Marian Collins is a member of Class 47 and recently completed training to become a Certified Interpretive Guide. Interpreters connect visitors to important natural, cultural, and historical resources at parks, nature centers, historical sites, aquariums, zoos, and anywhere that people come to learn about places.
Classes are offered virtually and in-person through the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). Marian serves as a volunteer and Interpretive Guide at Government Canyon State Natural Area and Friedrich Wilderness Park where she leads hikes, creates programs and assists with research. She is also a member of the Friends of Government Canyon Activities Committee. Read more about her experiences and certification journey below.
In your own words, what is a Certified Interpreter?
A Certified Interpreter interacts with guests to provide them a positive experience. We want visitors to enjoy their time, whether on a hike or during a program presentation, but we also want them to walk away feeling inspired to take action. Why is everything that a park guest learns at Government Canyon important? A Certified Interpreter needs to be able to relate that answer to a visitor in the visitor’s terms. We want adults and kids to be inspired to be better stewards of the environment. We want them to enjoy it so much that they wish they could stay longer, and we want them to want to come back.
How did you first hear about the program and get interested participating?
There are two things that really got me interested in the program. First, Jessica Bergner, TPWD Park Interpreter, and Holly Platz, Recreation Supervisor at Fischer Park Nature Education Center, spoke about environmental interpretation during Class 47’s training class. After retiring from the Air Force and teaching Air Force JROTC, I was looking for a way to continue serving my community. When I first heard Jessica and Holly speak about being a Certified Interpreter, I was immediately interested.
Then, I watched the August 2022 TMN Tuesday with Craig Hensley titled ‘Connecting All Texans to Conservation Through Meaningful, Engaging Interpretation.’ Craig inspired me. I felt like I had found my new purpose after wearing a uniform for 30 years. Also, I know people don’t get AT credit for watching the 2022 TMN Tuesday training, but I highly recommend watching it. Craig’s passion for interpretation will inspire them too!
After that, I reached out to Jessica, and we talked more about the program. Jessica is a Certified Interpretive Guide through the NAI, sits on the Interpretation Advisory Group as a representative of Region 3 for TPWD and is a recipient of a 2022 Stars in our Parks award for interpretation. I realized after talking more with Jessica that becoming a Certified Interpretive Guide would give me the confidence when presenting programs.
How do you feel the program prepared you for what you are doing now?
I think more about themes now. The Certified Interpretive Guide Program taught me that there is a difference between having a topic and having a theme. Maybe the topic is native plants, but is there a theme? And, can you tie that theme to something the visitors can relate to? And you have to be able to do it for all the visitors – adults and kids. How do people relate to your theme and get something out of it? The program taught me how to think about the bigger picture. If we are going on a native plant walk, I don’t just teach them facts about the plants. I relate the plants to their life so they leave feeling connected, empowered and wanting to learn more.
Why should someone become a Certified Interpreter?
Becoming a Certified Interpreter will help a volunteer learn how to engage the public versus just providing information. They will also learn how to develop, and deliver, quality programming. The training teaches ways to make sure our guests have the best experience, such as where to stand when speaking and how to form questioning strategies to encourage audience involvement. We also learned to apply Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as part of our curriculum. If a visitor’s basic needs are met, then they are much more likely to enjoy their experience.
Interested in becoming a Certified Interpretive Guide?
Check out https://www.interpnet.com/NAI/nai/_certification/Certified_Interpretive_Guide.aspx for more information.
