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Tasmanian Arboretum - Assignment on interpretive sites

Assignment on interpretive sites
Course

Planning Environmental Education and Interpretation (PKM260)

9 Documents
Students shared 9 documents in this course
Academic year: 2019/2020
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Meg LF
Charles Sturt University
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Figure 1 : Tasmanian Arboretum Entry Gates. Sourced from devonport/activities/tasmanian- arboretum-devonport/

Tasmanian Arboretum

OPTION 2

| PKM 260 | 28/04/

Contents

Introduction..................................................................................................................................

Aims of the Arboretum................................................................................................................

  • Introduction..................................................................................................................................
  • Aims of the Arboretum................................................................................................................
  • Interpretation................................................................................................................................
  • Feedback........................................................................................................................................
  • Section 2........................................................................................................................................
  • Geographic Interpretation Panels...............................................................................................
  • Thematic Interpretation Panels..................................................................................................
  • Conclusion and Recommendations............................................................................................

 To maintain close collaboration with the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, other Australian Botanical Gardens, the International Associations of Botanical Gardens, and other organisations with common interests.

[ CITATION Abo19 \l 3081 ]

Interpretation................................................................................................................................

In line with the Tasmanian Arboretums philosophies, interpretation types within the park aim to engage visitors and locals for study, education and enjoyment within Nature.

Tasmanian Arboretum uses interpretation in order to:

  • Provide a unique tourist experience and better insight into regional and international environments.
  • Enrich the visitor experience within the arboretum and within the Tasmanian natural environment by extension.
  • Encourage thoughtful respect for the bushland and use of the environment and the Arboretum itself by visitors.
  • Support the development of a keener awareness of our environment identity, as well as a deeper appreciation and understanding of the native flora and fauna.

A large variety of volunteer-run guided walks and activities are offered regularly for school and community groups, these include tree planting (during Arbor "Week") and identification; platypus and bird viewing; snakes and reptile displays; native animal displays; bird watching and bird hide activities; giant fresh water lobster and burrowing crayfish; photo trails; industrial heritage walks; water-watch and land-care activities; bush walks through native forest reserve areas include fungi and bush food identification. [ CITATION Act19 \l 3081 ] The Tasmanian Arboretum run ‘Arbor week’ over three weeks in May and encourages all demographics to attend, with a particular focus on individuals interacting with the environment , both flora and fauna, and includes hands on planting activities.

Recently the Tasmanian Arboretum has been offering a ‘nature play group’ for small children and their carers. This provides a form of interpretation and encourages a new demographic and new generation of users (and hopefully nature lovers) to use and enjoy the arboretum.

The main forms of interpretation present at the site include audio tours and self- guided walks (non-personalized) and an information kiosk which can provide

personalized interpretation. There is also extensive signage in each regional zone of the park eg. South American species, New Zealand species etc.

Figure 2: Tasmanian Arboretum Trail Map. tasmanianarboretum.org/images3/maps/map_arboretum_large.jpg

An audio guide can be hired from the kiosk during opening hours, this non personalized form of interpretation can be used on 5 different walks within the Arboretum labelled (A-E respectively). It is also paired with a guide (map) showing specific points of interest.

Volunteer run guided tours are available via prior arrangement ($30 cost) and these can be personalized from group to group depending on specific interests.

The Tasmanian Arboretum also maintains ‘geographic collections’ and ‘thematic collections’ on their website, this provides access to the park’s information regardless of whether one attends the park in person or not. This could be seen also as a continuation of the experience after visiting the arboretum, however most of the information is reiterated from the signs themselves.

it is more likely that the visitors will retain information after the experience and use it in a more proactive manner.

2.1. Good interpretation is organised (O)

Throughout the Arboretum interpretive signage, walks and guided tours must all be organized and logically arranged. This makes it easier for the visitor to connect main ideas.

2.1. Good interpretation is themed (T)

Throughout the Arboretum interpretive signage, walks and guided tours must have an overall theme and be easily connected by the visitor through effective linking of ideas. This ensures a greater interaction of the visitor with the theme, whether this be through continued personal discovery or even in some cases activism for a cause. A thematic framework ensures the experience is memorable.

[ CITATION Bla15 \l 3081 ]

A major form of interpretation utilized by the arboretum both on and off walking trails are the interpretive signs and plaques. These plaques are found throughout the arboretum and are the main source of information for self-guided tours. When created and used effectively signs should encourage interaction or contemplation through a clear overall theme and equally effective graphics and text. Interpretive signage is generally relatively inexpensive (although can be subject to vandalism and decay) and constantly available however, they are a static medium and do not engage all the visitors senses and do not allow for questions or discussion. Due to the layout of the arboretum there are five geographic locations and corresponding interpretation signs as well as eight thematic based interpretation panels.

Geographic Interpretation Panels...............................................................................................

The Arboretum is organized in such a way that species are planted according to geographic location represented within the Park, these are as follows: Southern Africa, Himalaya, Central and Western Asia, Eastern Asia, North America, South America, Europe, Mediterranean, Gondwana, Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. Visitors can visit one ‘geographic’ area or can embark on several walks that tie geographic areas together including the Southern Hemisphere walk.

One of the biggest and most frequent mistake that is made with interpretive signage relates to overloading the visitor with information. Many experiences do not need to be interpreted and interpretive signage should not educate the visitor on every aspect of an experience. [ CITATION Bla15 \l 3081 ]

The Geographic panels have a large density of technical language and therefore assumed knowledge at the capacity of about a senior college student. The panels are generally well done with their context clearly spelt out. Occasionally when reviewing the geographic panels I found myself questioning what the theme specifically was. Many panels also included multiple themes which tended to make the signs very information dense. Coupled with the layout, this (several text boxes overlapping each other) made them difficult to follow and visitors (like myself) may stop reading or get overloaded quite quickly.

Many of the panels included infographics, diagrams, photographs, maps and charts. The effectiveness of these however is to be determined, many of the infographics, diagrams and charts were generally well labeled but overly technical, and despite the use of bright colors were in my opinion less effective at conveying relevant information.

On the other hand I found the photographs and maps very insightful and grounding in reference with the text. Photographs also helped with plant identification, and I found these more interesting than the infographics, charts and diagrams. One of the other benefits of photographs is that they often don’t require translation, therefore more relevant for children and seniors as well as individuals with learning disabilities or language issues.

Text font was generally well chosen and was most often clear, however font size was far too small!! While trying to incorporate too much information on one sign the text size has been heavily compromised and made it quite difficult to distinguish sentences or words at times (particularly as the sign weathers).

Thematic Interpretation Panels..................................................................................................

These interpretation panels were much better done than their counterparts.

Text quantity was greatly reduced by comparison to the Geographic panels, which made it accessible to visitors who do not wish to, or cannot read large quantities of text. However text size could have been much larger and paragraphs gapped in order to more be more accessible. While font choice was still appropriate for the panels, the level of technical terms represented on the panels was still at a high concentration.

Within the arboretum, being able to identify plants species provides a sense of achievement as well as a positive follow up experience when visitors are able to identify these species in their natural habitats in future.

When planning an interpretive experience an organization must consider the following:

Important aspects to consider when planning an interpretive experience.

Relevant to the Tasmanian Arboretum.

Why you want to communicate with visitors?

To encourage use of the facility and provide educational experiences. Who your visitors are Children, Adults, Elders, Disabled, Environmentalists, Gardener’s, Botanists,

What is your place like and what does it have to offer?

Outdoor Setting, Pristine Nature Environment, Views, and Animal Encounters, wilderness trails.

What else is happening around? Other National Parks including coastal zones and old growth forests. What you want to say about your place?

Impressive collection of old growth specimen trees representing local and Australian and international forests. Attractive and Educational visitor experience. How and where you are going to say it? Interpretive signage, self-guided walks, audio guide, brochures, website and guided walks, tourist news.

It is one of the Arboretums’ primary goals to ensure a high level of resources are available for study within the park. Perhaps it would be more relevant to have a ‘library handout’ of written resources for study available on further request and a range of specimens within the park to be studied and enjoyed, and less advanced information on signage.

The park obviously also serves family groups with small children, older travellers and overseas and mainland tourists and the interpretive experience also needs to be accessible, relevant and attractive to these groups.

Limitations of Interpretation within the Arboretum include:

  • Budget
  • Location
  • Staff
  • Lack of catering for non-English speaking visitors
  • Catering for different levels of interest and knowledge.

Conclusion

Surveys and focus group meetings would ensure a greater assessment of effective interpretation for the Arboretum. Clearly in an attempt to provide information for all visitors there has been interpretive signage implemented that is text heavy and overwhelming for many. As 75% of individuals use their sight to learn (visual learners), photos, diagrams and drawings have helped to support text but balance is vital. Perhaps for younger visitors (and young at heart) the use of a separate set of silhouette signage introduced by a local fauna mascot (eg. pepper the possum or William the wallaby) which conveys visual information, fun anecdotes and a treasure / scavenger style hunt could provide an alternative interpretive format increasing visitor satisfaction.

Overall the Tasmanian Arboretum is a wonderful resource for study a unique and interesting experience for visitors, and a valuable asset to nurture and protect as an environmental heritage site. Evaluation of the interpretive experience will help to support its valuable status.

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Tasmanian Arboretum - Assignment on interpretive sites

Course: Planning Environmental Education and Interpretation (PKM260)

9 Documents
Students shared 9 documents in this course

University: Charles Sturt University

Was this document helpful?
Tasmanian Arboretum
OPTION 2
| PKM 260 | 28/04/2019
Figure 1 : Tasmanian Arboretum Entry Gates. Sourced
from http://devonport.site/activities/tasmanian-
arboretum-devonport/

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