Guidelines for Ecotourism Operations in the Great Plains

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature defines ecotourism as: Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socioeconomic involvement of local peoples. Ecotourism has the potential to support communities and conservation efforts from revenue streams to parks and reserves in the Great Plains, while also contributing to a culture shift towards a conservation ethic. Recent surges in ecotourism have contributed to growth in the tourism sectors in Great Plains states, because these approaches to tourism can leverage the open spaces, natural landscapes, and culture and heritage of the region. Facilities, Food, Activities, Guest Care, and Environment Awareness-- This resource is designed to support the planning, growth, and development of ecotourism facilities that offer beds, activities, and food to guests. We selected five components of ecotourism for use in guidelines and evaluations for ecotourism operations: facilities, activities, food, guest care, and environmental awareness. Tourists vary in their expectations and needs, and ecotourism operations vary in their goals and investment potential. One path to business success is to meet expectations of guests. This publication provides rubrics that describe expectations for the five ecotourism components at each level (1-star to 5-star). Achievement of higher levels of guest expectations may require more design, planning, and investment, and clients may pay more for facilities that achieve higher levels. Each facilities’ goals should dictate the level at which they wish to operate. These evaluation guidelines were developed after considerable experience at domestic and international facilities

Tributes to Rick Edwards upon His Retirement

I understand that you will be retiring from UNL in August. I wanted to express my sadness that you will be leaving the Center for Great Plains Studies, but am glad that you will now be able to perhaps enjoy life even more without having to do the administrative tasks that go with being the director of any organization. (RFD

Tributes to Rick Edwards upon His Retirement

I understand that you will be retiring from UNL in August. I wanted to express my sadness that you will be leaving the Center for Great Plains Studies, but am glad that you will now be able to perhaps enjoy life even more without having to do the administrative tasks that go with being the director of any organization. (RFD

Fabric as a Narrative: Constructing a Global Quilting Tradition

OVERVIEW – The tradition of quilting is engaging people of all ages, genders and classes around the globe CULTURE – Quilting empowers women and provides them an outlet for expression MUSEUMS – Museum exhibitions and academics have shown quilting in a different light THE WHITNEY – The exhibition that changed it all IQSC – A strong quilting tradition prompts a couple to let their 900-quilt collection establish a museum AQSG – High standards in quilt-related studies DOCUMENTATION – Preserving and cataloging quilts make sure information is not lost for future generations ART QUILTS – As the perception of quilting changes, the craft is increasingly accepted in the world of art AFRICA – The popularity of quilting, though not a native craft, rises with indigenous people ASIA – A continent with a deep textiles history celebrates culture through fabric JAPAN – Ancient sewing techniques once used to create beautiful kimonos now guide modern-day Japanese quilters EUROPE – Centuries of tradition led contemporary quilters to push for revival WHOLE CLOTH – Tradition in style and detail AUSTRALIA – After a fascinating beginning, Australian quilting continues to use techniques inspired by its surroundings AMERICAS – Immigrants started to shape the American quilt before they finished shaping the country HAWAII – Bold, bright patterns are reflected through the distinct appliqué style of Hawaiian quilts AFRICAN AMERICAN – Pieces made with purpose convey meaning through strong patterns and bold colors BUSINESS – Love of the craft guides business owners to provide quilters with tools OUTREACH – Quilting as a form of outreach goes beyond state boundaries and spans generations and continents as people worldwide use quilts to connect with others AIDS QUILT – Piece-by-piece, a quilt is formed by victims’ families and friends to create a fabric legacy YOUNG QUILTERS – Established quilters strive to garner interest from a younger generation A non-optimized version of the PDF file (210 MB) is attached below as an Additional file