Proceedings

Cover

Contents

The Field Of Education In The National Parks

The Educational Program And Its Place In National Parks Administration

Museums In The National Parks

Planning A Park Museum

Museum Technique

Administration Of Park Museums

Nature Trails

Exhibits In Place

Guiding In The National Parks

Lectures In National Parks

Scientific Aspects Of The Park Protection Program

The Research Program In The National Parks

Use Of Recorded Scientific Data

Research Reserves

Publications

Libraries In The National Parks

Photography And Visual Education

General Administrative Problems

Proceedings Of The First Park Naturalists' Training Conference Held At Educational Headquarters, Berkeley, California: November 1-30, 1929

II - COOPERATING ORGANIZATIONS (popular)

PARK NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER POPULAR COOPERATING ORGANIZATIONS

By Geo. L. Collins and Frank C. Brockman

We cite as an example of cooperation between organizations of this type and the National Park Service the splendid work carried on by the Yosemite Natural History Association. The fine record of this association gives us a basis of actual practice as an example for similar organizations in other parks.

The field of such organizations in respect to the national park lies in unified support of park educational programs where such support can be utilized to the best advantage in working out problems which could otherwise not be handled officially. Besides being a very real assistance to the park naturalist in some of his perplexing problems, the organization can also assimilate information, collect objects of historical and scientific value in relation to the park, and acquaint the public with the park's most interesting scientific and historical features.

The plan of organization will, of course, depend entirely upon local conditions. It is important that the organization be carefully planned so as to fit in with the general administrative set-up and the administrative activities. Some of the points to be considered are:

(1) What kind of an organization is desired?

(2) Should it be entirely unofficial, or should the park naturalist officially participate?

(3) How much of the park naturalist's time would it take and is this justifiable from the Park Service point of view?

(4) What should be the "set-up" of the organization? Its officers? Its machinery? Its legal form? Its property?

(5) How does it tie in with the educational programs? Does it supplement or supplant?

(6) In what case might it conceivably conflict with Government policy? How can this be avoided beforehand?

(7) What should its activities be:
     (a) Within the park?
     (b) Outside the park?

(8) Can the organization function as a possible means of "extension service" outside of the park?

COOPERATION OF PARK NATURALISTS REQUESTED IN PREPARATION OF BOTANICAL REFERENCE BOOKS

Dr. and Mrs. Frederick E. Clements outlined to the members of the conference their ideas relative to the preparation of flower books with color illustrations for the national parks in conformance with the approval of the Director.

Dr. and Mrs. Clements requested the following help from park naturalists:

(1) Judgment on illustrated species to supplement those which appear in their regular books.

(2) Fresh flower material sent in from the national parks for study and illustration.

(3) Information to provide data for text.

(4) Personally conducted trips through parks where possible.

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