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

File(s)
Date
1978-08Author
Blahna, Dale J.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
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.
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/79486Type
Thesis