The Catalyst is “The Newsletter for Interpretation in California State Parks.”
In chemistry, a catalyst is a substance that starts or speeds up a reaction. Likewise, in The Catalyst, you will find thought-provoking, useful, and entertaining information that will help your work or fuel a discussion. The Catalyst includes everything from news stories to reflections from interpreters; from ideas for programs and recommendations of tools, to guidance and advice on issues related to interpretation.
Latest Issue:
Summer 2025
- How to keep your program attendance high
- Meet Rebecca Crowther, California State Parks Photo Archivist
- Advice on podcasting
- Junior Ranger program refresh
- Hiring an intern with UEI
- And more!
Previous Issues:
View previous issues of The Catalyst newsletter! Older issues can be viewed upon request, just send an email to interpretation.staff@parks.ca.gov.
Contributor’s Guidelines:
The Catalyst welcomes your original articles. We prefer unpublished material but will occasionally reprint items published elsewhere. Be sure to include information about the publication so we can get permission to use the material. Please include a photograph or illustration whenever possible. Please send photographs and illustrations as separate files, not inserted into your document. You may also submit original photographs or other illustrations to The Catalyst. We reserve the right to edit all material. Items are selected for publication solely at the discretion of the publisher and guest editor. We appreciate your suggestions.
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What’s up? – Statewide Webinars, Summer 2025
Explore the busy calendar of webinars that are FREE and open to all State Parks staff, volunteers, and partners. Eligible for FOCUS training credits.
On Track and Looking Ahead
Summer is in full swing and everywhere we turn we see State Parks staff and volunteers in their element.
What’s up? — New Interp and Ed Website
The Interpretation and Education Division recently launched our new website, “Adventures in Learning”
What’s up? — Junior Rangers Program Refresh
New statewide Junior Rangers materials have been making their debut at parks across the system this summer, and there’s more to come.
Dates to Know — Summer 2025
Planning for the next three months of interpretation in your park? Here are some dates to know for Summer 2025:
Rainbows in Unexpected Places: Bringing LGBTQ+ History Into All Museums
Capital District Staff host a conference roundtable on bringing LGBTQ+ history into all museums
What’s up? — PeakFinder
“How High Can We Go?” “What’s the Name of that Mountain?” There’s an app to answer these questions.
Beyond Interpretation — What’s in the Photo Archives?
Meet Rebecca Crowther, California State Parks’ Photo Archivist
Interpretive Tips and Tricks — Putting Together a Successful Podcast
Want to Start Podcasting? Vivian Matuk and Blythe Wilson share what they’ve learned from their respective DPR podcasts.
What’s up? — Get Help Hiring an Intern!
A new State Parks partnership broadens your internship applicant pool and simplifies the hiring process.
Dear Master Interpreter — Summer 2025
Your questions answered:
• My program attendance numbers are all over the place. Help!
• Book recs for new Interpreters.
Follow-Up: Women’s History Crawl
Deborah Lee shares insights from the Sonoma SHP event she previewed in the previous Catalyst edition
California State Parks Week 2025 – Choose Your Adventure!
Congratulations to all of the interpretive staff who contributed to this year’s State Parks Week. With your critical work, State Parks was able to host...
Dates to Know – Winter/Spring 2025
Here are some events, theme weeks/months, trainings, holidays, and other dates to know for Winter / Spring 2025
What’s up? – Statewide Webinars
Explore the busy calendar of webinars that are FREE and open to all State Parks staff, volunteers, and partners. Eligible for FOCUS training credits.
What’s up? – Torrey Pines Tabletop: Take Two
San Diego Coast District and the Southern Service Center rolled out new interpretive “table runners” at Torrey Pines SNR/SB.
What’s up? – Hearst San Simeon State Park’s Elephant Seal Docent Program Success in 2024
Monica Rutherford shares how Hearst San Simeon State Park’s 77 docents logged 8,328 volunteer hours and engaged over 127,500 visitors, all in just one year!
What’s up? – Upcoming Dockwalker Trainings and new Dockside Podcast Episodes
Learn about the most recent offerings from the interpreters in the Division of Boating and Waterways.
What’s up? – Coming Full Circle with 360° Tours
Alec Knapp shares how he is exploring new online tools for building high-quality, interactive, 360° tours in Northern Buttes District.
What’s Up? – Interpretation and Education Division Embarks on Developing 5-Year Strategic Plan
In partnership with the California State Parks Foundation, California State Parks will develop a 5-year interpretive strategic plan over the course of 2025. The plan...
Beyond Interpretation – Coordinating Volunteer Coordinators
Meet your biggest ally in sustaining your parks’ volunteers in this month’s edition of Beyond Interpretation.
Interpretive Tips and Tricks – Lessons from BIGI 13
Couldn’t make this year’s BIGI? Here were 4 lessons from the attendees.
2024 Excellence Awards Winners: Honoring the Best in Interpretation & Education
Over 100 park staff gathered virtually to celebrate the talented interpreters who educate and inspire Californians to forge meaningful connections with the natural and cultural...
Working with Local Organizations: The Women’s History Crawl
Deborah Lee shares what it takes to organize a community event with 18 partner organizations.
“BIGI” Love for the Field of Interpretation
Learn how Kaylie Williams reconnected with her “Why” for the field of interpretation at this year’s BIGI Training.
Dear Master Interpreter – Winter/Spring 2025
• My first guided walk is in 2 weeks. Where do I even start!? • A great volunteer, but they won’t share ALL of our...
The work you do is vital
A note from our chief, Heather Holm, about spring, climate, and our mission at California State Parks.
Fall 2024 / Winter 2025
Read the Fall 2024 / Winter 2025 edition of The Catalyst
What’s Up? – 2024 Interpretive Excellence Awards
I&E Division seeks nominations for the 2024 Interpretive Excellence Awards recognizing the tremendous variety and depth of staff accomplishments in support of the Department’s mission...
Interpretive Tips and Tricks – The Power of Pragnanz
Kicking off a new Catalyst Column for upping your interpretive game. In this issue: coming full circle with your beginnings and endings.
“Service Please!”
From new visitor centers, to planning, exhibits, and kiosks, the Service Centers can help.
OHV Safety Week: Coming to a California State Park Near You, November 16-24, 2024
Strap on your helmet, buckle your seat belt, bring a buddy, and grab plenty of water: OHV Safety Week is coming to a State Park...
PORTS Celebrates a New Milestone
Since 2020, State Parks staff and classroom educators have connected 1 million students with the wonders of our state’s nature and history.
Collaboration is Making Things Happen at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve!
Natural resource agencies, California voters, legal cannabis users, even steelhead trout, are all collaborating to fulfill the California State Park mission in Santa Cruz District.
Dear Master Interpreter – Fall 2024/Winter 2025
Your questions answered! • I’m a Lead, but not a Supervisor? How does that work? • I’ve got 50 volunteers. How can I possibly evaluate...
Editor’s Letter – Whew! There sure is a lot going on…
Between community science projects, seasonal migrations, trainings, cultural events, holiday festivities, and the usual Fall swell of K-12 School programs, interpretation staff are a busy...
Never a Dull Day
Never a dull day when you work in interpretation!
Dates to Know – Fall 2024/Winter2025
Here are some events, theme weeks/months, trainings, holidays, and other dates to know for Fall 2024 / Winter 2025:
What’s Up? – Statewide Webinars
Explore the busy calendar of webinars that are FREE and open to all State Parks staff, volunteers, and partners. Eligible for FOCUS training credits.
What’s Up? – Uniform Reimbursement Updates
Are you an Interpreter eligible for a uniform reimbursement? You may not know that your yearly allowance is $650, and that covers footwear!
What’s Up? – Beyond the Blacktop Podcast
Interpreters in the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division have launched a new podcast. Listen in to learn about dirt bikes, ATVs, side-by-sides, 4x4s, and...
What’s Up? – The Interpretation and Education Resources Hub
There’s a new one-stop-shop for statewide interpretation resources on SharePoint curated for staff like you.
Dates to Know – Summer 2024
Here are some events, theme weeks/months, trainings, holidays, and other dates to know for Summer 2024:
What’s Up? – Statewide Webinars
Explore the busy calendar of webinars that are FREE and open to all State Parks staff, volunteers, and partners. Eligible for FOCUS training credits.
What’s Up? – Accessibility Training Site
Are you passionate about ensuring that all visitors enjoy a physically and emotionally safe environment in California State Parks? This resource is the perfect starting...
What’s Up? – California Fishing Line Program
To-date, the California Clean Boating Program’ Fishing Line Recycling Program has recycled over 3,000 lbs. of fishing line! Find out how you can join the...
What’s Up? – Sea Level Rise Toolkit
This toolkit is a new comprehensive “living” resource designed for Coastal Interpreters educating the public on sea level rise, climate change, and coastal erosion. Find...