2021 Nature Area and Rita Steiner Frye Nature Trail Interpretive Plan

Abstract

With missions focused on public education, public gardens are beginning to follow in the footsteps of other informal learning institutions when it comes to interpretation. They often focus on utilizing interpretation methods to teach visitors about climate change, biodiversity, and other environmental topics. The purpose of this project was to create an interpretive plan for the Nature Area and Rita Steiner Frye Nature Trail (RSFN Trail) at Deepwood Museum and Gardens, located in Salem, Oregon. With an interpretive plan to help set up goals and objectives, the RSFN Trail could be a source of outdoor education while creating meaningful engagement opportunities with visitors. The three target audiences this plan focused on included the residents of Salem, families (especially those with young children), and senior visitors. The specific deliverable for this project was an interpretive plan for the Nature Area and RSFN Trail, in the form of a PDF document. The process for this project involved research, working with the host site, exploring the trail, and meeting with committee members to develop a useful plan for the institution. The plan was created to guide the museum for the next three years, and the Further Actions section has a list of actions for the museum to focus on as it begins to develop more interpretation for the Nature Area and RSFN Trail.