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Professional Awards

NAI Fellow

Master Interpretive Manager

Master Front-Line Interpreter

Outstanding Senior-Retired Interpreter

Outstanding New Interpreter

Outstanding Volunteer Interpreter

Meritorious Service

Excellence in Interpretive Support

Interpretive Media Awards

Audio

Book (Large)

Book (Small)

Curriculum

Interior Exhibit

Multi-Media

Poster

Site Publication

Video (Long)

Video (Short)

Wayside Exhibit

Magazine Awards

Outstanding Cover Photo

Outstanding Feature, Legacy

Outstanding Feature, The Interpreter

Outstanding Column, The Interpreter

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Professional Awards
Interpretive Media Awards
Magazine Awards

Professional Awards

Through its awards program, NAI recognizes outstanding achievements and showcases the successes of NAI members and others working to advance the profession of interpretation. The NAI Professional and Service Awards are presented at the NAI National Workshop.

The Professional Awards Committee includes John Miller (chair), Kathy Gross, Doug Knudson, James O’Neill, Donna Richardson, Paula Zamiatowski, and Rick Zenn.

NAI Fellow

Alan Leftridge
Interpretive Trainer and Writer
Condon, Montana

Alan Leftridge began his interpretive career at Yellowstone National Park (1978–1981) and was a founding member of NAI. A professor at Humboldt State University for 20 years, he taught courses on interpretation and the environment. Now retired from academia, he continues to inspire fellow interpreters with his writings and workshops. Bill Lewis confided that Alan was his inspiration for writing his book Interpreting for Park Visitors. This award recognizes his many years of contributions and devotion to our profession. —Ray Novotny

Master Interpretive Manager

Kathy McPherson
Ontario Parks
Peterborough, Ontario

Kathy McPherson has worked for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ontario Parks for 28 years and has been the Natural Heritage Education (NHE) coordinator for the past 17 years. Under Kathy’s leadership, the NHE staff became more involved with NAI, addressed quality of interpretive programs, strengthened funding, and organized the successful annual spring training workshop. In 2009, she co-chaired the Region 4 Workshop in Ontario and was awarded the Region 4 Distinguished Professional Interpreter Award. —Marilyn Beecroft

Travis Williams
Outdoor Discovery Center of Wildlife Unlimited
Holland, Michigan

Travis Williams has worked from day one to make the Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) interpretive programs top-notch, efficient, inspiring, and creative. He created opportunities for funding and became the leader of a successful outdoor education facility. Travis has matured to a level that few can acquire in such a short time as director and created a thriving organization that has a strong foothold in the ideals of education and wildlife programming. —Jamie Krupka

Master Front-Line Interpreter

Bill Lindemann
California State Parks
Sierra District
Tahoma, California

Bill Lindemann, district interpretive specialist with California State Parks, is a consummate interpreter—part artist, part storyteller, part master craftsman, and clearly one who knows how to weave magic for park visitors. He has a reputation for getting things done with few resources and little assistance. Bill’s a one-man band and, when necessary, a one-armed bandit to protect and interpret the parks he loves. —Phil Sexton & Brian Cahill

Jay Schneider
Arkansas State Parks
Hobbs State Park
Rogers, Arkansas

Jay Schneider is among the best naturalists in the field. He is a star. He is never dry or boring. He knows how to turn information into interpretation and always has a song, game, activity, or prop to help light the sparks of wonder that people crave. He is a leader anyone can count on, a model for young interpreters, and a friend who allows you to challenge yourself to do more. —Kelly Farrell

Outstanding Senior-Retired Interpreter

Stanton Ernst
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Olney, Maryland

Stan Ernst, an Association of Interpretive Naturalists (AIN) co-founder, president, and fellow, gave national status to AIN by enlisting members of the US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and Forest Service. He was also involved in the merger of AIN and the Western Interpreters Association to form NAI. Stan’s leadership and service as a naturalist and outdoor educator contributed to his promotion to director of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. As director, he dealt daily with perplexing urban problems and encroachment of parks and natural areas. —Howard Weaver

Outstanding New Interpreter

Mary Ann Parker
Arkansas State Parks
Parkin Archeological State Park
Parkin, Arkansas

It is not often that you get to see a new interpreter start her journey into the field. Some get faster starts than others, and some “hit the ground running.” Mary Anne Parker is one of those working at full speed since day one. In her three years with Arkansas State Parks, she has been a model interpreter: writing grants, coordinating excellent special events, becoming involved in her community, and leading the interpretive team. —Kelly Farrell

Outstanding Volunteer Interpreter

Kathy Miller
Missouri Department of Conservation
Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
Branson, Missouri

As a volunteer, artist, and life member of NAI, Kathy Miller has been a passionate contributor to the interpretive profession since 1995. She has been involved with natural and heritage programs and events, many of them as the coordinator, across Missouri and Region 6. Kathy’s volunteer interpretive involvement has enriched the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Association of Missouri Interpreters, and the Southwest Missouri Herpetological Society. —Laura Motley

Meritorious Service

Sarah Keating
Arkansas State Parks
Lake Dardanelle State Park
Russellville, Arkansas

Sarah Keating is a top-notch interpreter, mentor, and organizer. In addition to her duties with Arkansas State Parks, she has served her fellow interpreters as Region 6 treasurer for four years and deputy director for two years. Sarah coordinated the 2005 Region 6 Workshop and has made presentations on the regional and national workshops. Sarah was awarded Region 6’s 2009 Meritorious Service Award. —Kelly Farrell

Eric Andersen
Larry Beck
Julie Ernst
Jonetta Holt
Alan Kaplan
Doug Knapp
Sara Lustbader
Jolene Redvale

These individuals have performed extensive and invaluable service to NAI at the national level. Each has served as associate editor for Legacy and The Interpreter magazines for four to 15 years. As associate editors, their volunteer duties included reviewing and evaluating an average of 15 manuscripts per year, working with authors to help them prepare a final manuscript for publication, contributing reviews to NAI’s magazines, and evaluating articles for the annual NAI magazine awards. —Alan Leftridge

Excellence in Interpretive Support

Lee & Rose Warner Foundation
Saint Paul, Minnesota

The Lee and Rose Warner Foundation (LRWF) and Chairman Donald McNeely have made generous and sustained interpretive support to the Lee and Rose Warner Nature Center for the past 42 years. Since 1967, the LRWF has been the principal funding source for ongoing operations of programs, site, and staff. Their significant contributions have made a tremendous impact on the Lee and Rose Warner Nature Center’s ability to connect with more than 15,000 people annually through programs. —Julie Grecian

Interpretive Media Awards

The Interpretive Media Awards Competition is brought to you by the National Association for Interpretation and its Interpretive Media Section to promote excellence in the delivery of natural, cultural, and historical nonpersonal interpretive services. The Interpretive Media Awards are presented each year at the NAI National Workshop.

The Interpretive Media Awards Committee includes Nadine Meyer, Chair; Wyndeth Davis, Judging Coordinator; Marc Blackburn, Public Information Coordinator; and Katie Blesener, Program Brochure Coordinator.

Audio

1 (tie). The Boston Public Garden Audio Tour
Audissey Guides, Friends of the Public Garden

1 (tie). Remember November
National Capital Commission

3 (tie). Explore the City of the Sun
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Schwartz & Associates Creative

3 (tie). Nature, Culture, and History at the Grand Canyon
AudioLandscapes, Grand Canyon Association

Book (Large)

1. Ancient Landscapes of the Colorado Plateau
Grand Canyon Association

Book (Small)

1. A Walk through Watkins Glen: Water’s Sculpture in Stone
Tony Ingraham, Owl Gorge Productions

2. Pete Puffin’s Wild Ride Cruising Alaska’s Currents
Alaska Geographic, Libby Hatton

3. Abraham Lincoln: A Living Legacy
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace NHP, Lincoln Boyhood NM, Lincoln Home NHS, Eastern National, Donning Company

Curriculum

1. Wetlands and the World
Ducks Unlimited Canada

Interior Exhibit

1. Cargo is King!
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Cavala and Associates

2 (tie). Verkamp’s Visitor Center: A Celebration of Community
Grand Canyon National Park

2 (tie). Edwin Carter Museum
Exhibit Design Associates, Breckenridge Heritage Alliance, Town of Breckenridge

Multi-Media

1. A New Deal for Texas Parks
Interpretation & Exhibits Branch, State Parks, Texas Parks & Wildlife

Poster

1. Campbell Creek Science Center School Year 2007–2008 Calendar
Bureau of Land Management, Anchorage Field Office, Campbell Creek Science Center

2. Trout Life Stages Poster
Ethan Rotman, California Fish and Game, in conjunction with Mission Peak Fly Anglers

Site Publication

1. Steam Rails to Ski Trails: An Architectural Walking Tour of Downtown Steamboat Springs
City of Steamboat Springs, Exhibit Design Associates

2 (tie). Carved History: The Totem Poles and House Posts of Sitka National Historical Park
Alaska Geographic, Sitka National Historical Park

2 (tie). 2008 Minnesota State Parks Calendar
Minnesota State Parks

Video (Long)

1 (tie). A Matter of Degrees: The True History of the Adirondacks
The Wild Center

1 (tie). Abraham Lincoln: A Journey to Greatness
Lincoln Home National Historic Site; Harpers Ferry Center; Aperture Films, Ltd.

3. Homesteading America
Charles Dunkerly, Harpers Ferry Center for Media Services

Video (Short)

1 (tie). Giacomini Wetlands: A Legacy for Tomales Bay
Point Reyes National Seashore Association, ConvergenceMedia Productions

1 (tie). Wetlands & Wonder: Reconnecting Children with Nearby Nature
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and ECOS Communications, with Tamarack Media

Wayside Exhibit

1. Mundo Jaguar (World of the Jaguar)
Summit Nature Park and ECOS Communications, with Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the Houston Zoo

2 (tie). Earthquake Trail Kids Panels
Point Reyes National Seashore, Division of Interpretation and Resource Education

2 (tie). The Sand Creek Massacre
National Park Service, Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

Magazine Awards

NAI's magazine awards recognize outstanding contributions to the association's publications, Legacy and The Interpreter.

Outstanding Cover Photo

Kelly Farrell
“How and Why a Person Like Me Attended NAI’s First International Conference”
The Interpreter, Jan/Feb 2008

Outstanding Feature, Legacy

John C.F. Luzader
“What Conflicts We Orators Have"
May/June 2008

Outstanding Feature, The Interpreter

Doug Capra
“Seven More Words Interpreters Should Know”
September/October 2008

Outstanding Column, The Interpreter

Kirk Carter Mona
“A Lifetime of Memories”
Nov/Dec 2008

Judges

NAI thanks those who volunteered their time for NAI’s professional, media, and magazine awards.

Marianne Aplin
Biff Baird
Marc Blackburn
Katie Blesener
Mary Ann Bonnell
Chris Brabander
Lisa Coalwell
Tom Davies
Wyndeth Davis
Christopher Derman
Cindy Donaldson
Lynda Doucette
Katie Eskra
Glenda Franich
Amy Galperin
Nadine Meyer
John Miller

John Morrow
Tom Mullin
Tom Neuman
Leslie Obleschuk
James O’Neill
Leslie Paige
Alexandra Picavet
Donna Richardson
Tom Richter
Duncan Rollo
Wren Smith
Linda Strand
Ellen Strojan
Rick Wallner
Kris Whipple
Paula Zamiatowski
Rick Zenn

All NAI awards, as well as federal agency "Excellence in Interpretation" awards, are presented during the NAI National Workshop.

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