Tim is Executive Director of National Association for Interpretation, a network of 4,700 people in 30 countries who interpret nature, science and history. He holds degrees in zoology, education, botany/ecology and speech/communications and is co-author of four books on interpretation with his wife, Lisa Brochu.
The U.S. National Park Service made natural and cultural interpretation an important part of communication very early in the twentieth century. They lead hikes, conduct campfire programs, operate visitor centres and provide a friendly face for people less well acquainted with the resources. In more recent years the interest in interpretation has become important for the scientific community within other science-based agencies, such as the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management. Read more [...]
About ten years ago the regional director of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) asked to meet with National Association for Interpretation (NAI) executive staff to discuss the application of interpretive services to his organization. He explained that the Republican Contract for America removed USGS funding from the United States budget in 1994 because many in Congress and the American public did not understand that this agency of scientists were responsible for much more than making maps. Fortunately, the funding was restored. USGS monitors vital resources all over the U.S. The USGS regional director expressed concern that being skilled scientists was not enough. They needed to become more skilled at helping Congress and citizens understand their diverse scientific roles and findings. Read more [...]
European science conversations by the community, for the community
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