Project Summary

My project is the launching of an interpretive trail along an existing hiking trail within the Jericho Research Forest. As of now, it includes a total of seven sites, each with a full description. The descriptions educate visitors about such things as forest conservation, natural history and ecology within the JRF.

 

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Goals

•  Develop a template for producing trail site descriptions
•  Create the content for a trail guide or brochure, which educates visitors about conservation, natural history and ecology within JRF
•  Document the steps I took to complete my project, so that work can be continued in the future

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Strategies

•  I researched environmental interpretation guidelines and techniques for developing an effective self-guided trail brochure, which is educational and user-friendly
•  I spoke with professors and others that are well acquainted with the area to seek information about specific sites
•  I used my writing skills to create descriptions that are concise and informative while being accessible to visitors without formal environmental education
•  The description template uses guidelines set forth by the Montreal Process and its criteria for healthy forest ecosystems

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Measurements of Success

I hope that this project will contribute to an end product which can be shared for many years to come. If the work that I have done is helpful for future brochure developers or trail interpreters, then I would say that it is a success. If my work inspires or aids others to begin interpreting a trail in another forest, that would also be a success.

 

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Trail Map

 

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Student Profile

I am an Environmental Studies student in the Rubenstein School for the Environment and Natural Resources at UVM, class of 2006. This project fulfills my senior thesis requirement. My hometown is Groton, Massachusetts. I began studying here at UVM in the fall of 2002. The next step in my journey through life is to begin working with the Nature Conservancy, eradicating an invasive reed (Phragmites australis) in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.