This text explains cultural and natural environments and how to process information for the public in museums, parks, forests, and many other private and public interpretive agencies worldwide. Based in research and theory, this book defines, affirms, and unifies this diverse field for both professionals and students by presenting the challenges and possibilities of the field including the presentation of interpretation to diverse audiences; effective programming strategies; state-of-the-art management and marketing techniques; training and using volunteers; and the trends facing interpretation today and in the future.

This book is uplifting and inspiring as it enhances the reader's understanding of how to compellingly interpret our cultural and natural legacy. The 15 guiding principles set forth in this book will assist anyone who works in parks, forests, wildlife refuges, zoos, museums, historic areas, nature centres, and tourism sites to more effectively, and joyously, conduct their work. This book, updated and in its second edition, has been used internationally and has been translated into Chinese. It serves as inspirational reading for students in environmental education, forestry, conservation, history, communications, outdoor recreation, and park management.

Environmental Interpretation is the first truly applied treatment of environmental communication written specifically for people with big ideas and small budgets. Drawing on 20 years experience and the successes of his colleagues worldwide, Sam Ham presents an unusually diverse collection of low-cost communication techniques that really work. More than 200 illustrations, photos, and technical insets provide simple instructions for designing and implementing effective education programs in forests, parks, protected areas, zoos, botanical gardens, extension and community programs, and in all kinds of agriculture and natural resource management programs. Aside from its step-by-step, "how-to" approach, what sets this volume apart is its solid theoretical foundation. Readers learn not only how to communicate their ideas more forcefully but why the methods work. Some 20 case studies, carefully selected from throughout the Western Hemisphere, stimulate the imagination and show how others have successfully applied what this book is about. Written for beginners and experts alike, the book represents a valuable resource for anyone faced with the need to communicate about the environment yet constrained by lack of money and experience.

At the interface between culture and tourism lies a series of deep and challenging issues relating to how we deal with issues of political engagement, social justice, economic change, belonging, identity and meaning. This book introduces researchers, students and practitioners to a range of interesting and complex debates regarding the political and social implications of cultural tourism in a changing world. Concise and thematic theoretical sections provide the framework for a range of case studies, which contextualise and exemplify the issues raised. The book focuses on both traditional and popular culture, and explores some of the tensions between cultural preservation and social transformation. The book is divided into thematic sections - Politics and Policy; Community Participation and Empowerment; Authenticity and Commodification; and Interpretation and Representation - and will be of interest to all who wish to understand how cultural tourism continues to evolve as a focal point for understanding a changing world.

Presents both traditional and current concepts in the interpretive profession.

From the Foreword by Eric Blehm. May the authors words inspire readers on their own journeys to better understand the nuances of this fascinating profession and to conduct their work as a labor of love; not a job, but rather a calling and a joy. This solid interpretation of our natural and cultural heritage is essential to move us in ways that compel us to change the world. Eric Blehm is the bestselling author of Fearless, The Only Thing Worth Dying For, and Legend. Hundreds of millions of people seek out opportunities for enjoyment, learning, and inspiration through visits to our national parks, historic sites, museums, zoos, aquariums, and other tourism destinations. And yet very few are aware of the behind-the-scenes efforts of interpretation to provide deeper understanding and enriched experience of these places. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage is written for those who work at various interpretive sites and wish to know more about all of the fascinating nuances of this field. It exposes readers to the art and science of interpretation and how its proper use can indeed change the world. Larry Beck, Ph.D., Ted T Cable, Ph.D., and Douglas M Knudson, Ph.D. have more than 125 years of combined experience in the broad field of interpretation.