Fall 2024 / Winter 2025
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 group right now.
While trying to capture just the smallest sliver of that effort in this issue, we’ve also picked out some resources that might help lighten your load. Aside from the practical Q&As in the long-running “Dear Master Interpreter” column, you’ll also find a newly-launched series featuring “Interpretive Tips and Tricks.”
With you all doing such great work, we know we’re missing some big stories. If you have something you’d like to see featured in The Catalyst, let us know!
—The Catalyst Team
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 them all? Help!
Get Ready for OHV Safety Week
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 near you!
Collaboration at Pescadero Marsh
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.
"Service please!"
From new visitor centers, to planning, exhibits, and kiosks, the Service Centers can help.
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.
The Power of Pagnanz
Kicking off a new Catalyst Column for upping your interpretive game. In this issue: coming full circle with your beginnings and endings.
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 to “provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California.” Please submit your nominations by 1/8/25.
Resources Hub:
There’s a new one-stop-shop for statewide interpretation resources on SharePoint curated for staff like you.
New OHV 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 off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails in the state.
Uniform Reimbursements:
Are you an Interpreter eligible for a uniform reimbursement? You may not know that your yearly allowance is $650, and that covers footwear!
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.
NOVEMBER
- ALL MONTH: Native American Heritage Month
- November 15-17: King Tides Project
- November 16-24: OHV Safety Week
- November 20: Statewide Webinar: Inspiring Stewardship
- November 28-29: Thanksgiving and Day-After Holidays
- November 29: Green Friday
DECEMBER
- ALL MONTH: Solstice Sea Star Search
- December 6: Deadline to submit Spring PORTS Availability
- December 11: Statewide Webinar: Culturally Sensitive Topics (1 of 2)
- December 13-15: King Tides Project
- December 25: Christmas Holiday
JANUARY
- January 1: New Year’s Day Holiday
- January 1: First Day Hikes
- January 13: PORTS Spring Launch / Teacher’s Registration
- January 15: Statewide Webinar: Culturally Sensitive Topics (2 of 2)
- January 20: MLK Jr. Day Holiday
START PLANNING FOR…
- February: Black History Month
- March: Women’s History Month
Never a dull day when you work in interpretation! Earlier this fall, Interp. & Ed. Division staff drove this head-turning delivery—a life-size horse mannequin—over 500 miles from the Statewide Museum Collections Center in Sacramento to its new home at the Seeley Stable Museum in Old Town San Diego SHP.
Interested in writing an article? Want to share a resource? Got a success story?
Write to us at: interpretation.staff@parks.ca.gov
Fall 2024 / Winter 2025 Catalyst Team Members:
Jonathan Camacho (copy editor) – Anne Cooper (co-editor)
Elizabeth Evans (copy editor) – Elizabeth Hammack (copy editor)
Devin McCutchen (co-editor) – Kim Milruya (graphic designer)
Copyright (C) 2025 CA State Parks, Interpretation and Education Division. All rights reserved.