The Catalyst Newsletter
The Catalyst is "The Newsletter for Interpretation in California State Parks." In chemistry, a catalyst is a substance that starts or speeds up a reaction. Likewise, in The Catalyst you will find thought-provoking, useful and entertaining information that will help your work or fuel a discussion. The Catalyst includes everything from news stories to reflections from interpreters; from ideas for programs and recommendation of tools, to guidance and advice on issues related to interpretation. The Catalyst is published periodically, usually two to four times per year. Since 2006 each issue has focused on a single topic, and has been compiled by a different guest editor. Past issues starting with Spring 2000 are included below.
Read this before downloading documents:
Personal use of the documents made available for download on this site is encouraged. However, no document or any portion thereof may be used for commercial purposes, nor may they be published in any medium or format without prior written permission from the State of California. All commercial rights to use materials made available on this site are reserved by the State of California unless expressly granted otherwise in writing. For commercial use, contact the Interpretation and Education Division at (916) 654-2249 or interp@parks.ca.gov.
Winter 2017 - Interpretation and Technology
Spring/Summer 2015 - Outdoor Recreation Interpretation
Summer 2014 - 150 Years of California State Parks
Spring 2014 - Unlocking the Mysteries of Intellectual Property
Fall/Winter 2012 - Partnerships with Native California Indians
Summer 2011 - Interpreting Climate Change
Fall 2010 - Interpreters Road Map to DOM Chapter 900
Summer 2010 - Power of Partnerships
Fall 2009 - The Money Issue
Spring/Summer 2009 - Interpretive Training
Summer 2008 - Children in Nature
Fall 2007 - Interpreting Cultural Landscapes
Spring 2007 - Volunteer Training
Winter/Fall2006 - Accessibility and Interpretation
Spring/Summer 2006 - Environmental Living and Studies Programs
Prior to 2006, The Catalyst newsletters were not focused on specific topics as they are today, they were general newsletters with articles on a variety of topics.
Spring 2005
Winter 2004
Fall 2003
Summer 2003
Spring 2003
Winter 2002-03
Fall 2002
Summer 2002
Spring 2000
Contributor's Guidelines
The Catalyst welcomes your original articles up to two pages in length. We prefer unpublished material, but will occasionally reprint items published elsewhere. Be sure to include information about the publication so we can get permission to use the material. If you have an article relating to one of the topics listed below, please submit it to the publisher or guest editor. Please include a photograph whenever possible. We really appreciate items submitted on CD or by email in a PDF format. Please send photographs as separate files, not inserted into your document. You may also submit original photographs or other illustrations to The Catalyst. All photos and artwork submitted will be returned promptly. We reserve the right to edit all material. Items are selected for publication solely at the discretion of the publisher and guest editor. We appreciate your suggestions.
Among the topics we’re planning for future issues are:
Social Media and Interpretation
Interpretive Planning
Marketing Interpretive Programs
Focusing on Education
To submit an article or inquire about submissions, contact the Interpretation and Education Division, PO Box 942896, Sacramento CA 94296-0001; phone: 916 654-2249; fax: 916 654-9048; email: interp@parks.ca.gov.
For More Information
For more information on The Catalyst or to change your address or request a free subscription, contact:
California State Parks
Interpretation and Education Division
PO Box 942896
Sacramento CA 94296-0001
phone: 916 654-2249
email: interp@parks.ca.gov