Sharing a World of Resources NPS Liaison to NASA Briefing Paper NPS/NASA Memorandum of Understanding, April 23, 1997 Paraphrase of MOU text:  The NPS and NASA GSFC share a mutual interest in the advancement of public literacy in science and mathematics through technology. These agencies will work together to provide appropriate educational materials to educational institutions and the American public. The NPS and GSFC will explore innovative ways to share staff and expertise through voluntary services and or interagency personnel agreements. Background:  Ten years ago the NPS' "Interpretive Challenge" addressed the need to explore opportunities for joint NPS/NASA research and projects. Two years ago the staff at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) contacted the NPS because they recognized the need to share their resources and gain a broader audience. On April 23, 1997, GSFC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NPS that acknowledges the mutual interest of both agencies in promoting math and science literacy through technology. Before the MOU was signed, the NPS and NASA were already working together. Denver Service Center staff use NASA remote sensing technology to uncover archaeological resources. NPS researchers and New Bedford Whaling NHS staff are using NASA technology to locate whaling ships sunk off of the Alaskan coast. NASA scientists created computer models of glaciers within Glacier NP and Glacier Bay NP. NASA satellite imagery allows school children, park staff, and GSFC scientists to study changes within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These projects and the resulting research; however, are not well known within either agency. The idea of having an NPS Liaison to NASA/GSFC then came to fruition. By having a person working within the two agencies, collaborative efforts, such as the aforementioned projects, could become the norm rather than an exciting discovery. The liaison will develop communications links between the NPS and GSFC to improve visitor services offered by both agencies. Current Status:  Toni Dufficy is currently serving as the National Park Service liaison to NASA and GSFC. She is duty stationed at GSFC working within the Office of Public Affairs. In her new position, serving a one year detail from May, 1998 through May, 1999, Dufficy is the primary contact between the NPS and GSFC coordinating resources between the two agencies. She acts as a consultant to GSFC visitor center and education staff and provides interpretation training which will improve their interpretive skills and abilities. Dufficy provides benefits to the parks' visitor services and resource management programs by establishing links through the World Wide Web, access to field experts, access to a tremendous library of images, and tie the outreach/education centers of the agencies. NPS staff (from many divisions, not just interpretation!) are already utilizing some of the resources that Dufficy has uncovered including: satellite generated images and movies of Hurricanes Bonnie and Danielle; soil science data; and Hubble Space Telescope images. This information has been used to improve interpretive programs and exhibits. Internal NPS bulletin boards, newsgroups, and word of mouth have been the primary methods used to disseminate the information. GSFC staff are benefiting by discovering accessible and compatible research locations as well as interpretive training opportunities. During the next few months, Toni Dufficy will be actively generating awareness about the NPS/NASA partnership. She will be staffing a temporary exhibit at NASA, GSFC, NPS and interpretation functions. More information will be posted on the NPS InTouch bulletin board and before the end of the calendar year, a World Wide Web site will be on-line. Awareness then will lead to more specifically focused projects which may include: integrated training opportunities; colloquia featuring joint NPS/NASA research and education projects; integrated education and outreach materials. Goals of the Detail: · develop a communication bridge that delivers NASA resources to the NPS and vice versa including: images/visualizations; World Wide Web links; access to experts; planetary resources; links to educator resource centers. "Institutionalize" communication methods. · consult on interpretive training for GSFC visitor center staff, volunteers, tour guides, Speaker's bureau, education staff, and other interested groups. · coordinate development of education and public information materials; suggest and develop means to distribute the materials within NASA, NPS, and related agencies/interested parties. · develop and implement pilot program with at least one NPS site that exemplifies strength in partnerships. · develop a World Wide Web site describing the partnership and highlighting useful resources of the NPS and NASA. Contact:  Toni Dufficy, NPS Liaison to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Office of Public Affairs, Code 130, Bldg 8 Rm N150, Greenbelt, MD 20771 Phone: (301) 286-0535; Fax: (301) 286-1770 E-mail: by name through cc:mail or Toni_Dufficy@nps.gov Last update: December 17, 1998 http://www.nps.gov/interp/nasa/briefing.html Editor: Toni_Dufficy NPS Liaison to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center