Testimonials

Photo Courtesy of Antonio Cantu

I found interpretation through the STEP (Pathways) program of the National Park Service. Because of that opportunity, I have been working for nearly 20 years in interpretation and related programs and am currently working for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. I manage a large interpretive and cave resource program at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. The variety of work includes not only interpretation but prescribed fires, and cave resource management. – Dawn Ryan, Mystery Cave Manager

The field of interpretation matters to me because I believe it’s an opportunity to meet people where they are at and share scientific, cultural, and historical information in a way that’s going to be relevant and engaging. To me, interpretation is not about regurgitating information and statistics, but instead telling a story and creating an opportunity for people to cultivate and strengthen relationships with the world around them. – Karlee Jewell, Project Manager Northcoast Regional Land Trust

Environmental Interpretation is a truly unique and rewarding career. It offers us the gift of inspiring others, of creating a bond between people and the natural wonders all around them. Once found, the magic of a connection like that can endure a lifetime. – Deven, Northern California BLM King Range Interpreter

For as far back as I can remember I have wanted to spend my life advocating for and defending nature and I have found that environmental education and specifically interpretation is a great means to that end.  Working in this field allows me to take tangible action on a daily basis to make change in the world and further causes that I believe in. By sparking curiosity and sharing my passion with others I truly believe that I am helping set folks on a path which will lead to a better, more sustainable, world for all. I am on Instagram at @nathanthenaturalist

– Nathan Taxel, Resource Specialist at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve in Orange County California

“A professional wildlife biologist by day, the field of interpretation found me through my volunteer work with Iowa Young Birders. It didn’t take long for me to realize how awesome it is to share the awe of nature with others! I was instantly hooked.”  – Tyler Harms, Iowa Young Birders

Every day at Naples Botanical Garden, we are teaching people about where their food comes from, plants on the brink of extinction, and environmental relationships that visitors had no idea existed. When we see a guest have one of those “aha” moments, we know that an interpretive program, sign, or personal experience was responsible for making a difference in that person’s perspective of the world. – Mary Helen Reuter, Curator of Education & Visitor Experience, Naples Botanical Garden

I learned of the field of interpretation while volunteering for the National Park Service, during my time serving as a photojournalist in the United States Coast Guard. My interest in the values and benefits of interpretation as a tool within environmental education and resource management led me to Colorado State University, in Fort Collins—where NAI is headquartered. We had an active student chapter made up of passionate and dynamic educators who have inspired my work throughout the past 20 years.

Now, as the center manager of Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, in my home state of Pennsylvania, I draw upon the experiences and professionals in interpretation to help advance ecological literacy for our diverse audiences. Interpretation has a rich legacy of nurturing connections between people and places, and there has never been a better time than now to help facilitate these relationships. – Brent Erb, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center Pennsylvania

I found the field of interpretation about 16 years ago, while serving as a Supervisory Park Ranger at De Soto NWR in Missouri Valley, Iowa. I saw the impact EE had on young (and old), and knew education was a necessity in order for our resources to survive. As a naturalist, interpreter, or guide, we have the ability to make connections in the lives we lead and share, being a free, living part, of our natural world. Through emotion and interpretation, we can relate, reveal, and provoke an illumination of nature that can create a fire for a lifetime. Remember, look up! – Dave Murcia- Naturalist/Director, CIG Wapsi River Environmental Education Center- Scott County Conservation (Iowa)