GOING UPRIVER included two workshops as part of the summer tour: "Citizen Action for River Conservation" and "Music and Folklore in Environmental Education." The first, developed and presented by Teresa Garen to resource professionals at Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm, Dayton, Ohio, was drawn from Eugster and Diamant's text of the same name. It included icebreakers (building a "river" of river-related words and images), a review of tools and techniques available to citizen activists, and a role-play "town meeting" developing a conservation plan for a hypothetical river. This admittedly simplistic example stimulated an excellent discussion, and facilitation of the workshop itself was a learning experience for a young professional.
WORKSHOP COMMENTS
Citizen Action for River Conservation: Aullwood Audubon Center, Dayton, Ohio, July 22, 1988
"Program was enjoyable. Solutions to Clearwater project were unrealistic: not showing economics and realistic demands detracts from the solution's credibility."
"River example used in presentation is very realistic -- i.e., canoeists, development, communities, etc. Need a little more time for presentation."
The second workshop was developed in 1987 (see "The CROSSCURRENTS Concert Series," page 18) for professionals in interpretation and education. This summer's presentation to the staff of Sault Ste. Marie Heritage Locks (Canadian Parks Service, Ontario) focused on the role of the storyteller/singer as steward and interpreter of cultural heritage. Participants chanted, drummed, sang, and acted out native folktales. The workshop concluded with a discussion of cultural heritage resources (primarily music and folktales) and of the legal considerations (copyright, etc.) involved in the use of recorded music and folklore in National Parks and sites.
WORKSHOP COMMENTS: Music and Folklore in Environmental Education
Citizen Action for River Conservation: Sault Ste. Marie Heritage Locks, Ontario, August 10, 1988
I enjoyed the part about the singing of "Hey Hey Watenay" (Indian chant). It was lots of fun and I think you're doing a great job. Keep it up."
"The workshop was incredibly inspiring. It showed what could be done to greatly improve interpretive programs with the little talent (musical or otherwise) that the average summer interpreter has. What struck me most is that even one song or story will create a lasting memory for a child or adult, whereas a lecture rarely does this. I hope to see the program back at the Sault Canal next summer."
"Lynn's presentations were inspiring and educational. I particularly liked the participatory nature of both the public performances and the interpretive workshops."
-- Sally Gibson, Visitor Services Co-ordinator, Sault Ste. Marie Heritage Locks
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LEFT: A member of the "planning board" presents their recommendations for management of the Clearwater River at the "Citizen Action for River Conservation" workshop in Dayton.
PHOTO: Lynn Noel
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