“THEY’RE JUST ROCKS!” —OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES OF TEACHING GEOLOGY TO NPS FRONT-LINE INTERPRETERS

Many of the gems of the National Park Service were sequestered to preserve their intrinsic and unique geologic resources. Interpreting park geology is the responsibility of each park, and is accomplished using a staff with education and expertise in a variety of fields, but seldom in the geological sciences. A recent survey of interpretative and resource management staff at Bryce showed only one individual with a baccalaureate degree in Earth science. Another individual had taken a soil science course, but none of the staff had taken university-level geology courses as part of a baccalaureate degree. Consequently, geology interpretive programs are prescriptive and the presenter has little or no ownership. Programs lack enthusiasm often resulting in a disinterested audience. During a recent conversation regarding park resources, one interpreter stated, ‘But, they’re just rocks!’—a response that underscores a lack of passion for the park’s preeminent attraction. Because of their limited geology background, interpretative and resource management staff more often focus on secondary park resources, instead of those so obviously on display in a park.

The authors are frequently called upon to conduct training for park staff that will 1) provide enough understanding of the park resources to allow the development of visitor programs, and 2) provide sufficient geological background to allow those interpreters to comfortably answer questions posed by park visitors. At Bryce Canyon, historical geology training has been limited to a few hours of classroom instruction and a short field trip, conducted in the early spring when seasonal rangers undergo a 2-week training session (one week for returning seasonal rangers). The authors have found it challenging to provide enough background to allow park staff to take ownership in their geology interpretative programs. A new geologist-in-residence volunteer program shows promise in addressing some of these challenges by providing on-going training and frequent evaluation of geology programs.