal interpretation to achieve a variety of outcomes for park visitors and the natural environment. This project examines whether these outcomes are achieved, the factors influencing how the outcomes are achieved, and the overlap among these factors across the outcomes. Based on interviews with visitors in three Alberta…

In addition to regular job duties, such as tree care, mulching, irrigation, and pesticide management, urban park workers have faced environmental changes due to drought, wildfires, and West Nile virus. They simultaneously have endured expectations to manage growing, diversifying park usage and limitations on career development. An integrated…

The following papers are included in these proceedings: (1) "A Needs Assessment for Computer Applications" (Bruce Holley); (2) "The Home, School, Community Partnership through Community Education" (Jim Burgon); (3) "Building Level Coordinators--How They Spend Their Time" (Burton Olsen and Murray Meszaros); (4) "Programming and Financing the…

The purpose of this study was to analyze the ways in which the experiences and concerns of a predominantly African American and Hispanic community affect how they view environmental issues. Their views are intended to serve as a guide in the development of an environmental education program that is being developed at one of the local parks.…

The 12 brief articles in this "feature" or theme issue describe successful approaches to development of outdoor education programs which successfully integrate individuals with and without disabilities. Titles and authors are: "Outdoor Education and Adventure: Challenges and Rewards for All" (Stuart J. Schleien); "Benefits of Integrated Outdoor…

This guide is designed to help those in the field of Parks and Recreation who wish to develop an environmental learning program in their parks with the cooperation of the local schools. The guide reviews an environmental learning program which was developed in Forest Park, Springfield (Massachusetts), and provides guidelines which could be…

Describes the development of a thematic ecosystem curriculum for a K-8 school, in partnership with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in which park interpretation is merged with formal curricula. Notes that teachers and interpreters should work closely to develop curricula, and that interpreters must be familiar with textbooks and subject…

This final report presents a description of a 3-year project to develop and implement a model training program (for special education personnel, park and resource management personnel, and parents of disabled children) designed to promote outdoor environmental education for disabled children. The project conducted 22 training workshops (2-5 days)…

Since outdoor education has already become an integral part of the curriculum of schools in Michigan, this booklet has been prepared both to assist schools planning to initiate outdoor education programs and to recommend improvements in existing programs. Included in the document are the history and development of outdoor education; the basic…