Interpretation and Education Program, Alaska State Parks

	Parks Boating Safety Hist./Archaeology Grants Design Trails Volunteers Index


State of Alaska > Natural Resources > Parks and Outdoor Recreation
	Interpretation and Education Program Alaska Department of Natural Resources- Office of Design & Construction

Overview of Interpretation and Education The Interpretation and Education Program’s overall goal is to develop interpretive projects that will enhance a visitor’s experience by provoking thought to help them to better understand what makes that site special and to develop stewardship of that site. These sites include recreation areas, culturally significant landmarks, shelters, viewing areas, trails, rest areas and kiosks. The developed projects cover five main topics: safety, cultural, natural history, stewardship, and orientation/informationTrained staff includes interpretive planners, mapping and imagery specialists, graphic designers, and research and interpretive writing specialists.
Safety Projects Panels are developed to warn visitors about safety hazards, including avalanches, boating safety, bear awareness, and hypothermia.		Installed at Harding Lake State Park

Installed at Totem Bight
State Historical Park

Cultural Projects
The state of Alaska has many culturally and historically significant sites within its borders. Interpretive panels help visitors explore the history of sites such as the Independence Mine State Historical Park, the Carle Wagon Road, and the Totem Bight State Historical Park

Installed at Haines Council
Grounds and Bird Point

Natural History Projects
The natural histories of the plants, animals and habitats in Alaska have been explored at many sites on a multitude of interpretive panels. Topics have ranged from glaciers to devil’s club to mountain goats.

Stewardship Projects
The idea of stewardship of the land and resources is important since there is a great deal of multi-use land available to the public. Visitors can learn about proper trail etiquette, how to restore eroded stream banks, and what they can do to help wildlife.

Installed at Campbell Creek
for the Salmon in the City project

Installed at Thunder Bird Falls in Chugach State Park		Orientation/Information Projects Information differs from interpretation in presentation style-information is a dispersal of facts while interpretation reveals a story or larger message. Orientation is a crucial information service that leads visitors to a site easily and safely.
Master Interpretive Plans A Master Interpretive Plan establishes planning guidelines and long-range vision for maintaining and developing interpretive sites and services at a specific site. The interpretation is creative, enjoyable, and educational, benefiting the visitor by identifying opportunities to connect their interests with the cultural and natural history resources of the area. Potter Marsh Master Interpretive Plan Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway Interpretive Plan

ASP Links


Last updated on Tuesday, 01-Dec-2009 13:25:14 AKST.
Site optimized for Netscape 7, IE 6 or above. Not sure who to contact? Have a question about DNR? Visit the Public Information Center. Report technical problems with this page to the Webmaster
	State of Alaska Natural Resources Parks Home Parks Index Copyright Privacy System Status

Interpretation and Education Program Alaska Department of Natural Resources- Office of Design & Construction

Interpretation and Education Program
Alaska Department of Natural Resources- Office of Design & Construction