Interpretive Media

Target Audience:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees responsible for planning and developing interpretive signs and wayside exhibits, including project leaders, natural resource managers, environmental educators, interpretive staff, outreach specialists, outdoor recreation planners, and park rangers. Limited to 18 participants.

Summary and Objectives:

This course will enable participants to design visually appealing signs, write dynamic interpretive messages, select appropriate fabrication materials, identify considerations for sign placement, and estimate project costs.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the five principles of sign and wayside exhibit planning.
• Discuss pros and cons of signs and waysides as interpretive tools.
• Write tight, active, sequenced, and captioned messages.
• Estimate the costs of sign design and fabrication.
• Work effectively with contractors and select the best materials within budget.

Competency Addressed:

Communications and Media - Basic, Written Communication - Basic, Creativity and Innovation - Intermediate, Multimedia Technologies - Basic, Problem Solving - Basic