Matilda Bay Reserve - Department of Environment and Conservation

21. INFORMATION, INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATIONINFORMATION, INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION GOALPromote an understanding of the Reserve's history and natural environment, and an awareness andappreciation of its values.The objective is to enhance visitors' appreciation and understanding of the Reserve's natural andcultural values.Any visit to Matilda Bay Reserve would be improved if its features and values were understood. Asdiscussed in Section 14. Cultural Resources and Section 3. Purpose and Tenure, Matilda Bay Reservecontains a variety of cultural resources, and has special values. Visitors value information, and itsprovision is an important aspect of management.The information process has three parts:Information - providing details about facilities, activities and regulations.Interpretation - explaining cultural and natural features.Education - providing detailed materials and programs designed to educate groups at alllevels.At present the Reserve does not have an information and interpretation plan. According to theregional interpretation plan the following themes would form the basis for information andinterpretive activities in the Reserve:• cultural history• the riverine vegetation• appropriate use• promotion of CALM activities.InformationServices provided should include displays, self-guided walks and signs.DisplaysDisplays are an important means of informing visitors of the Reserve's features, facilities andregulations. This could be set up in information centres and shelters in the Reserve.Self-guided activitiesSelf-guided activities are a successful way of helping visitors learn about the Reserve at their owntime and pace. Activities could be based on a vegetation theme and historical themes.44