Local Naturalist Dan Best Wins Outstanding Senior/Retired Interpreter Award
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Congratulations to Dan Best who has won the National Association for Interpretation Great Lakes Region “Outstanding Senior/Retired Interpreter Award” which honors individuals with a long-standing career in heritage interpretation who have demonstrated exceptional service, mentorship, and dedication to the field. Nominees typically demonstrate significant contributions to the interpretation profession, longevity in the field, and a commitment to mentoring others.
Dan Best is a well-known local naturalist with 40 years of experience, 33 of them with the Geauga Park District. He has served as a former Foundation for Geauga Parks Trustee and has helped develop and present the Foundation's Explorer Series - free monthly guided nature excursions throughout Geauga County. Most recently, he helped Thompson Ledges Park by developing a comprehensive interpretation plan and educational mission for the park. In appreciation for his work at Thompson Ledges Park, the Thompson Ledges Park Commissioners created the Dan Best Nature Awareness Fund that supports the long-term care of Thompson Ledges Park, including its natural areas and infrastructure, as well as the Frances Spatz Leighton Nature and Learning Center. Managed by the Foundation for Geauga Parks, the fund will support ecological expansion and restoration, educational displays, and park improvements—ensuring a lasting impact for future generations.
Throughout his career, Dan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to interpretation as both a frontline interpreter and a trusted leader. Even beyond full-time professional service, he continues to give generously of his time, expertise, and passion as a volunteer and mentor. His work reflects a deep belief in interpretation as a tool for connection—between people and place, science and story, and communities and their natural heritage.
"Dan’s lifelong dedication to interpretation, education, and public engagement exemplifies the very best of our profession and has left a lasting impact on both audiences and fellow interpreters throughout the Great Lakes region," said Christine Davidson, Executive Director of the Foundation for Geauga Parks.
BACKGROUND
Interpretation is an educational process that focuses on the "why" behind natural features, not just "what" they are. The goal is to educate people about nature in a way that creates emotional and intellectual connections, fostering appreciation and stewardship for the environment through direct, firsthand experiences. Interpretation can include guided walks, educational presentations, audio-visual aids, publications, signage, visitor centers and more. Interpretation planning and implementation ultimately helps people connect with nature on a deeper level by understanding what they see and experience in nature, why it is important, and how it affects them today.
The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Great Lakes Region (Region 4) is a professional community for natural, cultural, and historical interpreters in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario. It connects professionals through workshops, networking, and resources to promote best practices in heritage interpretation.
