Park as Learning Place: Interpretation and Environmental Educational Development of National Parks

Providing visitors with educational opportunities has been one of the core tasks of national park when it was first established. National parks, as learning places, could provide experience of the real world, to let public know about this planet and the land, nature and culture, and inspire the public to establish a sense of responsibility for park protection. By studying the interpretation of U.S. national parks and the environmental education process, this paper analyzes and summarizes the interpretations and environmental education experience of national parks at different development stages, including that National Park Service plays the role of park leader, sets up specialized interpretation agencies, establishes policies and standards, cooperates with other agencies, educational groups and communities to establish partnership in developing educational programs. Each national park unit may develop unique interpretation facilities and programs according to their own characteristics. Finally, it points out that China’s national parks should establish educational links with the public, and facilitate other scenic areas with ecological and cultural significance to develop educational and inspirational explanatory products.