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Last updated on Wednesday, April 1, 2015
(UNDATED) - Two DNR Division of State Parks employees were recognized for excellence by the National Association for Interpretation, Region 4.
Vicki Basman, chief of interpretive services, earned the Master Interpretive Manager award. Aaron Douglass, seasonal interpreter at Mounds State Park, earned the Sandy McBeath Outstanding Part-Time/Seasonal Interpretive Naturalist award.
NAI Region 4 encompasses interpretive programs in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Ontario. The awards were presented at Turkey Run State Park in March.
Interpreters, also called interpretive naturalists, interpret the natural, cultural and historical resources of a park to its visitors. Interpreters are responsible for making sure visitors have a meaningful experience. They answer questions, guide hikes, lead educational programs, host craft workshops, teach outdoor skills and more.
Basman started her career in 1992 as a seasonal interpreter at McCormick's Creek State Park in Spencer. She now oversees interpretive services at all 32 Indiana State Park properties, which involves 23 full-time staff and 60 to 70 seasonal workers.
Douglass joined Mounds in 2014 for his first seasonal interpreter experience. According to the park's full-time interpreter Jessica Rosier, he excelled at connecting with kids and developing youth programs.
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