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Interpretive Programs for Natural Resource Interpretation at Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, California

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Interpretive Programs for Natural Resource Interpretation at Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, California Shannon Brianne Glendenning Natural Resources Management Department California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 0 Interpretive Programs for Natural Resource Interpretation at Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, California A Senior Project Presented to The Faculty of the Natural Resources Management Department California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Environmental Management and Protection Degree Bachelor of Science By Shannon Brianne Glendenning March 2010 i ii Preface This guide for Natural Resource Interpretation at Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park, California, was designed to aid Interpretive Rangers in the development of Interpretive Programs in the Glacier Point Region as well as Yosemite National Park. The guide is designed to provide examples of the programs that have been developed and implemented in the Glacier Point Region of Yosemite and ways they have been implemented. The types of programs that are included are: formal, semi-formal, ranger led hikes/walks, activity based programs and informal visitor contacts. Each program is explained briefly, materials required, if necessary are listed, and then an outlines of each program developed under each program type is provided. The programs have an overlying theme and take home point. The talking points and stops within the programs are designed to support that idea. Below is a sample outline that is used for all types of interpretive programs. Sample Outline for Program • Introduction o Self introduction o Location and description of surroundings o What the program entails o Introduction to overlying theme and topics • Talking point 1/ stop 1 on hike o Detailed information • Talking point 2/ stop 2 on hike o Detailed information • ……….. o Detailed information • Talking point X/ stop X on hike o Detailed information • Conclusion o Recap of points covered o Comments on how the points lead to the overlying theme/topic o Thank for attending/listening. iii Executive Summary This document was developed as a guide for Natural Resource Interpretation in the Glacier Point Region of Yosemite National Park, California. It is aimed to aid Interpretive Park Rangers new to the region or park with an education on programs are typically conducted, how they can be presented, as well as a starting point for the development of programs. This guide presents programs developed over three summers while researching and implementing the programs as an Interpretive Park Ranger at Glacier Point. The programs are categorized by presentation type. The categories include: • Formal Interpretive Programs • Semi-formal Interpretive Programs • Ranger Led Hikes/Walks • Activity Based Interpretive Programs • Informal Visitor Contacts The programs that have been developed all occur in the Glacier Point area. Many can be adapted to fit other regions of the park, such as sunset talks, night prowls and campfire programs. The programs can be adapted to fit the ranger’s personality and preferred presentation style. The program outlines can be used as starting off points to aid in the development of new programs for the ranger’s repertoire. The approach taken in the development of these programs was that the more a visitor knows about a resource, the more they will understand, and the more they will be able to connect with the resource and want to preserve it and learn about it themselves. My background is from a collegiate setting that is based on lectures and the sharing of information and ideas. The implementation of the programs included in this guide relies on the Ranger’s background knowledge of the subjects as well as the setting of the program including weather conditions, location, what views are available as well as the audience. Through an understanding of the resource, the audience, and goal of the program the presented programs can be used to connect a visitor to the Glacier Point region, Yosemite National Park, the Sierra Nevada mountain range, California, and the natural world. iv Acknowledgements I would like to thank the amazing Glacier Point Ranger Staff for all of the knowledge, time and passion they have shared with me over the past few years. Your great knowledge and kindness is unforgettable! Thanks Ranger Dick, Phaedra, David, George and Charlotte. I would also like to thank my parents for supporting me in the decision to live in the middle of Yosemite in my pursuit to enjoy the world around us. My hope for this document is to help an Interpretive Park Ranger, new to Glacier Point, new to Yosemite establish a set of programs that will educate the masses and connect the visitor to the area I love. Sincerely, Shannon Glendenning v vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface ............................................................................................................................................ iii Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ iv Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................................... v TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................. 1 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION AND APPROACH ................................................................. 3 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 4 APPROACH .................................................................................................................................... 6 SECTION 2: FORMAL INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS ......................................................... 7 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 8 SUNSET TALKS ............................................................................................................................ 8 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 8 Peaks Talk ........................................................................................................................... 8 Natural Forces, Dynamic Change ..................................................................................... 11 Waterfalls .......................................................................................................................... 13 Fire .................................................................................................................................... 15 Protectors of Yosemite ...................................................................................................... 17 FULL MOON TALKS .................................................................................................................. 18 Full Moon Talk ................................................................................................................. 18 SECTION 3: SEMI-FORMAL INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS ........................................... 21 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 22 CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS............................................................................................................. 22 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 22 Bears ................................................................................................................................. 23 ASTRONOMYPROGRAMS ........................................................................................................ 26 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 26 Star Talk in Early Summer ............................................................................................... 26 Star Talk in Late Summer ................................................................................................. 29 SECTION 4: RANGER LED INTERPRETIVE HIKES/WALKS ......................................... 33 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 34 Moon Rise on Sentinel Dome ........................................................................................... 34 Hike to Sentinel Dome ...................................................................................................... 36 Hike to Taft Point ............................................................................................................. 38 Hike to View of El Capitan ............................................................................................... 40 Wildflower Walk to McGurk Meadow ............................................................................. 43 SECTION 5: ACTIVITY BASED INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS ...................................... 45 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 46 Jr. Ranger Program ........................................................................................................... 46 Night Prowl ......................................................................................................................
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