Environmental Education:
A VITAL TOOL TO THE PARK PROFESSIONAL!

by John H. Harris. Ph.D.

Are you aware that environmental education programs can be effective management tools for park managers?

Environmental education may be defined as "the education about and in the natural environment." Thus, the individual learns about ecological systems, how to interact with these systems in a meaningful way but not alter them appreciably, and the skills needed to both appreciate and to utilize natural settings through participation in environmental education programs. Environmental education programs are generally related to school systems and commonly involve elementary age children in direct experiences with the natural environment. Older children and adults may also be involved in programs which both inform and involve the individual in the where, when, why, and how to behave in natural settings.

What might be some of the goals for individuals taking part in environmental education programs that would be of shared interest for environmental education professionals and park managers? The following is a list of goals that a professional administering these programs should project for the individuals involved in these programs:

1. To encourage the individual to become interested in the natural environment.

2. To encourage the individual to be aware of the natural environment through first-hand experiences.

3. To assist the individual to become more knowledgeable about the natural environment.

4. To give the individual outdoor skills whereby he can enjoy ecological systems and minimize his effects on these systems.

5. To have the individual realize that he has a moral obligation to natural systems for his own existence and existence of other human beings.

6. To have the individual realize that he should be a steward of natural environments.

7. To encourage the individual to alter those behaviors of his that might be destructive to natural systems.

8. To encourage the individual to influence others to accept the responsibility of stewardship of natural environments.

If some of the previously mentioned goals for individuals participating in environmental education programs are reached, what might this mean to those concerned with the maintenance of park and facilities? The effects of environmental education programs on managers of park resources may be some of the following:

1. The individual will either reduce his participation in activities that adversely effect the natural environment or cease his participation in such activities.

2. The individual will not litter.

3. The individual will pick up litter that other people have discarded.

4. The individual will reprimand individuals in the act of littering.

5. The individual will assist in the maintenance and construction of park areas.

6. The individual will not abuse natural environments in his recreational pursuits (i.e. will not pick flowers, remove natural objects from the park, etc.).

7. The individual will understand the "whys" behind park rules which relate to the natural environment.

8. The individual will report acts of vandalism of park areas and facilities to appropriate park personnel.

9. The individual will influence decision makers to support the funding of park areas and facilities.

10. The individual will become personally involved in park areas and treat them as if they were his own personal property.

The possible costs of outdoor education programs on managers are:

1. the park manager must spend time because he will undoubtedly be called upon to assist in the educational process of individuals participating in environmental education programs;

2. the likelihood of increased usage by people newly aware of the opportunities which park areas possess;

3. the added costs of maintenance of areas and facilities due to increased usage.

It is felt that environmental education is a vital tool for park managers because the benefits far outweigh the costs. Environmental

Illinois Parks and Recreation 14 March/April, 1977

education will not solve all problems, but it can be an excellent tool for facilitating quality park management. The need for man to understand and to respect his natural environment is vital to the life of parks. With more understanding and respect for park areas may come users whose behaviors are more compatible to the use of park environments. If users of park areas are truly involved in "their" parks, the park manager will reap the benefits.

(Editors note: Dr. Harris is an Assistant Professor at Western Illinois University).

Illinois Parks and Recreation 15 March/April, 1977