Helping Visitors Find a Connection to a Park

Kelli English is the Chief of Interpretation for four National Park Units in the Bay Area of California, including John Muir National Historic Site. She has spent her career as a park ranger interpreting stories to park visitors. Now, she interprets to interpreters. She admits, even though her job leans towards administration, she still finds opportunities to tell a story to park visitors. Kelli grew up on the south side of Chicago and ended up telling stories in Yellowstone National Park. Her stellar interpretation earned accolades in 2005 when she was awarded the 2005 Outstanding New Interpreter award from the National Association of Interpretation. In this interview, Kelli discusses how to infuse your personality into the stories of your park and where to begin gathering stories if you are new to a park. Kelli also examines the differences in interpreting a wilderness park, like Yellowstone, compared to a historical park. It is through interpretation that we help visitors find a connection with the park. When a visitor has a connection with the park, they will care more and become invested in the park. You can hear the second half of the interview with Kelli English HERE.