The Conservation Planning and Park Management (CPPM) major was the only major in the Natural Resource Management Department that did not have its own club, parks interpretation management (PIM) club. Now, it is housed amongst Ecology Club, Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Club and Natural Resource Law Enforcement Club along with many more.  

Additional clubs that fall in this department include Range Club, Fishing Club and Pheasants Forever Student Chapter.  

PIM prepares students by strengthening their communication skills, something that’s valuable in any field, and essential for interpreters and educators. Through community-based projects, students gain hands-on experience in interpretation, collaboration, and public engagement.  

The group wants to provide hands-on experience with skills that are important for working in parks. Some include creating programs that emphasize technical skills and interpersonal skills. Skills students can use for a variety of careers in environmental sciences.  

This club also provides a place where people can connect with fellow peers that share this passion.  

The officer team is focusing on setting the club up for success in the future. They hope that the connections that they establish and events that they hold can set a good example for the club for future members.  

A couple CPPM students had considered starting a club for about a year before true establishment began. A lot of the members were taking the Park Interpretation class last fall semester – which brought the idea to fruition.  

By following the university process of creating a constitution, the club was approved.  

“I am very grateful for the support and interest shown by NRM faculty and students,” MacKinzey Jurey, Junior and club president, said    

The main goal for the spring semester is to put on programs around the Brookings community. They did a program about invasive species at the elderly home and are planning a scavenger hunt for the community too.  

“We would love to be able to send a few club members to the annual South Dakota Parks and Rec Association and Conference,” said Jurey. “This convention is very well attended by South Dakota Game Fish and Parks, and it would be a great experience for our members!” 

Moving forward, the club has ideas for different programs and events around the community and on campus they are looking forward to. 

They plan to invite guest speakers in to speak on various topics in park interpretation and management along with workshops, movie nights and potentially camping.  

This semester, the group met almost every Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. in Biostress 184.   

“I’m most looking forward to working with the students as they continue making a meaningful impact on the community,” said Jurey. “We are currently providing feedback to the Waterton Zoo and planning new educational activities for local elementary schools and assisted living facilities.” 

Current Parks Interpretation Management Club officers: 

President: MacKinzey Jurey, a Junior CPPM major with a minor in Spanish from Kennard, NE 

Vice President: Grace Carruthers, a Junior CPPM major with a minor in sustainability from Rosemount, MN 

Secretary: Caleigh Loger, a Junior CPPM major with minors in sustainability, military science and GIS from Odebolt, IA 

Treasurer: Kate Pfeifle, a Junior majoring in ecology and environmental sciences with a minor in data science from Sioux Falls, SD 

Public Relations & Social Media: Amara Roland, a Junior CPPM major with a minor in sustainability from Rapid City, SD