There are many and varied types of research which a Park Naturalist or members of his staff may be called upon to undertake in cooperation with National Park Service projects. They may be along biological, archeological, geological, or any of a great number of other lines. Indeed, the possibilities for such work are so numerous that it is almost impossible to enumerate the various opportunities. I say opportunities for they can be nothing less. If we expect to have a clear, concise idea of the thoughts and facts which we are to present the public in our educational work, and if we are to continue to gain new material from the study of our problems by other institutions, it is about the least that we can do to supply cooperation and assistance in scientific work whenever possible.
A few examples of the type of work which may be done along these lines might perhaps be appropriate at this place. Systematic collections of plants and animals, and careful records of the birds might well serve in the study of ecological problems by the Biological Survey. It has been my experience that all such material is not only gladly but gratefully received by the Survey. The collecting of fossils and geological structures is another field of this work which is highly valuable. Many of our leading museums and other institutions are not only very appreciative of any such specimens presented or even loaned but also will be glad to cooperate by using their experts to classify and identify them. Still another important type of scientific work which should be carried on in some of our national parks is the excavation and study of archeological ruins. In every field of natural science, indeed, there is much material deserving of considerable study in advance of any publication or other use. It is very important for us, therefore, to do our share at least in this advance work of the educational program.
Discussion
Discussion following the above two papers brought out the vital necessity of including scientific investigations as part of a Park Naturalist’s personal program as well as activities involving public contacts. It was furthermore brought out that in parks where educational activities are just being established it may at first be necessary for the Park Naturalist to confine his efforts largely to public contacts and current service to the public but that this should be accompanied by work on the accumulation of scientific information from sources where it is already available in written form. This period of intensive service to the public should be followed by a program of activities containing reasonable allocation of time for investigations on scientific subjects and to allow the Park Naturalist the opportunity of keeping in touch with all branches of natural history.
Another important point brought out was that the Park Naturalist should correlate all scientific research activities pertaining to his park and should especially make efforts to correlate the activities of specialists engaged in cooperative work with the scientific research undertaken by members of the Park Service.
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