“Parks can be a great antidote to social isolation and mental health struggles. Yet the only way to do that effectively is to invest in our parks and make sure that the experience that people have when they go is positive and supportive of those health outcomes.” While on my way to the National Association […]
Creating Experiences for Normal People
“The general public is not impressed with how much you know. They’re impressed with how much you’ve inspired them to know more about the places they visit.” The deep knowledge of park leaders is invaluable. However, when we want to create experiences for the everyday visitor it is important to recognize that simplicity resonates with […]
Volunteer Projects to Enhance Tourism
“We have to do more things with younger people to make sure they know what a cool industry we are and that there are so many different job opportunities that aren’t just front line.” The dedication of park professionals is undeniable, especially when they are all together in one place. At the annual in-service for […]
The Role of a Park Director
“A good new part director has a vision. And and if you want to make a difference and leave your mark, you have to have vision of where you want to take your agency in the next year, in the next 3 years, and in the next 5 years.” Successful leaders have a clear vision […]
Leadership is a Choice
“Go sit on a rock in your favorite spot somewhere and do a very serious self-assessment. What am I good at? What am I not good at? What do I like to do? What do I don’t like to do? And if you don’t want to be out there in the lead, if you don’t […]
Finding the Return on Investment in Interpretation
“People can’t fall in love with your park if they’re lost.” Interpretation plays a vital role in attracting, entertaining, and educating diverse users. One person with a lot of experience in this area is Ky Harkey, former director of interpretation for Texas State Parks and now founder of The Visitor Experience. His expertise in interpretation […]
Managing Protected Areas
“Part of the narrative that we find ourselves in is talking about creating areas that are protected for people, not from people.” Ryan Finchum is the co-director of the Center For Protected Area Management at Colorado State University and a seasoned expert working with the US Forest Service international programs. He joins for a conversation […]
Answering Questions About Being a Park Ranger
“If you’re going to be really good at it, you’re passionate about it. You believe that you’re doing something that’s bigger than just collecting a paycheck.” Being a park ranger is about more than just trees and trails. Phil Gaines and I both believe it is about the people you meet and the relationships you […]
Document History
“Sometimes we forget, or perhaps even take for granted, the significant role that we may be we may be playing in this legacy that we call parks.” It is incredibly important to preserve the historical legacy of our national and state parks. There is a need to capture significant events, natural disasters, and park facilities […]
People Come First In Parks
“If you offer something specific, not only are you offering to help, but that shows that you see them as a person and that you’re recognizing their specific needs rather than just generalized to the general population.” Last episode, we did an interview with Chris Lee. In this episode, we’re going to Flip it a […]