A Case Study and Survey of Two Montgomery County, Maryland Nature Centers; With an Overview of Nature Interpretation as a Unique Spectrum in the Educational Process.

From September 1975 to January 1976, two Maryland nature centers were analyzed with regard to their (1) programs and facilities, (2) clientele and potential clientele characteristics, and (3) naturalist staff conceptions and ideas. In four surveys, data were collected to determine critical parameters affecting clientele usage of the facilities, so that recommendations could be made to rectify problem areas. The data indicated that both centers attract a young, highly educated segment of the general population. Many of the non-grouped clientele come to the centers in small family units and are regular visitors. It was also found that nearly all of the grouped clientele consist of preschool through intermediate-aged children. On the basis of the collected data, the recommended actions include: (1) investment of a greater amount of resources in programs and facilities for non-grouped children, (2) acceptance of certain modifications in nature center programs and facilities to attract the elderly, the handicapped, and upper-level academic groups, and (3) alternation of internal and external facilities and programs to comply with standards noted in the literature and clientele requests. (Author/MH)