With apologies to Freeman Tilden’s six principles of interpretation (interpreting Our Heritage) as well as Larry Beck and Ted Cable (Interpretation for the 21^st Century), I have been thinking about a different Seventh Principle of Interpretation: “Remember that everything is connected, including all the principles of interpretation, and that interpretation must allow the connections to happen.”

I am passionate about interpretation and environmental education. My background is eclectic, with a B.A. in Art and a B.S. in Biology. I have been teaching informal environmental education programs for thirty years, starting with Audubon Adventures when I was living in Durango, Colorado. Since that time I spent ten years working with the Bureau of Land Management as a wildlife biologist, several years as an illustrator, and seven years as Education Coordinator and Curator of Education with the Pocatello Zoo. While with the zoo, I designed, developed, and conducted environmental education programs both outdoors and in the classroom. I am actively involved with the Idaho Environmental Education Association and a member of the North American Association of Environmental Education.

I have been involved with interpretative exhibit design since 1994. My first experience was designing a project along the Lower Owyhee River for the Bureau of Land Management. While preparing for this task I discovered a whole new world in Sam Ham’s book (Environmental Interpretation) and the Interpreter’s Handbook Series published by the University of Wisconsin. Since that first project, I have designed interpretive panels and interactive exhibits for nature trails, state parks, and zoo exhibits.

After joining the National Association of Interpretation, I have since become a Certified Interpretive Guide, Certified Interpretive Host, Certified Interpretive Trainer for the Guide and Host courses, Certified Interpretive Planner, and an Eppley Institute Interpretive Coach. I have enjoyed introducing the art of interpretation to dozens of employees and volunteers.

Whatever your interpretation or environmental education needs are, I look forward to helping you creatively connect your audience to your place.