A partnership of the National Park Service and the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication, this internship is designed to create opportunities for students of diverse academic and personal backgrounds to gain skills and experience in the synthesis, interpretation, and development of science communication products while increasing knowledge about climate change and its effects on parks.
The National Park Service National Capital Region Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance (UERLA) is a Research Learning Center that serves 16 parks in National Capital Region. We translate complex research results into readily understandable information, providing research, education, and technical assistance for parks. UERLA also provides science communication outreach to park managers and external audiences via websites, workshops, and publications. UERLA maintains research and education partnerships with universities, not-for- profit, education, and other federal agencies. The education activities of UERLA include providing training opportunities for NPS staff and partners, participating in science education programs, and building external partnerships that support science education in parks.
George Mason University’s 4C conducts unbiased public engagement research – and help government agencies, associations, and companies apply the results of social science research – so that collectively, we can stabilize our planet’s life sustaining climate and prevent harm from climate change. The George Mason University Principal Investigator is Dr. Edward Maibach. Our Intern Coordinator is former intern and current doctoral student Lindsey Beall. Projects for 2016 include:
MONOCACY BATTLEFIELD
The Monocacy National Battlefield team developed a climate change facilitated dialogue guide for rangers and a driving tour for visitors. The guide for interpretive rangers provides basic facts about climate science and tips for communicating with visitors about how the park is adapting to climate change impacts. The driving tour brochure, which complements an existing brochure found at Monocacy, highlights the well-known cultural resources (e.g., historic monuments) and natural resources (e.g., unique tree species, Monocacy River) in the park.
ROCK CREEK PARK
The Rock Creek Park team created four educational videos – approximately three minutes long -- about potential climate change impacts in the park: flooding, invasive species, ecosystem services, and the Wood Thrush, which is D.C.’s bird. Additionally, interns created a press kit and corresponding social media posts. All videos emphasized actions the park is taking to protect the natural resources from these potential impacts.
