Presentation to enhance link between scientists, interpreters

A presentation planned for Tuesday (May 29) will provide a chance for professional interpretive guides and interested members of the public to learn more about how science, particularly that which focuses on snow, ice, water and climate, can be shared to enhance the experience of those visiting the mountain parks and surrounding regions.

The evening session, titled Setting Fire to Water: Building A Better Bridge Between Science & Interpretation, will feature discussions with senior scientists including Dr. John Pomeroy, Canada research chair in water resources and climate change at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Shawn Marshall, Canada research chair in climate change at the University of Calgary and outreach and policy expert Bob Sandford, EPCOR Chair of the United Nations Water for Life Decade initiative in Canada.

Current federal government reductions in funding for science, coupled with growing concern over the probable effects of climate change on mountain regions, make it more important than ever that the interpretation community establish mechanisms for ensuring access to accurate new information, Sandford said, as the situation has left scientists in need of finding outlets to give their work additional relevance and further reach.

“The aim of this presentation is to affirm the presence of outstanding scientific research in the western mountains and to ensure the outcomes of that research are readily available to those who interpret the nature, history and culture of this region, be they working as interpreters in information centres or in museums,” Sandford said.

“We want to build a bridge between the scientific community and those who will share their findings with locals and with visitors. We hope that this meeting will be the first of many and that we can establish a meaningful long-term relationship with those who will share what is important about how and where we live in this remarkable landscape.”

Hosted by the Interpretive Guides Association, the session will take place in the private boardroom on the lower floor of Canmore’s Iron Goat Restaurant.

There are a few spaces still open to anyone whose work would benefit from a more direct link with the scientific research community. The session is free and runs from 6:30-10 p.m. on May 29.

Anyone interested should contact info@interpretiveguides.org to reserve a spot.