Monarchs in Mexico Trips
February 6-13, 2010 and February 13-20, 2010
Michoacán, Mexico
www.monarchsacrossga.org/trips.php

In the entire world, no butterflies migrate like the monarchs of North America. Millions and millions of these butterflies fly in masses south to Mexico each fall. By instinct alone, they travel to the same mountains, often to the exact same trees, that their ancestors left the previous spring. Somehow they find a place in Mexico that they've never seen before. The monarch's unique winter habitat is found on only 12 mountaintops located at nearly 10,000 feet in the Transvolcanic Mountains of central Mexico. Join Monarchs Across Georgia (an initiative of the Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia) on an adventure to visit three overwintering sanctuaries and experience one of the world s most impressive natural phenomena. Plus learn about local efforts to promote sustainable and environmentally sound economic activities through visits to a local school, the Alternare community center, and the La Cruz Habitat Protection Project s tree nursery Two separate weeklong trips are offered: February 6-13, 2010 and February 13-20, 2010. Don't delay - both weeks sold out in 2009!

Ruins, Reef and Rainforest: Environmental Education across Belize
February 12-21, 2010
www.naaee.org/about-naaee/committees-commissions-councils/belize-2010

Join Certified Interpretive Trainer Ian Signer and the NAAEE International Commission for an exclusive visit to the Central American country of Belize, where we'll be exploring how people use environmental education to conserve the diverse habitats and unique cultures of this tropical paradise. The 10-day trip will explore the variety this country has to offer : from tropical jungles to the teeming barrier reef to centers of Maya heritage - and all at the exclusive price of just $1100 US.

NAI Region 6 Workshop
“Heartland Interpretation, merging the waters of cultural and natural history”
February 22-25, 2010
St. Louis, MO
Visit http://www.nairegions.org/6/ for detailed workshop information.
Register online at http://www.naimembers.com/store/acatalog/NAI_Region_6_Workshop.html

In 2010 members of NAI, Region VI will meet at the confluence of two great rivers. St. Louis has been called the Gateway to the West. Here, where the mighty Missouri River joins its waters with the Mississippi, countless cultures have come together preserving their own identities and yet merging to form a unique, new cultural personality. The natural resources of this area were abundant beyond imagination. These resources drew people here and with that first footstep they suffered impact. The stories of cultural history cannot be separated from those of natural history. At the confluence of these two powerful streams, Cultural History and Natural History, the waters churn and merge into one remarkable story … the story of our existence.

Universal Approach to Interpretive Planning, Programs and Design
"Universal Design & Accessibility for People with Disabilities"
March 8-12, 2010 San Antonio
www.ncaonline.org

Contact: Jennifer Skulski
Phone: (812) 856-4422
E-mail: jskulski@indiana.edu

Hosted by the National Center on Accessibility, A Universal Approach to Interpretive Planning, Programs and Design focuses on methods and techniques for developing programs and exhibits that benefit people of all abilities. The course is ideal for interpreters and interpretive planners, educators, accessibility coordinators, program coordinators, curators and exhibit planners, designers and fabricators. Training sessions will concentrate on the movement away from minimal accessibility standards and specialized design to the benefits of universal designs that can be utilized by people of all abilities. Participants will gain an understanding of the needs of people with disabilities and the application of the principles of Universal Design to interpretive sites, museums, zoos, aquariums, historic sites, nature centers and recreation areas. Sessions will highlight the evolving use of accessible technology for multi-media programs while addressing access to exhibits, audiovisual programs, museum and education programs, published materials and communications. Additional discussion will include considerations for developing contracts, scope of work and budgets for exhibit design and fabrication. Participants will also gain a greater understanding of the critical use of tactile methods with maps, exhibits and objects.

NAI International Conference

The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) will host its fifth annual international conference on the subject of heritage interpretation in Townsville, Australia, April 13-17, 2010.

The conference, held in cooperation with Interpretation Australia Association, will bring together delegates from 30 to 40 nations in an effort to create opportunities for professional development for attendees and establish a network for professional associations and individuals involved in heritage interpretation around the globe.