The Newsletter for Interpretation in California State Parks Winter 2004 Volume 7 No. 3 The Catalyst ™ Have you forgotten your BILS? By Jonathan Williams California State Parks has a new tool, and it represents a major milestone in interpretive training. The Basic Interpretation Learning System (BILS) provides our departments first-ever comprehensive, standardized resource for introductory interpretive training. Intended primarily as a foundation for ranger and lifeguard cadets who are taking Basic Visitor Services at William Penn Mott Jr. Training Center, it also is a valuable guide for any interpreter who provides programs and services directly to the public. The handbook, written by Carolyn Ward and Alan Wilkinson, with contributions from California State Parks staff, is a stand-alone resource containing modules on: Purpose and Values, Communications, Planning, Pro- grams, Talks, Walks, Campfire!, Kids!, Roving, Audiovisual, Evaluation and Professionalism. For each module there is a student workbook. This handbook and student workbook, together with the related training that must accompany them, provide the tools to help realize the full potential of all California State Parks interpreters. Look for a copy to arrive at your district soon! Basic Visitor Services instructors met at Marconi recently to plan the implementation of the new B.I.L.S. into the Training Center Curriculum.
Transcript
The Newsletter for Interpretation in California State ParksWinter 2004 Volume 7 No. 3
The
Catalyst™
Have you forgotten your BILS?By Jonathan Williams
California State Parks has a new tool, and it representsa major milestone in interpretive training. The BasicInterpretation Learning System (BILS) provides ourdepartment�s first-ever comprehensive, standardizedresource for introductory interpretive training. Intendedprimarily as a foundation for ranger and lifeguard cadetswho are taking Basic Visitor Services at William PennMott Jr. Training Center, it also is a valuable guide for anyinterpreter who provides programs and services directlyto the public.
The handbook, written by Carolyn Ward and AlanWilkinson, with contributions from California State Parksstaff, is a stand-alone resource containing modules on:Purpose and Values, Communications, Planning, Pro-grams, Talks, Walks, Campfire!, Kids!, Roving, Audiovisual,Evaluation and Professionalism. For each module there isa student workbook.
This handbook and student workbook, together withthe related training that must accompany them, providethe tools to help realize the full potential of all CaliforniaState Parks interpreters.
Look for a copy to arrive at your district soon!
Basic Visitor Services instructors met at Marconi recently to plan theimplementation of the new B.I.L.S. into the Training CenterCurriculum.
Page 2 Catalyst
Contributor's GuidelinesThe Catalyst welcomes your original articles up to two pages in length. We
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We really appreciate items submitted on disk or by e-mail. We can readmost DOS/Windows file formats. Please send photos as separate files, notinserted into your document. You may also submit original photos or otherillustrations to the Catalyst. All photos and artwork submitted will be returnedpromptly. We reserve the right to edit all material. Items are selected forpublication solely at the discretion of the editor and publisher. We appreciateyour suggestions.
®Museums, museums, museums,object-lessons rigged out toillustrate the unsound theoriesof archaeologists, crazy attemptsto coordinate and get into a fixedorder that which has no fixed orderand will not be coordinated! It is sick-ening! Why must all experience besystematized?. . . A museum is not afirst-hand contact: it is an illustratedlecture. And what one wants is theactual vital touch.
� D.H. Lawrence (1885�1930)
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From the Editor
Brian Cahill, Editor
We are pleased to bring youanother issue of the Catalyst. Wejust hope you can find the timeto read it during these crazytimes. You will find two mini-themes in this issue � interpre-tive exhibits and the NationalInterpreter�s Workshop. Therecent Reno workshop is not exactly news at this point,but I was intrigued to read the varied reactions from avariety of interpretive professionals in our department. Ithink you may find them interesting too.
In spite of the lean budget times we still have a varietyof interpretive exhibit projects currently in the works. Soyou will also find a suite of stories about exhibits. Anddon�t overlook the fire workshop and other resourcesmentioned on the next page. You will find the MasterInterpreter presiding on page 5 as usual, offering gratu-itous advice to the interpretively challenged.
On page 6, Russ Surber, Guide I (PI) at Hearst SanSimeon State Historical Monument, leads off our serieson the NIW. You can reach him at [email protected].
On page 8, Pat Clark-Gray helps bring the CCC backto life in her NIW story. Pat is the DIS at Monterey andwould love to hear from you at [email protected].
Rouvaishyana, a State Park Interpreter Assistant atMendocino, presents his report on the NIW on page 10.You can contact him at [email protected].
Kicking off our interpretive exhibits mini-theme, page12 brings �Giant Salmon Planned for Nimbus Hatchery.� Itwas written by Bruce Forman, an Interpretive ServicesSupervisor for the Department of Fish & Game. You canreach Bruce at [email protected]. A peek at the newexhibits at Cal Citrus SHP follows on page 13.
Nancy Mendez is a State Park Interpreter II workingout of the Southern Service Center. She sends us �NewExhibits for One of California�s Oldest State Parks� onpage 14. Nancy can be reached [email protected].
And rounding out our exhibit section is a look at howthree common materials for interpretive panels stand up toa wildfire on page 16.
Page 17 introduces an exciting new resource fornatural history interpreters titled Science, Poetry, AndParks. It is a specialized bibliography�a survey of theliterature that describes, explains, and celebratesCalifornia�s rich natural heritage. It was written by JohnWerminski who can be reacced at (916) 653-8959.
On page 18 we bring you the unique perspective ofthree �park brats� who grew up in State Parks. At superin-tendent Dave Nelson�s recent retirement, his threedaughters shared this piece, and we think you might enjoyit too. Dave can be reached at [email protected].
On page 20 you will find a piece by Jaime Mendez,part of her ongoing series, �The Road Less Traveled.�Jaime is a Guide I at Hearst Castle®; you can email her [email protected].
And you�ll find another installment of �California�sTapestry,� back in its usual place. This piece marks the endof a ten-year run as Jack Shu heads off for retirement.We thank Jack for helping to keep us thinking about thesecritical issues, and we wish him well in his retirement. ButTapestry will continue; you can look forward to our firstTapestry written by our old friend Michelle Edwards in thenext issue.
And that�s about it for our winter issue � enjoy!Thanks to each of you for reading The Catalyst!
What's Up?Interpreters� Resources
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Interpreting Wildland FiresThursday, March 11, 2004, 9:00 amto 3:30 pm at Acorn Naturalists�Center for Science and EnvironmentalEducation in Tustin. The latestinformation and techniques forinterpreting fires will be presented.We�ll hear from researchers and learnpractical ways that fire-scarred landscan be used for interpretation andenvironmental education.
You�ll receive training on BLM�s newCD-ROM-based curriculum, BurningIssues, and the National ParkService�s Studies in Wildland FireEcology. The cost is only $25 forNAI members /$40 for nonmembers,and lunch is included. This workshopis presented in conjunction with theCalifornia Parks Conference. Formore info contact Joanie Cahill([email protected]) or JenniferRigby ([email protected]).
Earthquake PhotosIf you interpret geology, you maybe interested in the photos thatR. Forrest Hopson took of theLanders earthquake surface ruptures.He just posted them on the Web, andsays, �Feel free to use them for yourteaching and interpretation presenta-tions.� See http://www.geoinfoservices.net/landers_eq.html.
Raptors In The CityRaptors in the City is a real-time,inquiry-based science and technologyprogram for grades 4-6 that stars theperegrine falcon. The online portionof Raptors in the City guides childrenthrough nesting season (roughlyFebruary to June) as they watch thestill rare falcons live via camerasmounted on skyscrapers. Thestudents learn environmental, biologi-cal and technological lessons, as wellas research skills tied to science andtechnology standards. Seewww.raptorsinthecity.homestead.com.
A California Adventure,Rediscover the Magic!
Have a magical time inAnaheim March 8-11at the 2004 ParksConference. Held atthe Anaheim CrownePlaza Resort, it willfeature a variety ofsessions designed toenhance yourprofessional skill set. Social gather-ings will feature great interpretiveprograms, and there will be plenty oftime to network with colleagues fromaround California and Nevada. Formore info contact Amy [email protected].
Youth AwardThe Barron Prize recognizes youngpeople from age 8 to 18 who haveshown leadership and courage inpublic service to people and ourplanet. Half of each year's winners arechosen for their work to protect theenvironment. Winners receive $2,000to support their service work or fortheir higher education. The deadline isApril 30, 2004. For more informationvisit www.barronprize.org.
Great BookA Short History of Nearly Everythingby Bill Bryson could change yourview of the planet and your role as aninterpreter. Bryson points out howintricate our world is and how verylittle we know about it. Discoverhistory from the beginning of theuniverse to the latest theories on thestructure of an atom. It is packed fullof interesting stories about our planet.One of the most powerful sections ofthe book deals with conservation.Bryson spends several pages sharingthe fate of the dodo bird, passengerpigeon, Carolina parakeet, and theTasmanian tiger. This book showshow fragile and intricate life is on ourplanet, and that as caretakers of ourplanet, we are the only speciescapable of making a real difference.$15.95 paperback, from your favoritebookseller.
More Fire TrainingCalifornia�s wildfire season won�tofficially begin for a few more months- but education about wildfire inCalifornia never stops. Check the PLTwebsite at www.plt.org (click oncalendar under �fire education� inCalifornia) for the details on otherworkshops and events that focus onfire ecology and fire managementeducation. Upcoming Burning Issues/ PLT workshops will be held:February 7 - CSU-Monterey BayMarch 11 - Tustin (see left)March 12 - San DiegoApril - Tuolumne County (date not set)May - Point Reyes National SeashoreSummer 2004 - at the three locations
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Dear Master InterpreterDear MasterInterpreter,
I recentlysaw the word�interpretative�used in asentence (bysomeone Irespect). Is thatreally a word?
Wordsmith
Dear Wordsmith,NO! Someone was not having a
good day when they wrote that.�Interpretative� is simply not a word.Interpretive is the proper adjectiveform. Likewise the verb is interpretnot �interpretate.� There is no excusefor using the words �Interpretative�and �interpretate.� There is alreadyenough confusion about the name ofour profession.
MI
Dear Master Interpreter,The whole world seems to be
switching from slides to PowerPoint,and I am heading that way too. I�mlooking for a digital camera. Do youknow how many megapixels I willneed if I want my pictures to lookreally sharp on an 8-foot screen?
Sharpie
Dear Sharpie,You may be surprised, but you
really do not need a very high resolu-tion image for PowerPoint, no matterhow big your screen is. Most digital
projectors we are using these dayscan display a limited number of pixels.So you can get very good picturesfor PowerPoint with a 2 megapixelcamera. Anything more is wasted andmay even cause your images todisplay slowly. Where you reallyneed the resolution is for makingprints. Choose your camera based onthe largest PRINT you think you willneed. You will find you have morethan enough resolution forPowerPoint in even relatively inexpen-sive digital cameras.
MI
Dear Master Interpreter,We need some mounted animals
for our Visitor Center. I went to mylocal taxidermist hoping to buy araccoon mount. He explained (and Iguess I should have known) that theyare not an off-the-shelf item and that Ineed to provide a dead �coon. I�m notplanning to go out and shoot one sowe are waiting for the next one tostep out in front of a car. Then hetold me it is going to cost $975 justto mount it. Is he trying to rip meoff?
Nobody�s Fool
Dear Nobody,Buying taxidermy is a lot like
buying art. Some of it is worth thatkind of price and some of it is not.Look critically at his work, or get arecommendation from someone whoknows this field. A high-quality mountis a piece of custom wildlife art andmay well be worth that price. Mean-
while I�ll check the freezer out backto see if we can supply that specimen.
MI
Dear Master Interpreter,We just got some new interpre-
tive panels in our park, and I wassurprised to see they are not pro-tected by plexigalss like our old oneswere. Should we be concerned aboutvandalism?
Regular Ranger
Dear RR,There are many different materials
being used for interpretive panelsthese days. Most of them are moredurable and resistant to vandalism thanthe old silkscreened panels we usedto use. Some of the materials (likeself-adhesive vinyl) can even bedegraded by the greenhouse-likeconditions created by a plexiglasscover. Other materials like highpressure laminates or porcelainenamel can be more durable (andeasier to clean) than plexiglass,making the cover an unnecessaryvisual distraction. Check with yourpanel supplier for specific recommen-dations, but resist the urge to covereverything with plexiglass just becausethat�s the way we always did it!
MI.
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Can Interpretation be a Profession?By Russ Surber, Guide I (PI)
Hearst San Simeon SHM
Recently I had the honor of beingone of several scholarship recipientswho attended the November NationalAssociation for Interpretation�sNational Interpreters Workshop(NIW) in (Reno) Sparks, Nevada.Always the skeptic, and a veteran ofnational conventions hosted by otherprofessional organizations, myexpectations were not terribly high asI drove up US 395 towards Nevada. Iwas wrong. The NIW was a wonder-ful experience highlighted by thechance to spend nearly five days withsome of the nation�s most accom-plished practitioners of interpretation.
The workshop was organizedaround a series of concurrent ses-sions that ran in the morning andafternoon, each individual sessionfocusing on a particular aspect ofinterpretation. Almost regardless ofyour interests or needs, there weresessions focusing on things thatwould be of use to you when youreturned to your park or monumentor office. Kicking off each day�sactivities were a series of keynotespeakers intended to provoke thoughtand get you in the mood for the day�sevents.
Without question the star of thekeynote speakers was a National ParkService interpretive ranger fromYosemite who gave a moving, funny,educational, and revealing example ofthe art and craft of living history.Shelton Johnson portrayed anAfrican-American soldier recruited in
mid-1880s Nebraska after leaving hishome in the Carolinas. As an articu-late and witty Buffalo Soldier, asAfrican-American troops were called,Johnson came alive on stage to thepoint that you forgot that he was aninterpreter in character.
For myself, however, I wasinterested in the broader question ofwhether what we do can rightly becalled a profession. In late Augustwhen you are working ten-hour days
and giving five tours to crowds thatseem at times indifferent to yourpresentations, it is hard to tell your-self that you are a professional andthat you have professional obligationsto the guests who stand before you.Consequently, I wanted to listen tosome of the leaders in our field talkabout interpretation as a profession andsee if what they said rang true and, if so,did the criteria they used apply to me, aGuide I (PI) at Hearst Castle.
The session that was most usefulin this regard was a 90-minuteseminar entitled, appropriately, �IsInterpretation A Profession?� It wasled by Corky Mayo, Chief of Interpre-tation for the National Park Serviceand one of the principal forces behindthe NPS�s new training syllabus. Thesession began with a series of speak-ers from a variety of backgrounds
talking on the subject of professional-ism. The first, Donna Asbury, is notan interpreter but the business-trainedexecutive director of Association ofPartners for Public Lands. The pointsshe made were very interesting. First,she said that as an outsider lookinginto the world of interpretation shewas impressed by the core skillsinterpreters possess � skills, sheopined, that would make us veryattractive prospects for employers inthe private and public sector. Those
skills include the ability to do re-search, to speak in public bothcomfortably and with passion, tomanage time in efficient ways, and tomaster nonformal education. Theseare skills that are sought after in thebroader business community that isfar separated from the settings inwhich interpreters traditionally work.Ms. Asbury�s point was that asprofessionals we have skills that canbe applied in both traditional and nontraditional settings.
Amy Galperin, National LeadInterpreter for BLM, talked about theresponsibility we have for bringinginterpretive opportunities to theattention of those who manage ourparks and monuments. When we seean area that might usefully be pre-sented to the public through interpre-tation, we should call that matter to
We are the Department�s primary, front-line practitio-ners of interpretation. Together we meet literallythousands of people every day in parks and monu-ments across the state.
Page 7Catalyst
the attention of our supervisors alongwith at least an idea of how it couldbe better interpreted. She mademention of natural disaster as oneexample of how we often overlookopportunities. Certainly the terriblefires of the past few months afford usan interpretive opportunity to educatethe public about the need to bettercare for our public and private openspaces.
Corky Mayo ended the indi-vidual presentations with a thought-ful review of what makes a collec-tion of skills a profession and why,in his judgment, interpretation fitsthat definition. He began by speak-ing about the �maturation of inter-pretation.� That maturation processhas certain characteristics commonwith all other professions, charac-teristics that can be easily identified.
First, professions have a clearbeginning, a distinct, measurable timewhen what we do morphs frommerely a job into something grander.He noted that less than 80 miles fromour hotel in Sparks stood the FallenLeaf Lodge, where in 1921 the ChiefRanger of the Park Service met andwas deeply impressed by the lodgeowners. This family had traveledextensively in Europe and was con-ducting tours of Yosemite based on acombination of techniques they hadseen practiced in Europe. The ChiefRanger was so impressed by thisfamily that he hired the Lodge toconduct tours of Yosemite for thePark Service and, in doing so, createdwhat might be considered the firstgovernment-employed interpreters.The word �interpretation,� he notedfirst appears in Park Service literature
in the early 1930s, the time to whichhe believes we can reasonably traceour beginning as a profession.
Second, professions have re-search-based literature that is de-signed to further the knowledge ofpractitioners. We certainly have that,looking no further than the seminalwork of Freeman Tilden and the floodof interpretive theory and literaturethat has followed in his path. Pursuingthis, Mayo made a strong call foreveryone involved in interpretation toconsider writing for publication.Publication is another means ofgetting the story of interpretation outto a broader public and to betterestablish our credentials within theprofessional community.
Third, professions have a distinctlanguage they use among themselvesto communicate complex ideas in asort of shorthand. Mayo suggestedthat we have such a language and useit daily when communicating withinthe interpretive community.
Finally, professions have symbolsand awards used in the first instanceto encourage a sense of belongingand in the second to acknowledge thecontributions of individuals to theircraft. While Mayo spoke of the ParkService arrowhead as a nationallyrecognized symbol, I would like tothink that the Golden Bear of DPRprovokes a similar positive responseboth within the profession andwithout. As far as awards are con-cerned, the NIW�s centerpiece was aseries of award ceremonies at whichmen and women from a wide varietyof agencies and backgrounds werepublicly recognized for their service
to interpretation.
So, I came away from Sparks andthe NIW with a sense of belonging toa much larger community of profes-sionals than I had realized existed andwith a pride in the art and craft wepractice that was not there when Iarrived.
Specifically, I want to addressthose of us in DPR who labor underthe work title of Guide. Because ofthe way the department has organizeditself, we often tend not to think ofourselves as �interpreters� becausethat is an entirely different job classifi-cation. The fact is, however, that weare the department�s primary, front-line practitioners of interpretation.Together we meet literally thousandsof people every day in parks andmonuments across the state and�interpret� for them the meaning,importance and place of these sites intheir lives and in the lives of theirfamilies and neighbors. There is nohigher calling I can imagine than to becharged with the responsibility ofhelping the people of this stateappreciate their history and environ-ment in ways that will lead them toactively support the protection andpreservation of this often fragileheritage.
The National Association forInterpretation is working hard toassist us in this endeavor. I wouldurge everyone who might read thisarticle and who is not a member ofthe NAI to consider joining the oneorganization I can think of that isdedicated to improving our craft andour position in the broader park/monument/museum community.
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CCC at the NIW By Patricia Clark-Gray, Monterey
District Interpretive Specialist
From November 12 -15, Iattended the National Interpreter�sWorkshop (NIW) in Reno, Nevada,sponsored by the National Associa-tion for Interpretation on a scholar-ship provided by the department. Thelast NIW that I attended was over 10years ago in Santa Clara, so I waspleased to attend this one. More than50 department staff also attended theconference. Many of our employeeswere on the NIW committee. BillLindeman was the workshop co-chair;Linda McDonald, special events chair;Karen Barrett, volunteer coordinationco-chair; Janet Schmidt, publicity/promotions chair; and Brian Cahill,Awards chair/onsite newspapercoordinator.
I enjoyed all the sessions that Iattended. One session in particularstood out �We Can Take It�� How toMake the Historic Legacy of theCivilian Conservation Corps (CCC)Come Alive in Your InterpretivePrograms. It was presented by PetePeterson, interpretive park ranger forCrater Lake National Park in Oregon.
�I propose to create a CivilianConservation Corps to be used insimple work, not interfering withnormal employment, and confiningitself to forestry, the prevention ofsoil erosion, flood control, and similarprojects. More importantly, however,than the material gains, will be the moraland spiritual value of such work.�
� FDR, March 1933.
Pete had the above quote on thefirst page of his handout. He pro-ceeded to illustrate that not only didthe CCC accomplish FDR�s goals, butthey accomplished much more. Hedivided his talk into four parts. Duringthe first part, What is the Legacy?, hetold us his personal story about hispassion and connection to the CCC.Through his story about his friend JoeHebda of CCC Company 2349 atCamp SP-25, he painted a picture ofthe CCC, the Great Depression, andthe impact of the CCC on the lives ofyoung men. He also made the pointthat we need to record the stories ofthe men who were in the CCC beforethey are all gone.
He then presented the SevenPoint Guide to Identifying the CCCLegacy. The seven points are: 1. the�rustic style� of naturalistic principles,2. use of native/local materials to fitinto surroundings, 3. wood shingles,4. �pioneer� craftsmanship, 5. ex-posed interior roof trusses, 6. handwrought hardware and metalwork,and 7. stone steps and foundations.
In part two, Why is the LegacyImportant?, Pete tied together theuniversal concepts and compellingstories of the CCC, such as value andthe architectural significance andhonor, and recognizing a generationof Americans as well as individuals.
Pete listed several interpretivethemes in part three, How Do YouInterpret the Legacy? One theme�Life in the CCC gave an honorablesense of direction and purpose to theyoung men of the Great Depression,�is so universal that it can be used atany state park site that interprets theCCC. I am currently working oninterpreting the CCC at Pfeiffer BigSur SP in the Warden�s Cottage.Another theme �The architecture of
Page 9Catalyst
the CCC articulates the beauty ofthe �Rustic Style� of design,� is onetheme we will be emphasizing in ourinterpretation at Pfeiffer. We haveRustic Style rock restrooms, picnicramadas, water fountains and campstoves still preserved in the park.With our new exhibits, interpretivepanels and brochures, we will helpvisitors appreciate the beauty of the�Rustic Style.�
During Pete�s final part, Makingthe Legacy Come Alive, he portrayedcamp staff (dressed in a blue denimshirt and jeans) and had us portraynewly arrived CCC enrollees (rookies)at Camp Piney Echo. To help usvisualize the camp, Pete provided amap of Camp Piney Echo (NP-16)showing the barracks, mess hall,
educational building, garage and repairshop, and other structures. He readportions of Your CCC, A Handbookfor Enrollees.
The black and white photo heprovided of all the men in Company2349 sitting for a group photohelped us step back in time. At theend of our enrollee session, we allyelled several times, �We Can TakeIt!� We were ready to roll up oursleeves and get to work buildingpark structures, preventing soilerosion, and most importantly,gaining back our self-esteemthrough hard work and significantconservation work.
This session for me was timelyfor two reasons. At the end of the
session, one woman said that time isrunning out because many of theseCCC men are passing on, and weneed to hear and write down theirstories. So if you work at a park thathas CCC connections, find these menand gather their stories. We alsoneed to protect the CCC buildings andstructures. Unfortunately, during the
The �Seven Point Guide to Identifying the CCCLegacy.� are the following: 1. the �rustic style� ofnaturalistic principles, 2. use of native/local materialsto fit into surroundings, 3. wood shingles, 4. �pio-neer� craftsmanship, 5. exposed interior roof trusses,6. hand wrought hardware and metalwork, and 7.stone steps and foundations.
recent southern California wildfireswe lost the historic Dyar house atCuyamaca SP and Camp Hual-cu-cuish, which was used by local scoutsand was one of the best examples ofthe CCC-era park rustic architecture.
All staff needs to be involved inprotecting theremaining CCC legaciesin our parks. We need to make sureall of the buildings and structures areon the Park Infrastructure Database(PID), and we need to look forfunding to protect our remainingbuildings and structures. Then weneed to share the importance of theCCC and their legacy with our parkvisitors through all interpretivemedia.
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National Interpreters Workshop HighlightsBy Rouvaishyana, State Park
Interpreter Assistant, Mendocino
In this article I hope to capturesome of the essence of this year�sNational Interpreters Workshop inReno/Sparks. It was a privilege toattend NIW 2003 on a DPR scholar-ship. I would like to thank thedepartment and the scholarshipcommittee, who selected the handfulof recipients. I would also like tothank our nonprofit association,Mendocino Area Parks Association,who helped out with part of mylodging and travel expenses.
During the few days before theworkshop officially began, optionalsessions, field trips, and the Interpre-tive Management Institute were held.The opening reception was Tuesdayevening, November 11. There weredozens of public and private exhibitorsin the exhibition hall, and a troupe ofBasque dancers greeted us.
The days generally began with akeynote address, followed by analmost mind-boggling array of concur-rent sessions on a variety of interpre-tive topics. DPR interpretive staffwere advised ahead of time that theNational Park Service (NPS) wasputting on a series of sessions onmeanings-based interpretation. Iattended three of these sessions, andthey are part of a well-thought-outtraining program used in that agency.
Wednesday morning, Paiute-Shoshone elder Ashley Georgegreeted us with background informa-
tion on his tribe and their language,followed by a prayer of blessing onthe workshop. Keynote speakerKaren Rauch Carter discussed theChinese topic of feng shui, and wasable to relate several of its guidingprinciples to interpretation. Themorning�s topics included:· Making Meaningful Connections
part of the NPS series· Interpreting Sensitive Topics· History in Song· Birding by Ear· NAI Goes International, and many
others.
After lunch storyteller Megumitold true stories of Japanese-Ameri-can internment during World War II.A couple who had experienced thispart of American history joined herand answered questions from theaudience. Afternoon topics included:
· The Magic of Plants· Designing Educational Curriculum· NAI�s Certification Program: WhoNeeds It?.NAI regional meetings were held latethat afternoon.
Thursday�s keynote speaker wasShelton Johnson, an NPS Yosemiteranger, who did his wonderful presen-tation on the unsung �Buffalo Sol-diers,� black US cavalrymen whoguarded the National Parks in theSierra during the early 1900s. Morn-ing sessions included:· Is Interpretation a Profession?· Analyze This!� (I attended this,another in the NPS series)· The Unnatural Nature Trail· 4-1/2 Billion Years of History in 90Minutes.And the afternoon offerings?· Reptile Rendezvous· Music in Learning
DPR was well represented at this year�s NIW � a week packed with activity, information, newideas, and many opportunities.
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· Interpretation and the DifficultAudience (the people that don�t orwon�t come)· �On Becoming a Nature Nerd (Iattended this one, and it was moreserious than the title suggested. Themain points were that social supportsare very important to encouragingpeople to choose either recreation orserious study in outdoor or naturetopics, and that social trends show adecrease in these things nationwide.What does this mean for us?
Thursday afternoon was also timefor our own DPR staff meeting, atime to get updated on interpreterexams, the hiring freeze, the fires insouthern California, and �Arnold.�Nobody seemed to want to call himGov. Schwarzenegger yet. Followingthis were NAI Section meetings. Iattended the meeting of the Councilfor the Interpretation of NativePeoples.
Friday was the day for off-sitesessions. Conference attendeescould opt for field trips in the Reno
area, several to Lake Tahoe, a sessionon the Donner party, Virginia City,Carson City, sessions on mining in theComstock area, birdwatching, andtwo to Pyramid Lake. I chose one ofthe latter.
We visited the Paiute TribalMuseum, a pictograph site, and thetribal trout hatchery with two Paiutetribal guides. We never actually got tothe shore of the lake itself, butlearned about its environs and thepeople who depend on the lake forsurvival. Friday night was the liveauction, an exciting place to be.Several silent auctions had been heldduring the days prior, but this was thebig one.
Saturday�s keynote speaker wasCathy Luchetti, who offered a seriesof vignettes of pioneer life, somehumorous, some revolting. Analternate title for her talk could havebeen, The Good Old Days�ThatWeren�t. Morning topics:· �Imagination to the Printed Word· �Can�t Carry a Tune in a Bucket?· A session on Aldo Leopold�s Work
· The Advanced Interpretive Equation,the final in the NPS seriesAfternoon:· Igniting Your Interpretive Intelli-gence, about the Multiple IntelligenceTheory· A session on oral history· Dancing Your Way Through History· Hire the Best, Forget the Rest· The Art of Seeing, JohnWerminski�s stunning display of visualeffects and light phenomena observedin nature, organized around hischallenge to examine the overlookedprocesses and our own faulty obser-vations, preconceptions, and miscon-ceptions. This session was truly thepiece de resistance.
Throughout the workshop, onecould check out the exhibits, look forlistings in the job fair, participate insilent auctions, attend evening func-tions, or just meet other interpretersfrom various agencies. This year�sNIW was definitely a week packedwith activity, information, new ideas,and many opportunities to forge newnetworks and new alliances.
One field trip brings a group of cultural history interpreters to Virginia City. Photo by Russ Surber whose story appears on page 6.
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Giant Salmon Planned for Nimbus HatcheryBy Bruce Forman, DFG Interpretive
Services Supervisor
The Nimbus Fish Hatchery inRancho Cordova is adding to its freeeducational attractions. FishyPlayscapes will be a unique, explor-atory and playful destination opportu-nity for families with young childrento learn about and enjoy the naturalenvironment. A 20-foot �GiantSalmon� with canopy will feature a�climb and slide� salmon completewith soft sculptured teeth and skeletalfeatures. A tactile wall expressingcolorful embossed silhouettes of riveranimals will be set in a newly land-scaped area. Additional phases willinclude giant egg clusters to crawlthrough, a fishing boat to simulate andstimulate the catch of a lifetime, and alife cycle merry-go-round.
Legacy tiles on an artisticbenched wall will be available forfamilies and individuals to sponsorFishy Playscapes. �The first phases of
the project are moving forward,� saidBruce Forman, project lead. �TheLegacy Tiles project will allow indi-viduals to help see the final phase ofthe project through and become apermanent part of the exhibit.�
After two years of planning, acommunity coalition of government,nonprofit organizations and schooldistricts is moving ahead with the firstphase of this ambitious and visionaryplan. The project complements newvisitor center exhibits, a new water-featured, river-themed ramp forvisitors, and a River Discovery Trail.
Construction of the first phase beginsin summer 2004.
The initial phase of this project isfunded by First Five SacramentoCommission (FFSC), American RiverNatural History Association (ARNHA)and Sportfish Restoration (from afederal excise tax on fishing equip-ment and motorboat fuel). The FFSCuses Prop 10 (tobacco tax) funds tofurther social, health and recreationservices for children under 6 years.This commission also funded aplanning grant to engage the commu-nity in its developmental phase.
Fishy Playscapes will be a magnetfor families and groups from pre-schools and day care centers to learnabout the wonders of ChinookSalmon. The playscapes are designedso that young children will have funclimbing, exploring (inside andoutside) and playing. They will leavewith good feelings about fish, such asthat fish are special and they need ahome just like people.
For more information about thisproject, or for an image of the designsketches, contact Bruce Forman at358-2353 or [email protected].
Page 13Catalyst
New Exhibits at Cal Citrus SHPBy Superintendent Ron Krueper
California Citrus State HistoricPark recently inaugurated a newVisitor Center/Museum complex.The $3 million project features a5,000-square foot building thatreplicates a packing house from the
1920s. Inside, exhibits detail anddescribe the �Journey of Citrus� as ittraveled around the world, arriving inCalifornia where it developed into anindustry that transformed California�s
image and contributed greatly to thestate�s rich tapestry of heritage.
The project essentially doublesthe size of the park�s facilities. Thenew facilities include an interior roadwinding through citrus groves linedwith stone curbs, palms, jacarandatrees and roses; a focal garden withfountain, benches and antique roses;90 parking spaces; and trails forviewing citrus groves.
The project was made possiblethrough a unique partnership betweenthe City of Riverside and CaliforniaState Parks. The Visitor Centerbuilding, related outdoor facilities andinfrastructure ($2.4 million) wasfunded by State Proposition 70(1988) and administered by the Cityof Riverside. The interior �Journey ofCitrus� exhibits ($600,000) werefunded by State Proposition 12(2000) and administered by CaliforniaState Parks.
A primary objective of Citrus Park is to interpret the �California Dream� promoted in the citrusindustry�s early advertising, from the turn of the twentieth century through 1935.
The museum exhibits tell the first chapter inthe story of the California dream, the Journeyof Citrus to California.
The museum traces the path of citrus from Asia to Europe, South America and eventuallySouthern California, even adding fun touches like a faux camel-dung fire along the Silk Road.
Page 14 Catalyst
New Exhibitsfor One of California�s Oldest State Parks
By Nancy Mendez State Park Interpreter IISouthern Service Center
Pío Pico State Historic Park hastaken on a new life with the recentcompletion of a major restorationproject. Interpreting the site�s historydates back more than 100 years whenHarriet Strong, a Southern Californiapioneer, began fundraising efforts topreserve the adobe house that hadbelonged to rancher and formergovernor of Mexican California, PíoPico. By 1917, the Pico Adobe wastransferred to State ownership, tenyears before the creation of theCalifornia State Park system in 1927.Staffing, funding, and public program-ming have been erratic since thoseearly days.
Everything came to a sudden haltwhen one fall morning in 1987, theWhittier Narrows Earthquake struck,resulting in damage to the park�s onlyhistoric structure, the Pico Adobe.Sixteen years and $5 million later, PíoPico State Historic Park was re-opened with a grand celebration onSeptember 20, 2003.
The changes are too many to list,but the overall result is an interpretiveexperience that sets a more accu-rately restored adobe amidst areconstructed historic landscapefeaturing grain fields, citrus orchards,corrals, and a dovecote. Interpretation
Original Pico family items, including Mrs. Pico�s leather gloves and fan, have receivedcustomized mounts and cases. Striped wallpaper was reproduced based on actual fragmentsfound beneath paint layers in the Pico Adobe.
Exhibit components are mounted to the floor to minimize impact to the historic adobe walls.
Page 15Catalyst
now places a greater emphasis onthe archaeology and architecture ofthe adobe itself. In addition, inter-pretive exhibits highlight the impor-tance of the rancho workers andprovide a broader context of PioPico�s influence in California�s 19th
century history.
Painstakingly reproducedhistoric wallpapers, much as Picohad used to decorate his ranchhome, can now be seen inside therooms. A specially constructed �sub-floor� exhibit allows visitors to safelywalk over a wall remnant whichonce divided a larger room into twosmaller ones. An audio-visualpresentation, reproductions of 19th
century furnishings (for visitors torelax on), and sealed exhibit cases(for improved artifact preservation)are among the other new interpre-tive exhibit components.
A combination of State Parksemployees, the City of Whittier, andcontractors contributed to theplanning, design, and construction ofthis project. Interpretive exhibitservices were provided by a variety offirms including Bluth Enterprises(video production); Bradbury &Bradbury (wallpaper reproduction);Creative Core (interior exhibits); RioHondo Community College (heritagewall murals); and Stone Imagery(exterior signs and interpretivepanels).
For more information on thisproject, contact Nancy Mendez at(619) 688-6105 or via e-mail [email protected].
Students from Rio Hondo Community College designed murals in the picnic area that interpretthe historic rancho environment. Art instructor Richard Lopez, center, coordinated the projectwith State Parks staff.
Sealed cases were designed using specifications outlined in the Exhibit ConservationGuidelines produced by the National Park Service.
In addition to English, exhibit text is inSpanish, the language spoken by Pío Pico.
Page 16 Catalyst
How Exhibits Take the Heat at CuyamacaThe Cedar fire burned through
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park onOctober 28, 2003. A total of 24,414acres of Cuyamaca Rancho State Parkwere scorched.
We lost a lot of exhibits that day.But it did give us the opportunity tosee how three common exhibitmaterials handle a fire.
This is what�s left of one of the standardstatewide panels. It was created with thefiberglass embedment process, and you canclearly see the glass fibers in the ash.
This glob is what�s left of a new HPL or HighPressure Laminate panel. HPL panels arevery similar to formica.
The plexiglass cover did not hold up, but the actual panel did! This is a porcelain enamel panelthat we may be able to clean and reuse. Made with glass fused to steel at high temperature,they are the most durable type of panel in a fire.
Dozens of panels were lost, but we are trying to see this as an interpretive opportunity!
Page 17Catalyst
Introducing A New Resource For Natural History Interpreters:
Science, Poetry, And Parksby John Werminski,
Regional Interpretive SpecialistInterpretation and Ed. Division
Sharing the natural world withpark visitors can be a highly rewardingexperience. However, understandingnature well enough to discuss itsfeatures, ways, and meanings can be adaunting task. To convert that taskinto an adventure is the purpose of anew book titled Science, Poetry, andParks.
I began working on this projectyears ago, when the Mott TrainingCenter requested that I develop a listof references for the Cadet class Iteach on �Interpreting the CaliforniaLandscape.� One thing led to another,and the list eventually became a book.
Science, Poetry, and Parks is aspecialized bibliography�a survey ofthe literature that describes, explains,and celebrates California�s rich naturalheritage. Included in it are citationsfor more than 700 selected works,each accompanied by a paragraph ortwo suggesting why that source ispotentially valuable or interesting tointerpreters. For convenience, I�vegrouped the entries by subject (thereare more than thirty categoriesaltogether) so that anyone who wantsto learn about plant identification, say,or the Sierra Nevada can turn directlyto those sections for titles to consult.
Many of the listed sourcesinvolve one branch of natural scienceor another, often relating specifically
to California. Some of thelistings exemplify what JohnSteinbeck called �poetry inscientific writing� withtheir eloquent, insightfulprose (and a few areeven poetic in termsof rhyme). Othercited works dealwith parks or park-related matterssuch as re-source man-agement andinterpreta-tion. Thusthe book�stitle isaccounted for.
Because interpreters are aneclectic lot, the sources in thisbibliography are an unusual mix. You�llfind standard references and popularfield guides among the listings, as youmight expect; but they�re joined bytextbooks, novels, literary antholo-gies, journals, atlases, newspaperarticles, and magazines. The majorityof sources I�ve recommended arereadily available, but some of themost fascinating ones are long out ofprint, and a search for them may leadyou on a treasure hunt through thecorridors of a college library or intorare book stores.
Even if you don�t have much timefor research or reading, you stillshould find Science, Poetry, andParks to be a useful reference bysimply browsing its pages. Its annota-
tions are filled with thought-provokingideas, interesting natural history facts,and insightful interpretive quotes on amultitude of topics. But if you arewilling to invest some time, thistreasury of sources can open excitingnew vistas of the Californialandscape�and help you chart acourse for your long-range develop-ment as an interpreter.
Copies of the bibliography arebeing distributed to the field, and theyshould be appearing soon in parkunits and district offices around thestate. If you are an interpreter ofnatural history and would like yourown copy, contact John Werminski [email protected] or (916) 653-8959.
Editor�s Note: At Diablo Vista(Silverado) Superintendent DaveNelson�s retirement, his three daugh-ters read segments of this in turn. Itwas very moving how these womenreflected on what it meant to them togrow up in State Parks� and theinfluence of these special places onchildren.
If we were to reflect on ourfather, you would hear anecdotesinvolving coaching, fishing, cooking,and general philosophies on life, suchas how EVERYTHING boils down tofree throws and rebounds. However,these attributes of our father continueon past this evening. So, we�d like toshare with you what growing up inState Parks and our dad�s experienceas a ranger has meant to us. You see,we are brats. Park brats.
A park brat is someone who, likea military brat, has become a gypsyfor the system. At least one of us hasbecome a part of the park family inthe following parks: Point Reyes, HalfMoon Bay, San Luis Reservoir,Silverwood Lake, Humboldt Red-woods, Plumas Eureka, BrannanIsland, Old Shasta, and Sonoma. Inmany ways, being a park brat hasmeant being California -- it is difficultto separate the boundaries of our skinfrom the soil, trees, and skylines thathave made up our childhood.
This has been our story.
We have crawled with deserttortoise between the blood purplejuice of prickly pears. We have builtimaginary worlds with rock outlinesand buried time capsules to preserveperiods of life. We have seen thesnow fall in silent moments onto tocacti of the high desert. All of thismelts into a second�the oxymoronof that which we associate with the
extremes of the desert and theextremes of our experiences inCalifornia State Parks.
Our world suddenly expanded inscale as we moved from the Mojaveto the Redwoods and stood at thebase of the Giants in our backyard.Humboldt Redwoods State Park madeus believe that we were woodnymphs, running barefoot through thesorrel, hiding in goosepens andstaining our hands with the juice ofblackberries and huckleberries. Weswam with lamprey in the Eel Riverand our young minds were jarred withthe concept of clear cutting as wewatched favorite hillsides literallydisappear. Abalone feeds, salmon runs,and fresh baked bread from the SamoaCookhouse grace our memories, likethe crazy dreams that dreamweed couldbring us � a trick learned from a JuniorRanger program.
We have breathed deep the air ofthe Sierras from childhood forts builtbetween Ponderosa pines and Dou-glas-fir. Our playmates have beeninnumerable creatures, as well asother park brats or small town kidsthat, believed that they were wildanimals too. We�ve felt the ecstasy oflife from a boulder extending overGrass Lake, as the breeze played with
our hair and damsel files dancedacross the surface. With paintedfaces and bows and arrows in hand,we imagined we were natives of theland and danced in sheer joy beneaththe bridge. We journeyed to the frogpond to learn about the life cycle oftadpoles and found out the hard waythat a dry creek cannot support frogs,no matter how many tears you shed.
Johnsville taught us the impor-tance of dreams, as we peeled awaythe dreams of those who lived beforeus, like we peeled the layers ofwallpaper covering walls of the oldminer�s house that used to stand nextto ours. We learned that these dreamtimes in our lives are little pieces ofheaven that drift like seeds from adandelion blown in the breeze and canfade just as quickly.
Old Shasta gave me a great understanding of what myfather really did. He was a part of California, a certainpart that our family cherished.
Page 19Catalyst
Our family is from the SanJoaquin Valley, and we spent a handfulof years there, later to return to theSacramento River delta. This areagave us the opportunity to learn aboutranches and reservoirs, rivers andwind, cantaloupe and walnuts, pome-granates and oranges, peaches andapricots�which we dried on cheese-cloth on our rooftop. Our cheeksbecame sunkissed and our gardensbloomed. We listened to the hoot ofowls and watched as lizards didpush-ups on our fence.
Old Shasta gave me a greatunderstanding of what my father reallydid. He was a part of California, acertain part that our family cherished.In Shasta, I interacted with visitors bydressing up as a miner�s wife andtelling stories to school groupspassing by the cemetery. Livinghistory was an important part of OldShasta, as it was with Plumas Eurekawhere my sisters also took on storiesand became the history. Historicalsites in our backyard became normalin our lives. I always thought every-body had a barn behind their houseand an 1849 main street up the block,but it was typical for me!
Sonoma has given us the uniqueexperience in that all of us have beentied to its parks at one time oranother. In each case, we�ve been
welcomed with open arms. And,AHHH!! Our lone glimpse at civiliza-tion! Bakeries, walking to the mov-ies, and simply living �in town� hasmade us appreciate the benefits ofliving a �city� life. It is funny that theplaces that started my sister�s careersin parks are the same parks that closemy father�s career.
Perhaps what we have learnedmost is about the relationshipsbetween land and people, history andfiction, the line drawn between storyand teller. This is our story. We have
been accused at one time or anotherof having a Chamber of Commerceoutlook or a State Parks brainwash-ing, but parks tell a story that webelieve is important enough to stilltell. These are our backyards. Thesystem of rivers, streams, highways,and roads that connect us exteriorlyperhaps somehow attach us allinteriorly, as well.
This is the gift that State Parksand its family have given us. This isthe gift our father has shared with us,and our mother has taught us to bepatient enough to hear. We thank youfor pushing the soil so deeply underour nails and the sand between ourtoes that we�ll never be able to get itout. Parks is our home, and we areits brats.
Perhaps what we have learned most is about the rela-tionships between land and people, history and fic-tion, the line drawn between story and teller.
Three �Park Brats� (Dave and Elizabeth Nelson�s daughters) share with you what growing up inState Parks and their dad�s experience as a ranger has meant to them.
Page 20 Catalyst
The Road Less Traveled
Earth, Wind, and Fireby J. Mendez-Guide 1
Earth � warm beneath your feeton a spring day � cool and delightfullysquishy between your toes after asummer shower � barren, hard, andunyielding after a winter storm. It�s ascenic mountain trail in the SierraNevada, a winding dirt road in theAppalachians, a sandy wash in theColorado Desert. It nurtures andprovides sustenance for all livingthings.
Wind � cool breezes on a hotsummer day � the warm breath of theChinook in midwinter � leavesblowing and rustling in the fall. It�s aclipper ship in full sail on the Atlanticcoast, a windmill spinning on aNebraska farm, hawks soaring highabove a mountain meadow. Itsgreatest power is in its absence.
Fire � soft glowing candlelight �a crackling campfire � a log�s dyingembers in a cabin�s hearth. It warmsour hands and our houses, cooks ourfood, and adds romance to our souls.It is our servant yet not its master.
And water � is it not important?What other element enables the earthto sustain us, gives purpose to thewindmill, and has more power thanfire? Water � a babbling brook � acool drink in an old tin cup � thedelight of a spring rain. It is theessence of life.
Then the earth moved, the windhowled, the fire roared, and thewater pushed aside everything in itspath. Beauty and romance were
replaced by death and destruction.Mother Nature was anything but nice,and it quickly became evident that itwas only mankind that was beingfooled. The electricity was out, thewarning horn never sounded, and noteven the cell phones worked. Back tothe future took on a whole newmeaning!
It wasn�t long before the waterdried up, the fire was put out, thewind was still, and the earth was onlymildly trembling. It also wasn�t longbefore all the if onlys came out toplay. If only we had bought thathelicopter. If only we had done morecontrolled burns. If only we had cutdown those dead trees. If only wehad reinforced those historic build-ings. If only �
Yes, after the winter rains thedenuded hillsides will be covered withbeautiful wildflowers. Tender grasseswill sprout and the deer will comeback. Mother Nature will bandage herwounds and heal herself as she alwayshas. Mankind will have learned hislesson, be more careful, and planmore thoughtfully for the future. Hewill be better prepared and more selfreliant because he will finally realizethat he is not omnipotent, cannotmanage everything, and that his
technology is not always what it iscracked up to be. And pigs will fly!
What if your land was cleared,firescaped, and equipped with asprinkler system? What if the sur-rounding area had been burned in awildfire just a year before? What ifyour house had a tile roof and a wideturnaround in the driveway? What ifyour house burned anyway and yourneighbor lost her life fleeing from afire that an arsonist or a carelesshunter started? What if it was yourrelative who was crushed in therubble of an unreinforced historicbuilding? What if �? The challenge?Interpreting that.
Afterword: Your author was notonly a refugee from the Paradise andCedar fires of 2003 but also at thetop of the tower of Hearst Castle witha tour group when the 6.5 earthquakestruck. It is my humble request that allwho are called upon to interpret theevents and the aftermath of thesenatural disasters please remember thesurvivors and make every attempt tonot revictimize or further traumatizethem by inadvertently blaming themfor their misfortune. Earth, wind,fire, and water are not always thingsthat mankind can control.
Page 21Catalyst
California�s Tapestry A Section of The Catalyst Office of Community Involvement Issue #19 - Winter 04
Submit articles and comments to: Michelle Edwards in the Human RightsOffice [email protected] (916) 653-8148 or Fax (916)653-5645
By Jack ShuTapestry: a �fabric� made up of
many different color yarns � eachyellow, black, white, brown, red,green, and purple strand distinctiveand with new shades and colorsweaving into the fabric every day. Thematerial is flexible and strong as wellas beautiful. It is rich with the warmthcaused by each strand flowing side byside, up and over, in and around eachother. That is the �California Tapestry�I dream of.
The North American Associationfor Environmental Education (NAAEE)and its leadership are working onsuch a �fabric.� In 2002, the NAAEEBoard adopted a position statementon diversity and accepted a set ofrecommended actions for bothdiversifying their organization andhelping to diversify the field ofenvironmental education. It startswith the following:
�The position statement recog-nizes the integral connections be-tween environmental concerns andwider questions of social needs,welfare and economic opportunity. Italso acknowledges the need forgreater emphasis on equity andcelebration of diversity within NAAEEand in the field of environmentaleducation.�
NAAEE committed itself to eightactions. In brief they are as follows:1) Make the Diversity Committee astanding committee which will reviewthe work plans and budgets; 2)Biannually reevaluate and modifymission statement and documents;3) Regularly appoint people of colorto the board of directors; 4) Establisha fund raising strategy to supportefforts to increase diversity;5) Examine all aspects of memberservices to ensure that everything isbeing done to become more inten-tionally inclusive; 6) Annually setaside an extra day during one boardmeeting where the board can partici-pate in cultural sensitivity trainingwhich focuses on knowledge, skillsand awareness as it relates to theboard and the organization; 7) Surveystate, provincial and regional EEassociations to learn about their workin this area and then work with themto adopt policy statements to supportdiversity and multiculturalism in thoseorganizations; 8) At the board andexecutive level, develop collaborativeand mutually beneficial relationshipswith other organizations such as theNational Association for MulticulturalEducation. For a more completecopy of the policy go to: http://naaee.org/projects/diversitypol02.php
NAAEE has by no means suc-ceeded in reaching some type ofcomfort zone when it adopted thispolicy. It still has a lot of work to do.If anything, the organization, afterover a decade of trying many diver-sity-related efforts, now has a morerealistic picture of what must be done.This is not an easy task and comparedto many other natural resource basedorganizations, NAAEE has made agiant step forward.
As a member of NAAEE, I knowthat it was not just the organization�sleadership that led them to continu-ously make diversity a major issue.Nor was it just a pragmatic look at thefuture and how the organization aswell as the field of environmentaleducation needed to change. To agreat extent, it was the individualprofessionalism of is members. Theyknow it is right to question whethersomething is fair, Is it inclusive? Issome information missing or why is awhole group of people not present?Then they ask, �How do we need tochange?� That is what �CaliforniaTapestry� has been trying to help parkprofessionals with for nearly tenyears, to help make that �fabric� real.
To make contributions or com-ments to �California�s Tapestry� in thefuture, contact Michelle Edwards inthe Human Rights Office.
Catalyst Winter 2004 Contents
From the Editor Page 3Interpreters' Resources Page 4Dear Master Interpreter Page 5Can Interpretation be a Profession? Page 6CCC at the NIW Page 8National Interpreters Workshop Highlights Page 10Giant Salmon Planned for Nimbus Hatchery Page 12New Exhibits at Cal Citrus SHP Page 13New Exhibits for California�s Oldest State Park Page 14How Exhibits Take the Heat at Cuyamaca Page 16Science, Poetry, And Parks Page 17Dad�s Retirement Speech Page 18The Road Less Traveled Page 20California�s Tapestry Page 21
Interpretation & EducationRoom 1431P.O. Box 942896Sacramento, CA 94296-0001®
