“Every park has trees and trails. What makes people come back is you.”
The future of parks starts with people. In this episode, I share my keynote at Michigan DNR’s in-service event where I why you are the difference.
When Michigan State Parks invited me back to speak at their in-service event, I had no idea how much it would stir up memories and gratitude. Nearly two decades ago, I stood on that same stage, fresh from my days as a ranger. This time, the theme was “Back to the Future,” and what a perfect reminder that sometimes the best way forward is to look back at what grounds us.
The talk I gave—shared unedited in this episode—was a full-circle moment. From stories about my awkward ranger beginnings to the infamous outhouse award (yes, that’s a real thing), it was a celebration of the community and calling of park professionals.
We talked about staff, service, and stories—the true difference-makers. Michigan parks have faced incredible growth since the pandemic, with a 32% rise in visitors. That’s no small feat. And yet, the innovation, commitment, and deep pride among the team stood out in every park I visited.
This episode isn’t just a talk. It’s a tribute. To the park rangers, the interpreters, the maintenance crews, and the office teams who make outdoor magic possible. You’re not just running parks—you’re restoring spirits, building community, and preserving Michigan’s culture.
And let’s be honest: if you’ve ever had to adjust 7 degrees to the right in a vault toilet, you know—every detail matters.
Resources
https://parkleaders.com/about/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/
Notable Moments
[00:03:05] – Starting the keynote, the outhouse story that sparked an award
[00:07:24] – Transition from financial analyst to ranger life
[00:14:07] – Pandemic pressure and park visitation boom
[00:19:02] – Shifting from surviving to thriving post-2020
[00:26:49] – Importance of all roles: field and office
[00:30:01] – Why park staff are the defining feature of any park
[00:33:20] – Difference between “learned” and “earned” park stories
[00:38:27] – Parks’ impact on quality of life, not just economy
[00:42:41] – Michigan’s leadership in innovation and conservation
[00:47:44] – The importance of gatherings like in-service