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Proceedings
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The Field Of Education In The National Parks
The Educational Program And Its Place In National Parks Administration
Administration Of Park Museums
Scientific Aspects Of The Park Protection Program
The Research Program In The National Parks
Use Of Recorded Scientific Data
Libraries In The National Parks
Photography And Visual Education
General Administrative Problems
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Proceedings Of The
First Park Naturalists' Training Conference Held At Educational
Headquarters, Berkeley, California:
November 1-30, 1929 |
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SCIENTIFIC ASPECTS OF THE PARK PROTECTION PROGRAM
PARTICIPATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL DIVISION IN THE GENERAL PLANNING AND PROTECTION PROGRAM OF INDIVIDUAL PARKS TO ASSURE FULL UTILIZATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSETS.
By Geo. L. Collins
I should say that the fullest possible utilization of educational assets contained within any national park could not be obtained until the Educational Division had played the very fundamental part of classifying them according to comparative value, and furthermore, in an orderly manner of sequence. As an illustration let me say that if one were to be possessed of a very wonderful stock of diamonds he would better explain and show those diamonds one after another according to their comparative value and beauty rather than to lay out the whole stock and say "here are some stones, enjoy them as you will."
Our national parks are but aggregations of wonderful jewels that are casually enjoyed easy enough just as one would casually enjoy a few diamonds in his hand. But if a fullest utilization of them is to be realized if they are to mean anything, then fullest beauty to inspire must be brought out by a certain manner of our showing them.
Now our roads and trails and other physical improvements simply contribute to our manner of showing off our national park jewels. And it seems that the Division of Education should naturally have the broadest ideas of all when it comes to the location of such physical helps as roads and trails.
If a road is being considered on the basis that a certain feature needs to be made more accessible, the Department of Education should know just where that road should terminate in order to allow visitors a certain amount of time in walking, to divorce themselves from the atmosphere of the conveyances in order that they may be keenly alert to the feature before them.
The Department of Education should have suggestions to make concerning the psychology of having a certain type of building in one place and perhaps a different type in another.
In short, this division should participate in national park development plans as an authority on what should be seen and in an advisory capacity regarding now best to see it. I stress the point that the Educational Division should keep well ahead of the other divisions in the matter of presenting reports, and plans for the next season's work, that other divisions may be guided in their cooperation.
Discussion: Quite frequently the officers of the Educational Division can suggest new trails that will open to visitors areas which are particularly valuable from the educational standpoint, as well as scenic areas of inspirational value. It was pointed out that the park naturalist should take the initiative and should make suggestions in advance of study by other divisions. His proposed plans should be submitted in writing and will thus be much more effective than if made orally. Caution must be exercised, however, as the park naturalist should consider his function in road or trail location as being primarily advisory in nature. It is very important from the educational standpoint that the park naturalist be on the ground ahead of time because it is exceedingly difficult to change a plan already made even though it may have been drafted without the assistance or advice of a naturalist. When taking part in examinations to determine road or trail locations the park naturalist should go only as far as his ability and experience permits; when confronted with exceptionally important problems, he should suggest bringing in an expert advisor. Such assistance may possibly be obtained from members of the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Educational Problems in the National Parks and arrangements should be made by the park superintendent through the Director or through Educational Headquarters. Occasionally members of the Headquarters staff of the Educational Division can cooperate in problems of this sort.
It is very important that opinions and advice be submitted in written form so that they will be available for future reference.
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