This 3-day course aims to deepen appreciation for Whistler’s wonderful natural environment and tools to communicate effectively about it. It will include in-class learning, a field trip, and an opportunity to practice your skills. It is designed for anyone interested in nature and lifelong learning, and/or people working or volunteering with museums, guide companies, parks or anywhere people go to have an enjoyable time and maybe learn something. Resources will be provided.
OUTCOMES
Participants will be able to demonstrate an introductory knowledge of:
• Whistler’s geography, geology, volcanoes, and glaciers – and how these physical elements influence the variety of life here.
• Biodiversity, and how it is the foundation of healthy, functioning ecosystems upon which all life depends.
• The art and science of interpretation: a purposeful approach to communication that facilitates meaningful, relevant, and inclusive experiences that deepen understanding, and inspire engagement with the world around us.
BENEFITS
• Continue to increase your knowledge of nature.
• Help sustain your passion for nature.
• Learning interpretation skills is an opportunity for lifelong learning.
DAY 1 (May 28, 9.30am – 5pm): Whistler’s physical geography (geology, volcanology and glaciology), biodiversity (what it is, why it matters, spotlight on key species in Whistler and how everything is interconnected), stewardship, and Whistler’s top discover nature places.
DAY 2 (May 29, 9.30am – 5pm): The basic principles of interpretation and understanding how people learn based on the POETRY acronym: Interpretation has a Purpose, is Organized, Enjoyable, Thematic, Relevant, & You make a difference.
Day 3 (May 30, 9.30am – 5pm): Field trip to a nearby natural area and a chance to practice newly learned skills.
Cost: $200 early bird (Register by May 16); $250 regular (Last day to register is May 23)
Register: email DiscoverNature@WhistlerMuseum.org or call the Museum at 604-932-2019 to register.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Kristina Swerhun is a biologist, long-time volunteer with the Whistler Naturalists, and nature interpreter. She started and continues to manage the Whistler Museum’s Discover Nature interpretation program at Lost Lake, which has been running since 2015. She also works with the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) on their Interpretive Panel Project and wrote and narrated the biodiversity video in the RMOW’s Whistler 101 series (Biodiversity 101). Kristina has also worked as a canoe and nature guide, field biologist, teaching assistant at the University of Victoria, Executive Director with the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council, and has written many Naturespeak articles for the Pique Newsmagazine.Nature & Interpretation Training 2025 WMAS