Leading an Interpretive Hike, for the Nature Conservancy
Preparation
1. Information
Learn about
the property where the hike is to be conducted. When was it dedicated?
What is it’s acreage? What are the significant
features (geology, flora, fauna, historical, seasonal
changes)? How is it being managed?
Know the
organization that you represent. Most hikers will assume that the hike leaders are
TNC staff. What is the mission of The Nature Conservancy? When was it formed?
How do I join? When did this state officially start a chapter? How do people
become members? What other volunteer opportunities are there? How do I contact
TNC about making a land or monetary donation?
2. Pre-hiking
Safety. It is important to be
familiar the distance of the trail, how long it took you to hike the trail,
steep hills, and hazards such as downed trees, high streams, etc.
Themes. Where are the most
interesting stops? How many stops should there be for the length of the trail?
How far apart should they be? Take field guides with you on the prehike. People will want to know what they are seeing.
The more you know beforehand, the better off you’ll be.
Leading the Hike
1. Introduction
Arrive early. Meet the folks who will be
hiking with you. Do they appear physically able to make the hike? Are they
already knowledgeable about the property or natural history in general? You may
be able to rely on them to answer audience questions.
Start on time.
Introduce
yourself by giving your name, and stating that you are volunteering for The Nature Conservancy. Let your group know how long they will be
hiking, how far they will be hiking, how rugged the terrain is, and what time
you expect to be back. People enjoy the experience much more if they have an
idea of what’s involved.
Introduce the
property. Give
some background information on the history of the property and its acquisition. Why is this property important? What will
they see along the trail?
2. Body
Set the pace,
and maintain the lead. Fast hikers will drift to the front, but it’s important that you be
aware of those who aren’t as fast. Make the first stop early in the hike. This
will allow late arrivers to catch up while you’re still in sight, and will also
set the tone and expectations for the theme of the hike.
Don’t begin
speaking to your group until the entire group is within hearing range. Everyone needs to hear what
you have to say. It’s frustrating for those in the back to miss the
information.
Position
yourself so that you’re visible to your entire group. One way to
do this it to hike a few yards past the point of interest, then stop your
group, and backtrack to the point of interest. This will place you in the
middle of the group where you’ll be most visible and easily heard.
Stand facing
the sun. If
your group is squinting, you need to reposition yourself.
Interpretive Techniques
Have along a
“Bag of Tricks”. Items such as a hand lens, measuring tape, binoculars, field guides,
collection bottles, etc. can be useful.
Teachable
Moments: Sometimes
the unexpected event happens. Your group may flush a grouse, or hear an owl.
These are the events that your group will remember, so take advantage of their
impact. Explain what they’ve just seen or heard. “Isn’t it nice that TNC can
provide the sites for experiences such as these?”
Use senses. We tend to rely so heavily
on our sense of sight that we miss a lot. Encourage your group to listen to a
bird call, smell sassafras, or touch Shagbark Hickory bark.
Involve the
group. Make
eye contact. Ask questions. Pass items around. Tell a story.
3. Conclusion
Wrap up the hike before the end is in sight. Once
they see their parked car, you’ve lost them. Summarize what they’ve seen.
Emphasize the importance of preserving places like this. Encourage them to stay
involved in TNC. Provide an avenue to become more involved. Thank them for
coming.
Jnteipretive Ideas. P.O. Box 7102. Bioomington.
iN 47407-7102. 812/335-~612.
FAX 812/335-1370