Environmental educators, naturalists and park interpreters from across the country gathered in St. Paul, Minnesota, November 8-12 for the National Association of Interpretation Workshop.
Greg Wolf with Davenport Parks and Recreation was one of 56 members of the Iowa Association of Naturalists who received scholarships to attend the workshop in St. Paul.
Presenters and attendees shared new ideas, talents, and examples of actions to enhance existing programs and develop new methods to engage families, schools, and other groups in natural resource education and recreation.
Concurrent session topics ranged from how to utilize "apps" to promote recreation opportunities by iPhone users to nature-based activities for pre-schoolers. "I was able to attend a number of sessions during the workshop," noted Mr Wolf. "Thanks to a REAP Conservation Education Program/Iowa Association of Naturalists Scholarship, I was able to benefit from experiences and ideas of the presenters and other workshop attendees from across the U.S. and Canada.
These sessions will help me improve the outdoor education and recreation opportunities we provide for area residents and visitors."
Iowa's Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) provides funding to public and private partners for natural and cultural resource projects, including water quality, wildlife habitat, soil conservation, parks, trails, historic preservation, and more. The Iowa Association of Naturalists promotes education about natural and cultural environments.
For more information about the environmental education opportunities in Davenport, contact Greg Wolf at 563-326-PARKS. For more information about the REAP program, contact Tammie Krausman, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wallace State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319 (Tammie.Krausman@dnr.iowa.gov ).
