About the Author

The authors have developed and co-instructed environmental interpretation classes at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources for 30 years. They created the Interpreters Handbook Series in 1988, a series of training manuals for the interpretive profession. The team serves as a consultant to interpretive agencies and private organizations, facilitating workshops and providing planning and evaluation services. Their enthusiasm for natural history grew from their childhood explorationsMike in northwest Iowa and Ron in the Nebraska Sandhills.

This easy-to-use guidebook has been a longtime standard for training interpreters how to deliver effective presentations and walks. It is also an excellent refresher for professionals in the field. The guidebook emphasizes cultural and natural history interpretation through examples from zoos, aquaria, historic sites, museums, parks and nature centers. Chapters include: Roots and Reason, Planning Interpretive Experiences, Interpretive Talks, Slide Talks, Creative Techniques, Trail Techniques, Spontaneous Interpretation, Interpretation for Children, and Gaining Feedback.

Review

An excellent source for new interpreters to learn what interpretation is all about and the many ways to practice it. It covers the why's and how's. --Tom Danton, Chief of Interpretation, Saguaro National Monument