2009 - USDA Forest Service

Marcgravia sintenisii
January 2009 Interpretive and Conservation Education Master Plan
to creatively implement two of the review group’s suggestions in the second
category in the four years that have elapsed since this review.
• “El Portal Rain Forest Center should be used for special activities
such as lectures, workshops, guided use of interactive exhibits,
meetings, and Island crafts shows/displays.” (implementation of most
items by EOCY 2006);
• “Develop, advertise and present live tropical forest fauna exhibits at
El Portal.” (successfully implemented as a regular summer feature
beginning in 2005);
In March, 2008, comments were solicited from the members of the original
VIS review team on the currency and validity of their 2003 findings, given
the realities of evolving agency policy and focus since they last met. For the
most part, the group was in consensus that current events and adjustments
in policies and focus have only served to strengthen their original
commentary.
Conservation Education Programs
Conservation education is a related, yet distinct program from interpretive
services. Its educational goals often overlap interpretive services; however,
conservation education delivers the messages to different audiences, using
different methods. In general, conservation education efforts are geared to
a captive audience in more structured, formal settings. They are often agespecific
and provide a structured series of experiences. Examples of
conservation education activities include classroom presentations, teacher
training and curriculum and media development. Some of the most used
national and local conservation education programs include:
Smokey Bear – For over 60 years Smokey Bear has delivered an effective
wildfire prevention message. He is one of the most memorable public
service advertising symbols in U.S. history. His message is extremely
timely today and forms the basis for numerous educational efforts.
www.smokeybear.com
Woodsy Owl – Woodsy has been America’s environmental champion
since1970, and is most recognized for his wise request, “Give a Hoot. Don’t
Pollute.” Today, Woodsy has a new motto, “Lend a Hand – Care for the
Land!” This Forest Service symbol befriends another generation of children
and motivates them to form healthy, lasting relationships with nature. The
Woodsy Owl program is geared toward the 3-8 year old age group.
www.fs.fed.us/spf/woodsy
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