Editor’s Letter, Note from the Chief – Look who’s back!
Editor’s Letter
Back in 1993, California State Park Interpreters decided to put together a newsletter. But what to call it? Suggestions abounded: The Interpretive Grapevine, Tin Can Telephone, or I.N.F.O. (for “Interpretive Network for Facts and Other stuff”).
Richard Clark offered the winning suggestion: “A catalyst is not typically an active ingredient in the chemical reaction, but without it the reaction either doesn’t take place or proceeds more slowly. This newsletter is not a direct interpretive tool; however, if it is successful, it will [inspire] or speed up the interpretive section.”
In re-launching as an email newsletter, we think The Catalyst can again take up the challenge of supporting and inspiring you—the amazing interpretive staff, partners, and volunteers across the state.
Please send article ideas and suggestions to interpretation.staff@parks.ca.gov, and sign-up to receive future issues of The Catalyst here.
—The Catalyst Team
Note from the Chief:
After a hiatus, I would like to welcome everyone back to The Catalyst, the Department’s newsletter for interpretation, in its newly designed e-format. The intent of The Catalyst newsletter is to address current trends and best practices in interpretation, provide a forum to showcase innovative interpretation occurring within State Parks, and highlight interpretive and educational learning and engagement opportunities.
The new blog format brings the newsletter into the 21st century. The Catalyst newsletter will be distributed quarterly. I would like to thank Anne Cooper, Elizabeth Hammack, and Devin McCutchen for their hard work on this edition of The Catalyst and transitioning it to an electronic format. We welcome your article submissions, as well as feedback on the new format.
As we close out fiscal year 2023/2024, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your hard work and dedication in serving and educating park visitors despite challenging budget situations. When I hear about innovative interpretive programs you are doing, partnerships and engagement opportunities that are being fostered with underrepresented communities, and interdisciplinary collaboration across program areas instigated by interpreters, I can’t help but to feel proud of you and your work.
I am honored to be the chief of the Interpretation and Education Division and humbled by the responsibility.
—Heather Holm