Mike Watson has had an amazing career with National Park Service (NPS) as former Chief of Interpretation and Superintendent of Harper's Ferry Training Center. He grew up in a small community in southeast Ohio and earned degrees at Ohio State University and University of South Dakota. His plans to be a science teacher took an exciting turn when he became a Park Ranger with NPS. He guided the national interpretive training efforts for NPS with the Interpretive Development Program, which also influenced the development of training programs with National Association for Interpretation. In retirement he continues to be an important observer of our work in the interpretive profession.

https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/

#timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #NationalParkService #NPS #NationalParks #NatureInterpretation #ParkRanger #Conservation #ExploreYourPark

Rob Pacheco's journey began in California, where he spent his formative years assisting a local beekeeper and fostering a deep curiosity for the nature around him. At the University of Colorado, Rob enrolled in a multi-disciplinary environmental program while beekeeping for researchers studying honey bee genetics. He moved to the Big Island of Hawaii, eager to immerse himself in the world of bees. Along this path, Rob blossomed into an extraordinary naturalist, marked by an insatiable curiosity and remarkable skill. As a student, he discovered his knack for engaging with children through bee programs, igniting a desire to work in education and outreach. In Hawaii, he expanded this passion into children's tours, which evolved into Hawaii Forest & Trail—a company that has become one of the most respected and sought-after experiences in the islands. For over 31 years, Rob has championed interpretation as a foundational value for HFT. Now, as the Founder and CEO, he is entrusting the business to his son and other family members while continuing to share his expertise on the trails, a skilled naturalist and storyteller with countless tales to share.

Join Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story for an engaging conversation with author, photographer, mule packer, storyteller, and cowboy poet E.T. Collinsworth. Together, they will explore E.T.'s remarkable life, adventures, and experiences on both sides of the border.

E.T. Collinsworth hails from Tennessee but has deep ties to Chicago and the Czech Republic. After pursuing a traditional education, he ventured to the unconventional Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. There, he embraced a call for adventure, taking a summer job as a cowboy on a cattle ranch in Brazil.

Immersing himself in the culture, E.T. not only learned Portuguese but also honed his skills as a saddle tramp, launching a diverse career that spanned South America, Mexico, and the U.S.-Mexico border. His work with the U.S. Forest Service in support of wildland firefighting, along with his role as a Volunteer-In-Parks for the National Park Service, showcases his commitment to the land and its stories.

A multi-talented individual and an extraordinary storyteller, E.T. Collinsworth draws from his rich experiences to cultivate a unique perspective on languages and a profound empathy for different cultures. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a consummate storyteller whose narratives resonate with adventure and heart.

https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/

#TimMerriman #heritageinterpretation #CowboyPoetry #Storyteller #CowboyLife #CowboyStories #RuralStoryteller #WesternCulture #TalesFromTheTrail #WildernessPoet #OutdoorsAndPoetry #LifeOfACowboy #PoeticJourney