Connecting people to place: Interpretation in RDCO Parks

There’s a moment on every trail when something around you asks for your attention – a burst of birdsong, the scent of pine warming in the sun, or the sudden quiet that falls when the wind shifts. These moments are small but powerful. They remind us that our parks are full of stories waiting to be noticed. Interpretation is how we help those stories come alive.

At RDCO Parks Services, our work is rooted in a simple belief: when people feel truly connected to the landscapes they love, they care for them in deeper and more meaningful ways. Interpretation is one of the most important tools we have to build that connection.

Discovering nature in new ways

Interpretation isn’t one-size-fits-all. It shows up throughout our parks in ways that speak to visitors of every age and experience level.

Our core programs – from weekly hikes to children’s storytelling sessions to all-ages watercolour painting – create space for people to slow down and learn at nature’s pace. Park programs, including wildlife walks and plant identification outings, shift with the seasons and offer new perspectives for returning visitors.

This April, in celebration of Earth Month, our team is hosting a range of programs to help people explore local wildlife, plants, and geology in a hands-on way.

Sometimes, connections happen unexpectedly. Throughout the summer, our popup interpretation stations appear in parks with fun, informal learning moments – animal tracks to compare, trivia to spark curiosity, or simple activities that invite kids (and adults) to take a closer look.

And for those that learn through reading the landscape, our trailhead and interpretive signs offer context for what’s around them: why grasslands are fragile, how stream beds are critical for fish spawning, or what to keep in mind in bear country. Together, these touchpoints help make every visit a little richer.

We’re especially proud of our educational programs, where some of the most lasting connections are formed. For many students, touching lichen, spotting a woodpecker nest, or seeing beaver activity up close becomes a memory that stays with them long after the field trip ends.

Why interpretation matters

Interpretation isn’t just about sharing facts – it’s about inspiring care. When visitors understand why a trail must be rerouted, why dogs must be leashed in certain areas, or how their footsteps affect sensitive habitats, they naturally become partners in protecting the land. A little knowledge goes a long way toward safer visits, healthier ecosystems, and stronger community connection.

Over the years, we’ve heard countless stories from visitors whose understanding of wildlife behaviour, fire risk, or local ecosystems changed because of a single conversation with an interpreter or park staff. Those brief exchanges create a ripple effect: when people see the land with new eyes, they walk through it differently.

Making nature accessible for everyone

Connection belongs to everyone, and we’re committed to making our interpretive programs welcoming and inclusive. That means using clear, friendly language; offering activities that suit different learning styles; choosing accessible routes whenever possible; and ensuring that questions – big or small – are always encouraged.

We’re also grateful for partners like Adaptive Adventures, who help provide free accessibility support for visitors with cognitive, physical, or sensory barriers. Their work helps ensure that nature remains open, inviting, and enjoyable for all.

Ways to get involved

There are so many ways to deepen your connection to RDCO parks:

• Register for one of our guided walks or join a pop‑up program.
• Bring children or grandchildren to a family nature event.
• Stop and chat with our staff — they genuinely love sharing what they know.
• Follow RDCO Parks on social media for nature tips and program updates.
• Volunteer with a stewardship or educational event.

Every visit offer something new to learn, and we’re here to help those discoveries unfold

At the heart of it

At its core interpretation is about connection – to place, to people, and to the land we share. When people feel connected, they care. And when they care, they protect. That simple idea guides our interpretation programming.

We look forward to seeing you in the parks this season – discovering the stories, big and small, that make our regional parks such remarkable places.