Some parks and some artists working outdoors are interacting with the environment and interpreting ecology through artworks in ways related to methodology of interpreters. Several sculpture parks are described. Sculptures include those that interpret local history and ecology, teach about tree function or historic use of stone, or supply habitats…

Outlines the history of the educational role of the National Park Service under various leaders. Details the types of educational outreach programs that are thriving today and discusses their merits and successes. (DDR)

At large universities, optional seminars that dovetail with large-enrollment courses can provide meaningful small-class experiences for students who want them. Describes a course offered in conjunction with a large-enrollment Geology of the National Parks course that allows in-depth discussion of course materials and related topics as well as…

Examines the idea of nature centers keeping wild animals for programming and displays designed to send the message that wild animals should stay in the wild, and offers an alternative to that practice. (LZ)

Describes how a class of elementary students organized a community project to reclaim a forgotten city green-space and turn it into an environmental park. The students researched local environmental problems and worked with a nearby developer to lessen environmental impacts. (LZ)

Describes New York City's Parklands Partnership Program, in which elementary and secondary students visit natural woodlands areas in their neighborhood, learn about forest ecology, and engage in restoration and reforestation activities that foster a connection between themselves and their local environment. (SV)

Examines the shared cognitive dimensions of cultural institutions like museums, libraries, and parks, suggesting they make similar situations for transmitting information. The article encourages a critical understanding of public cultural institutions to enlarge the potential for discourse about their analysis and criticism. Heuristic questions…

Over 1 million new cases of skin cancer are expected in the U.S. this year. Education about and adherence to sun safety practices can help prevent skin cancer. This paper describes types of skin cancer, what the ultraviolet (UV) radiation index is, who is at risk, sun safety practices, tips for children, and strategies for parks and recreation…

A systematic evaluation of signs and messages at 42 recreation areas in California and Arizona focused on type of site, managing agency, density of message locales, sign attributes, and message content. The vast majority of messages presented behavioral commands and were negatively worded. This striking imbalance points to concerns in visitor…

Presents a listing of baccalaureate programs in recreation, park resources, and leisure services that are accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association/American Association of Leisure and Recreation Council on Accreditation. Listings are alphabetical by state and present contact name, address, telephone, fax, email, website,…

Interview examines the competing interests of U.S. national parks, which preserve Native American archaeological sites as the basis of cultural and historical interpretation to the public, and archaeologists, whose research excavations may destroy sites. National Park Service projects that encompass both stewardship and interpretation are…

What better way to clarify a topic and allow it to come alive than to provide students with a way to actually see it? Images, diagrams, and flowcharts can draw students in. In this article, the author reviews "Roche Genetics: Education Program" CD-ROM version 4.0. The program is organized using a theme park analogy. An information booth leads to a…

Researchers from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University prepared a case study of CODES (Community Outreach and Development Efforts Save). CODES is a coalition of 35 people and organizations in northern Manhattan committed to promoting safe streets, parks and schools. The case study analyzed the factors that prompted CODES'…

Among every known people, places are named, and in every known place, stories are told. Yet the meanings of the place and the variety of stories attached to it can derive from a variety of traditions and can lead in many different directions. Just as various pilgrims are drawn to some sacred places, so do all people, in all places, come to know…

Environmental globalization has led to the implementation of conservation efforts like the creation of protected areas that often promote the interests of core countries in poorer regions. The creation of protected areas in poor areas frequently creates tensions between human needs like food and shelter and environmental conservation. Support for…