An Evaluation of the Impact of River Guide Interpretation Training on the Client's Knowledge and Interest regarding the Environment

Abstract

This study assesses the impact of a Headwaters Institute seminar interpretation training on a river guide's client knowledge and interest regarding the environment. The experiences of clients of river guides who had participated in the training were compared to experiences of clients of river guides who had not participated in the training. Experience in this case was measured by increase in interest in and knowledge of the river environment pre- and post-rafting trip. Regardless of guide training, all clients’ interest in and knowledge of the environment showed significant increase after the rafting experience. However, clients of guides who had participated in the training had significantly higher increases than clients of guides who did not participate in the training. This study indicates that river guide participation in interpretation training can influence the client's knowledge and interest regarding the environment. This study indicates that the embedding of interpretive messages in settings that are not traditionally interpretation platforms can encourage interest in the natural environment in a wider population.