The day I discovered the U.S. Department of the Interior (@Interior)’s twitter feed, my sense of patriotism just about doubled.
Not only is it a great example of how a federal agency can use social media to inform people about our nation’s resources and programs, but also, it’s incredibly fun and beautiful to scroll through. And I’m not the only person to love it – Time magazine named it one of the 140 Best Twitter Feeds in 2014, and it’s gained a steady following of about 264,000. Here are some of my reasons why it’s one of my favorite social media outlets these days.
On rainy or glum days when you feel cooped up indoors at home or in your office, it can be nice to go through pictures that remind you of the spectacular beauty of our natural world. Interior regularly posts jaw-dropping landscapes that will make you become a conservationist – if you already weren’t one. We’re lucky to live in a country that has such a diverse range of natural habitats. It’s nice to be reminded of that each time you log on twitter.
#DidYouKnow: On Monday you can visit national parks, wildlife refuges & public lands for free. RT to spread the word! pic.twitter.com/dcHEgeBsUE
— US Dept of Interior (@Interior) January 16, 2015
Here’s a seriously cute pic to start your day: A monk seal & baby turtle at Papahānaumokuākea Marine Monument #nature pic.twitter.com/PMkSwhShM1 — US Dept of Interior (@Interior) January 21, 2015
By fostering awareness of animals in such a fun way, DOI is encouraging people to protect their habitats. This awareness-raising technique is a great way to spread appreciation of protected areas and ensure that they’ll continue to be preserved and supported by the American people.
In addition to being fun, Interior’s twitter is also highly educational. It provides information on natural resources and relevant updates on environmental issues, which is a great way to learn about targeted issues happening now in a very concise way that’s easy to understand and doesn’t take up very much time. The feed provides snippets of relevant issues on America’s great outdoors in a way that doesn’t feel too cumbersome.
.@SecretaryJewell celebrates agreement w/ Seminole Tribe that will help spur investment http://t.co/K5aG4uTOa8pic.twitter.com/rEJR3tpLMx
— US Dept of Interior (@Interior) January 8, 2015
Interior was the only federal agency on Time’s list of best twitter feeds. How can other agencies learn from this example and replicate its success?
It’s important to provide the information that you’re trying to disseminate to generate knowledge and support from the masses, but it seems that Interior has done a great job of balancing information with entertainment. On top of that, they do so in a way that’s incredibly visually pleasing.
This social media initiative is a ultimately success, however, because it serves the larger mission of Interior, which is to “protect America’s natural resources and heritage, honor our cultures and tribal communities, and supplies the energy to power our future.” Educating people about our natural habitat is a critical part of protecting and honoring natural resources. And it’s inspired this blog-writer to strap on her hiking boots and go explore this nation’s great local parks this weekend.