Environmental Socialization Incidents with Implications for the Expanded Role of Interpretive Naturalists in Providing Natural History Experiences (Research) (Report‪)‬

Introduction Interpretive naturalists wishing to provide natural history programming to the public face many challenges and much competition. Corporations use massive product/service development and marketing budgets to create almost irresistible experiences competing for people's attention through "experience economy" strategies (Pine & Gilbert, 1999). Additionally, strategies to encourage repeat purchases and loyalty are being used in relationship marketing in business sectors as mundane as gas stations, credit cards, and airlines (Berry, 1995). While there are many choices for activities that engage people, sports in particular have become a second religion for most Americans with non-stop offerings of games, televisions channels, internet sites, youth programming, clothing, and video games (Lauer, 2007). Consequently, simply providing discrete natural history programs and exhibits can no longer be viewed as a responsive strategy by parks and nature centers. Natural history programming must be varied and rich, but must include establishing and maintaining ongoing relationships with visitors.