Nature Interpretation Program at Wang Nam Khiao Forestry Research and Student Training Station, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) assess recreation resource potential for designing nature interpretation program and 2) design a nature interpretation program of Kundong nature trail, located at Wang Nam Khiao Forestry Research and Student Training Station, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This trail was approximately 1.9 kilometers long and the average slope was less than < 5^o. The process of study comprised of two main parts. The first part, a nature interpretation program was designed based on physical characteristics and recreational resource potential. The second part, the effectiveness of nature interpretation program was designed as pretest – posttest experimental study conducting by questionnaire survey of 220 samples.

Based on the set of indicators and standards for tourism potential, the results showed that the Kundong nature trail was ranked in high potential for developing nature interpretative trail. Based on the forest resources, nature interpretation was created under the theme “dynamics of dry evergreen forest in the northeastern region of Thailand” with 10 interpretive stations. According to the behavior of visitors, video has been applied for nature interpretation media. On the part of the effectiveness of nature interpretation program in increasing the knowledge on natural resources and ecosystem, the study indicated that the interpretation program contributed significantly to respondents’ knowledge. The average posttest score ( = 9.49, SD = 1.718) was significantly higher than pretest score ( = 6.69, SD = 1.697) (t = 18.049, P-value = 0.000) (the maximum score of 12). For recommendation, in order to achieve the objectives of interpretation, group size should be controlled for good quality of viewing experience. Additionally, new ecology-based nature education program should be developed to promote nature education in the future.