INTERPRETIVE SIGNS Interpretive signs are essential to communicate the purpose and value of conservation landscaping to the community. At the Chesapeake Ecology Center (CEC), we enhance the nature experience by providing on-site information through signage, which increase the public’s understanding of conservation landscaping and helps to empower their participation. Interpretive signs leverage our ability to provide information and inspiration by allowing visitors to take self-guided tours of the CEC’s 20 Native Plant Demonstration Gardens and Sites; and they assist us in the numerous guided tours we provide. To produce interpretive signs, groups often needlessly reinvent the wheel and incur expenses which are often hard to cover on limited budgets.  In order to assist groups in producing and acquiring interpretive signs for demonstration conservation landscapes, we have included CEC signs on this page and sign production information. We have also included four forestry signs, thanks to the generous contribution of the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks. These signs can be used for ideas and inspiration to customize your own sign, or used as is. If used as is, please credit the producer of the sign as follows: “Provided courtesy of [organization].” We will continue to add to this page: improved CEC interpretive signs; signs that are in the public domain; signs for which permission for usage can be obtained; and information on sign production and costs. We encourage you to provide comments, identify, and supply material. We also encourage organizations to provide links on their respective websites to these resource materials and information.  Interpretation tells a story and brings meaning and interest to a subject for the education and enjoyment of the visitor. It does more than just provide facts. Environmental interpretation to produce signage, aka wayside exhibits, involves translating the technical language of the natural science field and conservation landscaping into terms and ideas in interesting and entertaining ways that the lay public can readily understand. Because they are located outdoors, close to the features they interpret, interpretive signs/wayside exhibits can readily answer the questions visitors have—when they have them. By engaging visitors at the times and places they want information, the visitors' experiences can be made more meaningful and much more rewarding. Several methods of producing interpretive signs are available. Of these methods, the one best suited to a particular situation depends on a variety of factors, including: cost; appearance/suitability for the site; what environmental conditions the signs will be exposed to; whether the information presented will need to be changed or updated periodically; and vandalism.  Recent technological advances in computers and programs make it possible to produce professional interpretive signs in-house, at greatly reduced costs, which can then be printed at a commercial facility. Additionally, technological advances in architectural and CAD/CAM plotters, and paper availability, make it possible for those with the capability to print professional signs in-house at significantly reduced costs.  Questions to consider in developing and evaluating interpretive signs include: Is the sign intriguing and imaginative? Does it capture the visitor’s attention? Does the sign communicate in innovative ways? Is the sign informative? Does it convey meaningful information or new knowledge about the subject matter? Does the sign influence viewers to change their attitudes or behavior? Does the sign encourage involvement and inspire viewers to take action?   Instructions for Producing a Low-Cost Interpretive Sign Panel and Base The Chesapeake Ecology Center has developed a technique for producing a low-cost interpretive sign panel and base, which we use for our Native Plant Demonstration Gardens and Sites. This simple-to-make, low-profile base for mounting interpretive signs is the most economical way to produce attractive signs that work well. Sign Panel: Once you have the final design of your sign, have it printed and laminated at a commercial printer/copy center such as Highstarr or Kinko’s. The standard size of our signs is 16” x 20” (the maximum size of clear plastic box frames, available at retail outlets, which will cover the laminated sign). Both lamination and the plastic box frame will prevent water damage. A 16” x 20” sign cost approximately $20 to $25 to have printed and laminated at a commercial printer/copy center. Constructing a low-profile base to hold the sign panel: The basic structure is created using a 15 3/4" x 19 3/4" plywood base that is 3/4" thick, which is attached with screws to the angled top of a 4” x 4” pressure treated post that is 40" long. The angled top of the post should be cut at a 30 degree angle. Attach a 16” x 20” plastic box frame that is 1 ¼” deep (available at Michael’s or other retail outlets) to the top of the plywood base as follows: Drill a hole midway in each 16" side of the plastic box frame, then fit the box frame lid over the base (it should fit snugly). Using 1” or smaller screws, drill through the pre-drilled holes in the box frame into the 16” sides of the wood base. Insert the laminated sign panel between the box frame and the plywood base and screw together.  Use a 24” metal post stake (used for mail box installation, etc.) to anchor the post in the ground (purchased at Home Depot or Lowe’s). Some of the CEC wayside exhibits have “Take One” handout boxes (purchased at office supply stores) attached to the front of the posts underneath the top. Note: The sign will fade over time (although UV film can help reduce fading). Because the cost is very low, the sign can easily be replaced if damaged or it becomes too faded (usually after two years or more depending on the amount of sunlight it receives), which also allows for corrections and refinement of the sign. The plastic box frame may need to be replaced every couple of years due to fading and/or cracking. Cost of materials: wood, approx. $5 plastic box frame, approx. $12 - $15 handout box, approx. $12 - $15 24” metal post stake, approx. $15 Total cost is $50 or less for the sign base, and $75 or less for base and printed sign. Example of CEC sign in use at Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis   How much does an interpretative sign/wayside exhibit cost? See this website for an example of standard costs. See the resource list below for several additional resources. http://w3r-commons.org/forum/showthread.php?p=621   SIGNAGE RESOURCES (descriptions are excerpted from websites) NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION The North Carolina Office of Environmental Education serves as a clearinghouse linking people to EE materials, facilities, programs and professionals across the state. Their staff serves all North Carolinians whether in the field of education, business, government, non-profit, or members of the general public. Explore their website for the latest EE resources available to you.  Notably, this website has an extensive resource list of reference books on interpretation, signs and exhibits, and more. It also includes a list of sources for the fabrication of outdoor exhibits. http://www.ee.enr.state.nc.us/eecenters/ncaeec/referencesfrompat.htm   SCHMEECKLE RESERVE     UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STEVENS POINT Interpreter's Handbook Series Signs, Trails, and Wayside Exhibits: Connecting People and Places Newly expanded and updated Third Edition by Michael Gross, Ron Zimmerman, and Jim Buchholz A comprehensive, visual guide to planning, designing, and fabricating effective interpretive panels and trails. The book contains essential information for any site that has or is planning outdoor media or trails. The new edition includes: 161 pages filled with practical ideas for developing trails, signs, and wayside exhibits Over 420 updated full-color photographs of the best interpretive signage and trails from around the world. Reorganized chapters and a comprehensive index for fast and easy searches. A concise meaning-centered model and examples of heritage interpretation. A step-by-step media planning model with signage examples. Interpretive trail case studies. Expanded sections on wayfinding, sign supports, trail structures and audio tours. A new section on developing effective messages, with case studies and examples. Examples of multi-sensory devices, such as audio, tactile, and interactive components. An up-to-date description of panel fabrication methods and materials, including advantages, disadvantages, and relative costs. Price: $25.00 (paperback) and $37.00 (hard cover)  http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/Schmeeckle/Handbooks/Signs/index.htm   US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE     FOREST SERVICE Interpretive Signs More than 40 great examples of Interpretive Signs - great ideas and inspiration. Excellent website, which contains the following pages and more!http://www.fs.fed.us/outdoors/naturewatch/implementation/ Interpretive-Signs/index.htm Bilingual Interpretive Signs Just what you need to help develop bilingual NatureWatch signage. Make sure you see the examples on the last pages. An excellent resource. Contributed by USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region. Five pages. [PDF: 1.3 mb] http://www.fs.fed.us/outdoors/naturewatch/implementation/ Interpretive-Signs/Bilingual-Interpretive-Signs.pdf Critiquing Interpretive Signs Guide A very clever and effective 3 page document to help you review "Wayside Exhibits." Consider this information BEFORE you embark on your NatureWatch interpretive sign project or program. Contributed by the USDA Forest Service Northern Region. [PDF: 48 kb] http://www.fs.fed.us/outdoors/naturewatch/implementation/ Interpretive-Signs/Critiquing-Interpretive-Sign-Guide.pdf Interpretive Sign Design 25 pages on Forest Service Interpretive Signs. Could just be all you need to know. Valuable information to use BEFORE you get started. [PDF: 353 kb] http://www.fs.fed.us/outdoors/naturewatch/implementation/ Interpretive-Signs/Interpretive-Sign-Design.PDF Interpretive Sign Samples 23 pages of interpretive signs from two trails on the Wenatchee National Forest. [PDF: 3 mb] http://www.fs.fed.us/outdoors/naturewatch/implementation/ Interpretive-Signs/Interpretive-Sign-Samples.pdf Large Interpretive Materials in-House Recent technological changes in computers, architectural and CAD/CAM plotters and paper availability make it possible to produce professional interpretive panels in-house, at greatly reduced costs. An excellent money-saving document to help cut cost on your NatureWatch Program signage. Thanks to Mike O'Malley, Washington Watchable Wildlife Leader for this contribution. Four pages. [PDF: 39 kb] http://www.fs.fed.us/outdoors/naturewatch/implementation/ Interpretive-Signs/Large-Interp-Materials-In-House.pdf Find-a-Photo Welcome to the USDA Forest Service’s “Find-a-Photo", Website - the NatureWatch, Wildlife, Fish, and Threatened and Endangered Species Program's Photograph Library. Find-a-Photo allows you to access thousands of copyright free wildlife, fish, wildflower and environmental education photographs, donated by Forest Service employees and our partners and volunteers. Check back often since new photographs are being added quite frequently. …. Please realize many people took significant amounts of time and energy to donate the photographs in this Photo Library. Their willingness to unselfishly share their photographs speaks volumes about their commitment to environmental and conservation education. As a courtesy, we strongly encourage you to credit the photographer. You may use any of these photographs for your personal use (school projects, educational activities, presentations, etc.). NONE OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS MAY BE USED FOR PROFIT! https://wwwnotes.fs.fed.us/wo/wfrp/find_a_photo.nsf/home?openpage   US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE     NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE The PLANTS Database - provides standardized information about the vascular plants, mosses, liverworts, hornworts, and lichens of the U.S. and its territories. It includes names, plant symbols, checklists, distributional data, species abstracts, characteristics, images, crop information, automated tools, onward Web links, and references. This information primarily promotes land conservation in the United States and its territories, but academic, educational, and general use is encouraged. PLANTS reduces government spending by minimizing duplication and making information exchange possible across agencies and disciplines. PLANTS is a collaborative effort of the USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center (NPDC), the USDA NRCS Information Technology Center (ITC), The USDA National Information Technology Center (NITC), and many other partners. Much of the PLANTS data and design is developed at NPDC, and the Web application is programmed at ITC and NITC and served through the USDA Web Farm. http://plants.usda.gov/   US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR     NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Products & Services Grounded in the National Park Service mission and values, Harpers Ferry Center provides leadership, expertise and support to create media that effectively communicates National Park Service messages to the public. The wayside staff at Harpers Ferry Center work in teams that include park personnel, fabrication contractors, illustrators, partners, and others. Notably, products and services are only provided for the National Park Service, however, extensive information on interpretative signs/wayside exhibit production is on their website. http://www.nps.gov/hfc/products.htm The Principles of Universal Design Universal Design: The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. These guidelines were established to guide a wide range of design disciplines including environments, products, and communications. The seven principles may be applied to evaluate existing designs, guide the design process, or educate both designers and consumers about the characteristics of more usable products and environments.   http://www.nps.gov/hfc/univ-design.htm  Interpretative Signs/Wayside Exhibit Work Process Occasionally the course of a wayside exhibit project is a straight line from initial concept through development and production. More often, however, the process begins with a comprehensive proposal, but then the project divides into phases. A multiphase project is not a sign of poor management, rather, wayside exhibits can be—and often should be—completed in phases. While there is some efficiency in numbers, each wayside exhibit is ultimately a custom exhibit in a unique location. http://www.nps.gov/hfc/products/waysides/way-process.htm Developing a Wayside Exhibit Team To create and maintain effective wayside exhibits requires a spectrum of talent. There is no single source in either government or the private sector that can provide everything you need to produce waysides. The wayside staff at Harpers Ferry Center work in teams that include park personnel, fabrication contractors, illustrators, partners, and others. http://www.nps.gov/hfc/products/waysides/way-team.htm Wayside Exhibit Panel Materials For information on the pros and cons of the following processes for producing interpretative signs/wayside exhibit panels: Inkjet Laminate, Fiberglass Embedded Inkjet, Fused Polycarbonate, High Pressure Laminate, and Porcelain Enamel. http://www.nps.gov/hfc/products/waysides/way-product-panels.htm APWG Invasive Species Poster Large poster in PDF format (18.7 MB) Excellent large poster on invasive species produced by the Plant Conservation Alliance – Alien Plant Working Group. The Plant Conservation Alliance is devoted to saving native plants and plant habitats in the US. It's a consortium of 10 federal agencies allied with around 260 non-federal experts. http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/apwgposter.pdf Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas - is a web-based project of the Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group …. This site provides a compiled national list of invasive plants infesting natural areas throughout the U.S., background information on the problem of invasive species, illustrated fact sheets that include plant descriptions, native range, distribution and habitat in the U.S., management options, suggested alternative native plants, and other information, and selected links to relevant people and organizations. http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/   WILDERNESS GRAPHICS     Commercial source for interpretive signs  “Wilderness Graphics is a small company serving a specialized niche. We provide comprehensive services that include planning and design, program content development, and complete production, fabrication, and installation.” http://www.wildernessgraphics.com/big4.html   ENVIROSIGNS     Commercial source for interpretive signs      http://www.envirosigns.com