Dates: Monday, April 5th- Thursday, April 8th

As a result of this training you will:

1. learn new techniques to interpret the Trail to visitors
2. identify the characteristics of interpretive audiences;
3. explain why and how interpreters need to relate to their audience;
4. convey the importance of recognizing and providing interpretation for different learning styles;
5. understand the need for audience analysis;
6. articulate the need for conducting content related research;
7. establish the relationship between tangibles, intangibles and universals;
8. synthesize information about audience and resources and they apply to programs;
9. write a presentation outline;
10. demonstrate creative ideas to incorporate into program delivery; and
11. demonstrate understanding of the guiding principles of interpretation

Added value to this training is certification as an interpretive guide through the National Association for Interpretation, including a one year membership in the Association.

The training will be conduced at the Tahoe Rim Trail Association office in Incline Village and on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Participation is limited to 15 to ensure individual attention. The fee for this four-day training is $495.00.

The Art of Interpretive Writing

This workshop introduces you to the techniques for written interpretation. You will focus on strategies that make non-personal interpretation come close to the impact of compelling front-line interpretation.  These techniques apply to your brochures, web sites, exhibits, public service announcements, books, magazine articles and other interpretive projects. You will leave the workshop with a 42-page workbook and energized to complete your current writing projects.

This training will be held at the Tahoe Rim Trail Association office in Incline Village, NV. The fee for this one day workshop is $250.00.

Both trainings will be presented by Alan Leftridge, author of Interpretive Writing, and past-editor of The Interpreter magazine and Legacy magazine. (Bio below)

For more information, or to participate in these trainings contact: Emily Williams, Director of Trail Use, emilyw@tahoerimtrail.org. (775) 298-0231

Alan Leftridge: 

Since 2002, Alan Leftridge has conducted 100 interpretive writing workshops, interpretive guide training, and visitor services seminars in North America. Dr. Leftidge became a Certified Interpretive Trainer in 2001. He is credited with 80 articles and editorials in interpretive magazines, as well as numerous texts for interpretive panels and brochures. Alan was the executive editor of The Interpreter magazine and Legacy magazine, from 1989 to 2008. He has authored four books in interpretation including, Interpretive Writing, Going to Glacier, Glacier Day Hikes, and Seeley-Swan Day Hikes.

Alan lives south of Glacier National Park in the Swan Valley. Before moving to Montana, he spent 25 years teaching interpretation and environmental studies courses at Miami University, Ohio, and Humboldt State University in California. His initial training in interpretation was as a seasonal interpreter in Yellowstone National Park.

Alan Leftridge, Post Office Box 976, Swan Valley, Montana 59826.  406-754-2940, leftridge@blackfoot.net, leftridge.com.