Join the Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership at the National Association for Interpretation 2021 Annual Conference in Palm Springs, CA!
We are partnering with Joshua Tree National Park to offer a highly interactive two-day pre-conference workshop, emphasizing experiential learning in a collegial environment with peers and scientists. We’ll spend our first day at Joshua Tree NP, exploring the science of global climate change through the lens of desert ecosystems. At the park, we will observe climate impacts and engage in a discussion with interpreters and educators about effective techniques and strategies for interpreting climate change in a hopeful way, for a variety of audiences.
The following day at the NAI conference venue, dialogues on relevance and audience-centered techniques in climate change interpretation will draw on the experiences of all participants. Abundant scientific resources, including NASA data and media products, will be provided throughout. During dedicated project time, participants will develop the seed of their own climate interpretation program or product, and we’ll share these with one another at the conclusion of the workshop.
Earth to Sky course participants leave energized and connected to a larger community of interpreters, educators, and scientists dedicated to supporting each other in excellent climate change communication.
Course Details
COVID-19 Information
NAI 2021 is requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination OR a negative test. Conference organizers are following local public health guidance regarding mask guidelines for conference attendees. Large portions of this course will take place outdoors; however, some sessions will be held in meeting rooms. All indoor sessions on day one will take place in NPS facilities, where masks are required regardless of vaccination status.
The workshop is capped at 24 participants (not including organizers and presenters). Please contact the Earth to Sky team with any questions or concerns.
Attention Environmental Advocates: Avoid ‘Cute Critters’ and other Communications TrapsAttention Environmental Advocates: Avoid ‘Cute Critters’ and other Communications Traps August 09 2016 This is the second in a series about framing ocean and climate change. A fuzzy polar bear cub against an expanse of melting snow. A seal pup slicked in oil. A newborn orangutan clutching its mother’s breast as she swings through a disappearing [READ MORE]
To Frame Climate Change, Lead with a Researched Value—Not a “Rogue” OneTo Frame Climate Change, Lead with a Researched Value—Not a “Rogue” One January 20 2017 This is the sixth post in a series about framing ocean and climate change. So, you want to motivate the public to take action to address climate and ocean change? One of the most important communications moves you can make is to open with a broad statement [READ MORE]
Communicating in the Swamp: How to Navigate Public Thinking About Climate and Ocean ChangeCommunicating in the Swamp: How to Navigate Public Thinking About Climate and Ocean Change July 22 2016 This is the first in a series about framing ocean and climate change. When people think about oceans this summer, they might think of a good vacation spot—a place to spread out the beach towel, pop up the umbrella, and relax under the sun as [READ MORE]
Sea Slugs Make Climate Evolutionary ChoicesSea Slugs Make Climate Evolutionary Choices by Richelle Tanner, July 01 2019 Nudibranchs are a type of sea slug known for their beautiful colors and curious incorporation of other animals and plants into their own bodies (e.g. using plant chloroplasts to photosynthesize, incorporating toxins into their cells, and swallowing anemones’ stinging [READ MORE]
Global Climate Action Summit RecapGlobal Climate Action Summit Recap by Allison Arteaga, September 20 2018 One week ago, leaders from around the world gathered in San Francisco for the Global Climate Action Summit. The event celebrated ongoing efforts to curb fossil fuel emissions, while also calling for more ambitious action to meet the targets set forth by the Paris Agreement. [READ MORE]