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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (RIDGELY, MD—November 26 , 2007)

Adkins Arboretum Pioneers Interpretive Training Program

Representing nine Eastern Shore sites, a spirited group of 25 volunteer interpreters found common ground in their “connection through rivers” while participating in a unique training program offered by Adkins Arboretum.

“The Show is On,” a five-week volunteer interpreter training course, is a pilot program that fosters partnership among diverse cultural organizations from across the Mid-Shore. Developed by Adkins Arboretum and funded by a grant from Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network, “The Show is On” provides necessary background for volunteers to develop interpretive programs for visitors to their institutions, to create a link to the Chesapeake Bay, and to carry out the missions of stewardship and environmental, cultural and historical resource preservation.

Participating volunteers represent Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, The Friends of Wye Grist Mill, Denton’s Museum of Rural Life, Caroline County Tourism, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Richardson Maritime Museum, the West End Citizen’s Association in Cambridge, Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area and docents from Adkins Arboretum.

The program was facilitated by Erica Weick, the Arboretum’s coordinator of volunteer programs. Sessions were led by Arboretum staff and docents; Ray Bivens, chief of interpretation for Delaware State Parks; Robert Forloney, director of education for Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum; and consultant David Foster.

Adkins Arboretum is a 400-acre native garden and preserve at the headwaters of the Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline County. Open year round, the Arboretum offers educational programs for all ages about nature and gardening. For additional information about Arboretum programs, visit www.adkinsarboretum.org or call 410-634-2847, ext. 0.

Volunteer interpreters from nine Mid-Shore organizations participate in a field trip to Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. “The Show is On,” a program for volunteer interpreters offered by Adkins Arboretum, trains volunteers to interpret their institutions and to carry out the missions of stewardship and preservation. Right-click on the following link to save a full sized image: show_is_on.jpg 690 k