Outcomes of Interpretation in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥'s Provincial Parks

Overview

A presentation on a stage in the woods with 2 actors dressed up in costumes.

Glen Hvenegaard, environmental science professor, and Elizabeth Halpenny, professor of kinesiology, sport and recreation at the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ are conducting a five-year study on Interpretation in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥'s Provincial Parks.

Interpretation is an important tool used by ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Parks to fulfill its mandate to "inspire people to discover, value, protect, and enjoy the natural world." The aim of this research project is to determine the short and long-term outcomes of interpretive programs, the factors influencing those outcomes, and the consistency of outcomes with staff perceptions of provincial goals, management plans, policies, and strategies.

Objectives of the study

  • To compare the goals of interpretation among policy documents, planners, managers, and front-line staff
  • To document the short and long-term outcomes as identified by practitioners and visitors
  • To investigate the factors influencing desired interpretive outcomes
  • To examine the consistency among interpretive goals and outcomes
  • To disseminate results to academic, government, practitioner, and public audiences

Partners and Funding

  • We are grateful to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for funding our research
  • We also greatly value the partnership and support we have received from ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Parks