The National Assosiation for Interpretation (NAI) Sunny Southeast Region has recognized Bernheim Youth and Family Program Manager, Dan Pasucci, as the Outstanding Interpreter of 2019.
The awared is presented to an NAI member who has worked more than three years in the profession and who demonstrates a recognized mastery and excellene in interpretation, creativity in programming of facility development, and a commitment to the profession and NAI.
Pascucci, fondly known as “Mr. Dan,” is dedicated to Bernheim’s mission of connecting people with nature, making environmental education fun and using music as an educational tool.
With the use of nature interpretation, Pascucci helps young Bernheim visitors develop a personal relationship with nature, art and music, making visits to the forest meaningful and fun.
The accolades don’t end there. NAI has extended the Outstanding Interpreter Invitation to Bernheim Education Assistant, Olivia Belk. The Outstanding Interpreter Invitation is presented to an interpreter who has never been a member of NAI, who demonstrates recognized mastery and excellence in interpretation, creativity in programming or facility development, leadership qualities, mentoring and a commitment to the profession.
“We are thankful to have an education team at Bernheim dedicated to forging deep connections between people and nature,” said Bernheim Executive Director Dr. Mark Wourms. “Mr. Dan and Olivia bring excitment and fun to the youth programs with the goal of inspiring a lifelong love of nature and our environment.”
Wourms also spoke of founder Isaac Wolfe Bernheim’s commitment to nature-based education when he established the forest ninety years ago. Today at 16,137 acres, Bernheim is the largest privately help forest in the eastern United States dedicated to conservation and education. The thousands of children who Mr. Dan and Olivia reach are part of Mr. Bernheim’s extraordinary legacy.