Nature and heritage interpretation: yesterday, today, and tomorrow

With Parker McMullen Bushman of the National Association of Interpretation and Ecoinclusive

How has the field of interpretation changed in recent decades? What opportunities do digital tools open up for interpreters? Where can we look for guidance in telling uncomfortable stories and reconciling with difficult truths? NAI Board President Parker McMullen Bushman covers all of these questions and reminds us why nature and heritage interpreters can have such a major influence on individuals and the public at large.

Guest:

Parker McMullen Bushman is the Chief Operating Officer of Inclusive Guide and founder of Ecoinclusive Strategies. She is also the Board President for the National Association for interpretation. Listed by Outside Magazine in 2022 as one of the 20 Most Influential People in the Outdoor Industry, Parker is a dynamic speaker and facilitator who engages audiences in new thinking around what it means to be a diversity change-agent and create dynamic organizational change. Parker’s background in the non-profit leadership, conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation fields spans over 24+ years. Parker has a passion for equity and inclusion in outdoor spaces. Her interest in justice, accessibility, and equity issues developed from her personal experiences facing the unequal representation of people of color in environmental organizations and green spaces. Parker tackles these complex issues by addressing them through head-on activism and education. 

Websites and Projects

Inclusive Guide: https://www.inclusiveguide.com/

Personal: https://cparkermcmullenbushman.com/

Ecoinclusive: https://www.ecoinclusive.org/

Summit for Action: https://www.summitforaction.org/

Kweenwerk: https://www.kweenwerk.com

Mentioned in episode:

• NAI’s Legacy magazine: https://nai-us.org/nai/_resources/publications/Legacy_Magazine.aspx
• Story about “Stone Lagoon” on Yurok Tribe lands: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30898#:~:text=On%20April%207th%2C%202022%2C%20the,within%20the%20State%20Park%20system

Resources for nature and heritage interpretation:

• The National Park Classroom: A Guide to Designing Project-Based Learning Adventures
• The Big Book of Nature Activities — A Year-Round Guide to Outdoor Learning
• Heartbeat of the Earth: Connecting Children to Nature through Indigenous Teachings
• Animal Track Pack: Coyote, Deer, Squirrel, Hare, Owl, Crow (replicas)
• Enhanced Educator Outdoor Learning Kit
• Various nature guides
• … and many more

*Episode edited by M. Angel Goñi Avila

*Episode originally recorded in Summer 2023