Research and Education
in the National Parks

National Park Service Research and Education in the National Parks

PART I
THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM IN THE NATIONAL PARKS

NATURE NOTES AND TRAIL-SIDE NOTES

In all national parks where permanent naturalists are in charge of the educational activities there is issued each month an attractively illustrated mimeographed publication known as Nature Notes. This contains a series of short articles on natural-history subjects and serves to acquaint the visitor with the interesting features of the park. In many cases the historic element is prominent in the educational program, and articles pertaining to discovery, early trade routes, and happenings with the Indians are frequently included in the publication. This has resulted in the building up of a mailing list composed of many who have visited the parks and also of many who have never had this opportunity. Hundreds of schools receive Nature Notes regularly from several different parks. These serve as excellent natural-history material for the classroom.

In Yosemite, through the cooperation of the Yosemite Natural History Association, Nature Notes has been published as a printed booklet with several photographic illustrations. Rocky Mountain Nature Notes was the second to appear in printed form.

In connection with the development of a complete educational unit in Yellowstone, it was evident that the motorist needed some guidance in the understanding of park features. This realization led to the preparation of a publication entitled "Trail-side Notes." The pamphlet is arranged in two columns with vignettes giving the outlines of the particular points of interest to be noted along the route. Below each drawing is a brief but reliable statement regarding the natural-history features. Trail-side Notes have been worked up for several of the main-traveled routes in Yellowstone, with the result that the motorist may add greatly to the value of his visit to the park. More and more the visitor is learning how to appreciate the country through which he travels. The reaction to Trail-side Notes is such as to warrant the extension of this means of helping the public.

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Last Modified: Sat, Feb 16 2002 10:00:00 pm PDT
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