Michael Watson, Former NPS Chief of Interpretation, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

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Michael Watson began his career as a High School Intern at a Minute Man Missile Plant, a Mister Softee Ice Cream Truck Driver, 4-H Camp Naturalist, and Naturalist at Burr Oak State Park (OH). After graduating from The Ohio State University (1967), he became a Science Teacher in the Marion (OH) Public School System (1967-1971).

His National Park Service career began as a Seasonal Interpreter at Mount Rainier National Park (WA) (1971) before relocating to Everglades National Park (FL) as its Environmental Education Program Coordinator (1976). He became a Training Instructor at the Stephen T. Mather Training Center (Harpers Ferry, WV) (1981) where he developed and trained NPS Rangers who educate and interpret to park visitors and students. As Director of Interpretation for the National Park Service in Headquarters, Washington, DC (1987-1992), Watson developed policy and guidelines for 3,000+ uniformed Interpretive Park Rangers. From 1992-2006, he returned to the Mather Training Center as its Superintendent.

During his career, he also completed a series of international assignments to India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Russia, Austria, and others where he helped develop public interpretation and education, environmental education, and staff training programs in their respective park services.

In retirement, Mike is an NPS Volunteer in Parks and has staffed the Museum of the National Park Ranger at Yellowstone NP several summers.

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