Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation's Blog

November 2008

JHWF’s new website

JHWF’s new website

JHWF's new website is a dynamic combination of the old Web and the new Web 2.0. The new Web 2.0 is more of a two way conversation and interactive experience; whereas the old Web is more of a library of important information. With an increasing number of people reading, writing, and commenting on websites, blogs, email, and photo sharing sites the way we use the Web is shifting in a fundamental way. The public, instead of primarily being passive consumers of information, are becoming more and more active participants. JHWF's new website represents the best of both worlds: it allows staff, the board, volunteers, and the general public to have a voice in sharing and expressing the mission; and it still is the same great resource of information that promotes ways for our community to live compatibly with wildlife.

    Important new features

  • All content is now easily editable by anyone with access using basic word processing skills.
  • All content is stored in a database which separates the content from the style of the site, making future redesigns and style changes very easy. Having the content in a database also allows all content to be searchable. Now visitors can search for info rather than browse, most people have a preference and now they have options.
  • Email capture function added
  • Call to action buttons: Donate and Volunteer
  • JHWF Blog functions: Staff, board members and/or invited guest can now easily post current events, JHWF events, scientific endeavors, volunteer projects or other information where people might have a deep expertise and a desire to express it.
  • Photos can be added to the blog posts, as shown above.
  • Links can be inserted to pages within the site to promote existing programs. Or links can be created to other organizations that share the JHWF mission or could help JHWF's causes like Old Bill's
  • The blog and events area can be used in the fence pull project, for example. Add a fence pull to the event section, create links to sign-up, what to bring or even show the location on google maps. After the fence pull, volunteers should be encouraged to share their experience in words or photos or both. The volunteer's stories and photos will then serve as a way to market and increase participation and inspire and motivate.
  • Flickr integration. Flickr is the largest photo sharing site. The general public can upload their photos of wildlife taken in Jackson Hole to the flickr group I created, called Jackson Hole Wildlife. Professional and amateur photographers, and snap shooters can upload their photos of wildlife in Jackson Hole and share their stories. Maybe some will link back to JHWF's main website and get involved. Creating another way for people to interact and connect to the organization.
  • The Google map on roadkill hotspots is another interactive method of sharing JHWF's knowledge with the public. The map can be a collaborative effort where staff and volunteers update sighting, observations or conflicts.

    • The new website will ask that staff, volunteers, the board and the general public interact and get involved with the mission of the JHWF.