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

RESEARCH

Proper interpretation of park features by ranger naturalists is dependent upon the possession of accurate scientific knowledge. This needed basis for the educational work is being secured through the cooperation of Government bureaus, universities, and scientific institutions, and through the building up of a staff of field naturalists equipped to undertake scientific research. The intention of the Park Service in launching a research program is not to duplicate work done elsewhere nor to trespass upon fields amply covered by other Government bureaus, but solely to gather the scientific information necessary to the development of the museum, educational, and wild-life administration programs of the national parks.

Studies undertaken by the Park Service deal with questions of particular interest to science, and the publication of the results contribute to the furtherance of knowledge and education throughout the country. Such researches serve as an extraordinary stimulus for development of knowledge in the fields represented, by reason of the fact that they come to the attention of a large majority of investigators and students visiting the parks in a state of open-mindedness and relaxation, and desirous of learning something of the unique phenomena there presented.

In 1929, as a privately supported enterprise under the auspices of the National Park Service, George M. Wright, Joseph S. Dixon and Ben H. Thompson undertook a survey of animal life in the national parks to determine the problems most needing solution and to secure basic data for the building of a wild-life policy for the parks. Realizing the importance of this wild-life survey, the Park Service in 1931 appointed Mr. Dixon field naturalist and Mr. Wright and Mr. Thompson park naturalist aids. The work is now being carried on under a cooperative arrangement, funds being supplied by Mr. Wright and the National Park Service. This field research staff undertakes the solution of wild-life problems of purely national park importance.

FIGURE 33.—The small natural history museum in Zion National Park. Many excellent rock specimens and biologic exhibits are on display. In a special cage close to the museum building is a collection of reptiles and amphibians.

In the field of earth sciences research is being carried on by members of the Park Service scientific staff. During the summer season of 1931 Dr. Wallace W. Atwood, Jr., one of the assistants in the Washington office, conducted special physiographic studies in Crater Lake National Park. The results of his investigations have been incorporated in the Crater Lake educational program. Associated with the researches in geology and physiography are those dealing with history and archeology. It is anticipated that studies in these fields will be conducted by the Park Service historian and other members of the historical staff recently appointed.

A number of geological, geophysical, and paleontological studies in Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Lassen, and certain other parks have been carried forward by the Carnegie Institution of Washington and the National Academy of Sciences. A study of the geology of Yosemite National Park, by François E. Matthes, of the United States Geological Survey, has been brought to completion and a report published. The University of California Museum of Vertebrate Zoology made a thorough biological survey of Lassen Volcanic National Park and published a report thereon. There have been many archeological studies carried on in Southwestern parks and monuments by the Bureau of Ethnology, the Carnegie Institution of Washington, and other scientific organizations. The Bureau of Plant Industry has cooperated in plant disease investigations and the Bureau of Entomology in insect investigations and control.

This brief review of researches, carried on by Government bureaus, scientific institutions, and individuals, gives an idea of the character and amount of material which is being made available for the educational work in the national parks. The Branch of Research and Education has developed its unique program on the basis of authentic scientific and historic information. It is believed that in this way only can the educational program achieve the success which is essential to its growth and inclusion in the National Park System.

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