I am familiar with a number of wetlands that been developed as interpretive
sites. Most rely on signage along walkways through a marsh (e.g., Wye Marsh
in western Ontario) or at an entry point into the site (e.g., Purdon
Conservation Area - an Eastern Ontario bog [not a swamp] featuring thousands
of Lady Slipper orchids which bloom in late June/early July each year).
Interpretive signage for these can be created and improved over time. The
wonderful Healesville (Victoria, Australia) and Tidbinbilla (ACT) wildlife
preserves do this very well indeed. Mind you, there are still signage
problems. The picnic area at Tidbinbilla is home to quite aggressive emus,
who will snatch sandwiches out of your hand, if given half a chance. They,
ah, deposit the partly recycled sandwiches all over the picnic area. I
suggested to the park that, rather than have signs saying "PLEASE DO NOT
FEED THE EMUS", that these be replaced by other signs saying "MIND THE EMU
S__T").

Another approach is to create a visitor centre from which interpretive
trails spread out, each with a certain amount of its own interpretation
material in the form of signage, trail guides, etc. A good example of a
salt-water marsh tied to a large interpretive centre is the Virginia Beach
Marine Science Museum, where one can view good interpretive displays, then
take walks out into the marsh, then come back for more. A similar approach
is taken by many state/provincial parks, but with visitor centres on a
smaller scale. I'm working at present on the interpretive design for new
visitor centres and tied exhibits at three Ontario provincial parks.  My
clients are very much concerned that their parks foster respect for the
preservation of nature and understanding of how we and the environment help
each other.

The trick is to make the interpretation of such sites really interactive.
Traditionally, this has been done by the use of human interpreters, leading
walks, workshops, etc., through the area being interpreted, and there is
really no substitute for these. But it's an expensive way to have to do it.
More and more outdoor sites are developing a whole range of interpretive
material designed to let visitors guide themselves along discovery paths in
the area.

Yes, you can build computer-based simulations and games, use audio-visuals,
etc., in a building to interpret natural history - but the reason people go
to outdoor sites is to personally experience the outdoors - so my preference
is to build the interpretation right into the environment - but in a way
that does not inhibit the visitor's enjoyment of it and ability to interact
personally with it.

You can't expect people to appreciate nature until they have personally
experienced it.

Harry

"Those who play with cats must expect to get scratched"

               -  Cervantes, "Don Quixote"

Harry Needham, M.A., CFE, etc.
President
Harry Needham Consulting Services Inc.
Training & consulting services for heritage institutions - and others!
74 Abbeyhill Drive
Kanata, Ontario K2L 1H1
Canada
email: [log in to unmask]
(Voice) +1.613.831-1068
(Fax) +1.613.831-9412
----- Original Message -----
From: Cheong Weng Chun <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2000 8:41 PM
Subject: Planning and Design of Exhibits in Wetland Exploration Center


> I would appreciate if someone out there could assist / guide me in the
> process to make this project, wetland exploration center, a success. Due
to
> our organisation as a non-profit organisation, we only have limited budget
> for the exhibits. Earlier, we have obtain a costing of some exhibits and
it
> seems that it is far beyond our budget.
>
> Is it possible to develop the exhibits stage by stage in which some of the
> exhibition hall will be vacant? Will it look uninviting or of-no-interest
to
> visitors?
>
> I planned to show the importance of wetlands as the main theme which is,
> "wetland is NOT a wasteland". After the visit, it is hope that the
audience
> will remember that a wetland is not a wasteland after all. Any suggestion
of
> interactive exhibits to be displayed in the exhibition hall?
>
> Thank you. Hoping for a quick reply.
>
> From,
> Cheong Weng Chun
> Malaysia
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