Philosophy of Interpretive Planning:

We start with the 5-M process of interpretive planning created by the National Association for Interpretation and incorporate the newest concepts in planning for the visitor experience. I have hired and supervised consultants while working at agencies to create over a dozen Interpretive Plans, and also created interpretive plans without the use of consultants. Having been on both sides of the table is helpful in meeting project goals on time and on budget. Each site, whether a Nature Center, Museum, Zoo, Scenic Byway, Arboretum, Wildlife Area, or other type of area needs a plan designed to fit the needs of that location.

Top ten reasons why your organization may benefit from an Interpretive Plan:

• Create a vision for where you are going as an organization.

• Allow others to see a serious planning effort.

• Help the organization be successful in achieving it’s mission.

• Help the organization not waste funding on ineffective ideas.

• Help your Interpretive Center be functional in terms of the visitor experience.

• Help the organization develop goals and objectives for developing the overall program.

• Increase your chances of receiving grants by boosting your credibility as an organization.

• Interpretive planning is an example of best practices for Nature Centers, Parks, Zoos, Scenic Byways, Museums, Arboretums, Wildlife Areas, and other interpretive sites.

• To provide the themes, sub-themes, supporting stories, and other information needed for interpretive programs.

• To provide the objective, themes, subthemes, intended audience, location, and other information needed for exhibit design companies.

Components of an Interpretive Plan:

• Market/audience analysis

• Interpretive goals and measurable objectives

• Physical limitations of the site (parameters) including sensitive natural and cultural resources and implications for interpretation

• Significant natural and cultural/historic features to be interpreted

• Interpretive themes (messages)

• Identifying the desired visitor experiences and then determining the information network necessary to support those experiences

• Wayfinding strategy

• Media prescription (this includes planning for all types of personal and non-personal interpretation, such as staff presentations, tours, and demonstrations, environmental education programs, websites, brochures, exhibits, and other communication methods.)

• Media descriptions including the objective, themes, subthemes, intended audience, and location.

• Staffing plan

• Identify potential partners

• Cost range estimates

• Implementation plan

• Program development and evaluation

• Conceptual rendering for new facilities as appropriate

Typical Interpretive Plan types

(Note: Agencies may vary in the terminology used to describe plans)

Interpretive Assessment (also known as the interpretive chapter in a park master plan)

• Typically developed in three to six months

• Condensed version of an Interpretive Plan

• Can be used for the Interpretive Chapter in a park Master Plan

Conceptual Interpretive Plan (also known as an Interpretation Plan or Interpretation & Education Plan)

Typically developed in six months to one year

Interpretive Prescription (also known as a Comprehensive Interpretive Plan)

• For larger parks and more complex projects

• Can include architectural renderings for new facilities

• Can include sample program outlines

Interpretive Plans completed as project manager:

• Silver Falls State Park

• Thompsons Mills State Heritage Area

• Whale Watching Center at Depoe Bay

• Nehalem Bay State Park

• Jessie Honeyman Memorial State Park

• Tryon Creek State Park

• Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area

• Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site

• Cottonwood Canyon State Park (also served as document writer and photographer)

• Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory

• City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park, Idaho