Asbury Woods is pleased to announce that Casey Keating, an Interpretive Naturalist, has now completed training to further her professional development. Casey completed training to become a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association of Interpretation (NAI).
Since 1998, NAI has been offering certifications for interpreters to demonstrate their skills in areas that range from an entry-level to an accomplished professional. Participants must complete a 32-hour course and a presentation to become a Certified Interpretive Guide™.
Casey has experience in outdoor and environmental education but is new to the world of interpretation. “I love learning new things and appreciated the opportunity to join 12 other interpreters across the country, all working to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of their sites by sharing the importance of those places with others. I am looking forward to using my training to better interpret our forests, fields, wetlands, and buildings for the Asbury Woods community.”
Interpretation is an approach to communicating that inspires guests and visitors to think in new ways, connect their own experiences to the world around them, and provoke further curiosity. Sarah Bennett, Director of Education and Community Programs at Asbury Woods states that, "Having a certified interpretive guide on our staff will help us better engage our visitors and raise the level of our already great programs."