In recent years, there has been an ongoing debate about environmental education vs. interpretation.
In 2005 Doug Knapp wrote a nice article comparing environmental education vs interpretation Click to read article. While I will leave the debate to others in the field, several new books are available at Environmental Literacy Center discussing interpretation and applying it towards research and programs.
Applied Interpretation: Putting Research into Practice
Doug Knapp, 2008
Applied Interpretation: Putting Research into Practice offers practitioners, managers, and students of interpretation a source for interpretive theory, techniques, strategies, and experiences that have been shown, through research, to be successful in conveying interpretive messages. This resource is the product of 16 years of research that has evaluated traditional programs, school field trips, and visitor center and campfire programs. The findings, offered through vignettes and case studies, are the product of long-term assessments that range from three months to three years following an interpretive experience. 
Interpretive Master Planning: Volume One: Strategies for the New Millennium, John A Veverka 2011
Interpretive Master Planning presents - in two comprehensive volumes - a wealth of information on how to plan and design interpretive facilities and services. John Veverka's lively text uses anecdotes, case histories and interactive examples to illustrate every aspect of the interpretive process: from how to decide exactly what to interpret, and how best to do it, through to effective planning, implementation - and very much more. Interpretive Master Planning is the most comprehensive reference book on the subject - over 650 pages in two volumes - an invaluable resource for designing interpretation that really works.
"Here is knowledge based on years of national and international interpretive planning projects with parks, museums, commercial attractions and a variety of other agencies. This is a classic work by an author who does interpretive planning every day." - Gary R Moore, Program Coordinator, MetroParks, Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio.
Interpretation By Design :Graphic Design Basics for Heritage Interpreters,
Paul Caputo, Shea Lewis, Lisa Brochu 2008
Interpreters use exhibits, brochures, signs, websites, site publications, and other visual media to tell their stories. Written for interpreters who have little or no training in graphic design but find themselves responsible for creating or overseeing the production of nonpersonal media, Interpretation by Design focuses on using basic principles of both graphic design and interpretation in nonpersonal media. This book addresses how to make decisions about type, color, and composition, as well as why an interpretive approach may be more effective for communicating with your audience.These books will be located at the Environmental Literacy Center at the Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs
