The Jordan Park Nature Center Visitor Center Survey and Implications for Interpretive Program Planning

Abstract

During the summer of 1977 a visitor survey was conducted at the Jordan Park Nature Center to determine visitors• background characteristics, expected consequences, preferences for interpretive programs, and satisfaction with the present program. Questionnaire returns from 123 people were used to provide public input to assist future management of the program. Most visitors were found to be visiting the park as members of social groups (especially families), highly educated, urban residents, and were housewives, professionals, or students. The most important visitor expectations were Experience/Learn About Nature, Ingroup Affiliation, and Relaxation/Escape. Visitors who came to the park especially for naturalist programs were most highly motivated by the Experience/Learn About Nature expectation. General browsers who just happened to stop by the Nature Center tended to expect to experience Ingroup Affiliation. Based on these findings, naturalist programs should emphasize an educational type of experience, while displays should be developed primarily to enhance group interaction, and all interpretation should be offered in a relaxing atmosphere. Visitors were most interested in plants and birds as interpretive topics. Archeology and human history, mammals, ecology, trees, and geology also generated higher than average interest. Preferences for interpretive media were (in descending order): exhibits, nature trails, naturalist talks, naturalist guided walks, movies, pamphlets, slide programs, and campfire programs. The most highly preferred aspects of displays were "real life" objects, stuffed specimens, quizboards, and live animals. Satisfaction was very high with most aspects of the interpretive experience, but slide-tape programs, the nature trail guidebook, and the wildlife pens were rated lower than anticipated and need improvement.