First Day at National Association for Interpretation Conference!

Greetings from Minneapolis!


I'm here in Minneapolis because back last spring I took a shot and applied for National Association for Interpretation's undergrad scholarship and won! Now I'm hanging out at NAI's national conference in Minnesota, meeting amazing people and learning some great stuff. But, without their generosity there's no way I'd be able to make it out here for this interpreter's paradise. So thank you NAI!


But what is interpretation, you ask. Is everyone here speaking in sign language or carrying around translating devices? Nope! 


Some interpreters like to say we speak the language of nature. Cheesy perhaps, but we're a cheesy bunch, and it gives you the idea! Interpreters take the time to fully understand natural and cultural resources then dedicate themselves to helping the public connect with these resources both intellectually and emotionally. 


And that, my friends, is the career for me. Before I could ride a bike, I would stand in front of the penguin exhibit at our local aquarium and talk to people about penguins. I love to talk. I love to write and make art. And I have a passion for preserving our resources. Interpretation allows me to do all that. 


I figured that out when I interned for Rocky Mountain National Park...

Giving my Moraine Park Nature Walk at Rocky Mountain National Park.

And my dream came true when I put on the Park Service hat last summer at Glacier National Park. 

Me on my last day in uniform this summer! That's Lake McDonald at sunrise.

So I'm thrilled to be here at the NAI conference with hundreds of other National Park Service interpreters as well as people from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and a whole host of other great associations. 


One of my favorite programs that I attended today was about the Junior Duck Stamp Program. 


First, I got one of the coolest flash drives I've seen in a while. Aside from the fact that it was shaped like iconic US Fish and Wildlife bird, it comes with a whole curriculum for the Junior Duck Stamp Program.


What is that, you ask. No worries! I hadn't heard of it until today as well. The duck stamp started in 1934 as the license required for hunting migratory water fowl. Almost all the proceeds from the stamps sale (they'll run you $15 these days) goes to leasing or buying wetlands to increase protected habitat.


In a clever twist, the Junior Duck Stamp is a $5 stamp, the proceeds of which go to educating and connecting kids with nature. So it's not a license, like the original duck stamp, just a neat thing to have. And the stunning illustration? It's done by kids!


The art work on these is stunning. Landing your illustration on the Federal Duck Stamp is a big deal.


Students from kindergarten to 12th grade can submit their illustrations for chance at $5,000 and the chance to see their artwork nationwide. 


But the director of the Junior Duck Stamp have taken the program to new heights with an AWESOME curriculum about wetlands and waterfowl that teachers can use to bring nature into the classroom while also meeting national education standards. 


Too bad I'm too old to enter...




So what do you think? Had any of you heard about interpretation before? Got any assignments for me while I'm away in Minneapolis?


Stay green!