Creating connections between visitors and the topics they’re exploring
By Jennifer Jaworski
Photo Credit: Huron-Clinton Metroparks
The field of parks and recreation has many facets that contribute to quality recreational and educational experiences for visitors. Many park systems include nature centers, farm centers, and/or educational programming to teach and engage visitors on nature, science, and historical topics. You may have noticed that some staff members have slightly different job titles, but you may not have realized what those differences really mean.
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Interpretive Services Department in Brighton, Mich., is one of the largest certified interpretive programs in the nation. It has been recognized for its professional leadership, educational programs, expertise of staff members, and commitment to the natural and cultural environment. The teaching staff is composed of interpreters instead of naturalists. There is a difference:
- A naturalist is an expert in natural history.
- An interpreter uses interpretation to educate around a theme. Interpretation is defined by the National Association of Interpretation (NAI) as a “mission-based communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and the meanings inherent in the resource.” https://www.interpnet.com/NAI/interp/About/About_Interpretation/nai/_Ab out/what_is_interp.aspx?hkey=53b0bfb4-74a6-4cfc-8379-1d55847c2cb9
Thus, interpreters teach visitors about more than just natural history, and they do so with purpose and goals. They engage and inspire visitors through interactive programs and create connections between visitors and the topics they’re exploring.