Parks and park associations frequently talk about "education & interpretation" and "interpretive programs". Many parks have "interpreters" or "interpretive specialists". And the signs and panels you see around a park that explain the wildlife or geology are traditionally called "interpretive panels". So what's interpretation at a park all about?

Interpretation is communication about the park and its features that goes beyond facts in order to reveal what things mean, how they fit together, and why they matter to the visitor. Interpretation is a heightened level of education.

For example, imagine you're preparing to hike on Doane Valley Nature Trail and you've picked up some basic facts from reading the park brochure or a blog: its length, elevation, some of the species of trees you'll see, and so on. You might even grab a copy of the self-guided tour brochure to take along. Good, you've been educated.

Imagine, though, walking that same trail with a park interpreter as your guide. The interpreter could be an interpretive specialist or the ranger, or even a park aide or volunteer... someone who understands the history of the area, who knows the flora and fauna, and so on. He or she is in tune with the park's rhythms and is able to point out things you might miss, such as a special bird calling in the tree canopy above, a medicinal plant tucked away out of sight, signs of wildlife foraging in the area, or remnants of a historical site that you might not notice. Your interpreter will likely go one step further: explain how the bird fits in the park's history, why the plant was so important to the native Americans and settlers, how distinguish a buck's print from a doe's, and why the archeological remains are so important to the park's history. Finally, he or she will probably explain what all this means to you. This is interpretation.

Also, an interpreter will modify his or her interpretation to suit the "student"; interpretation for a group of middle-aged visitors could be much different compared to interpretation for a pack of Cub Scouts.