On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, biologist, Gina Zwicky, joins the show to discuss her passion for frogs. Charming, charismatic, and ecologically intriguing, Gina explains how frogs inspired her career as well as her side hustles. Currently serving as a park service volunteer, Gina also discusses why she enjoys taking people on interpretative […]
Interpreters are the Conscience of Parks
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host Phil Gaines, and Milward Simpson, Executor Director for the National Association of Interpretation, returns to discuss interpreters at parks. While most interpretative services foster outdoor natural hobbies and interests, as Milward and Phil explain, the success of visitation must also reflect in data and revenue. […]
Working with Associations
Andrea Ketchmark, executive director of the North Country Trail Association, joins the show to discuss chapter-based organizations and the working relationship between agencies and associations. As the pioneer of a nonprofit organization that coordinates volunteer trail builders and chapters in eight states, Andrea’s role entails project implantation, navigation and safety communications, and grant writing. However, […]
Conservationists Who Don’t Wear the Uniform
Phil Gaines, returns to discuss ways park rangers can help outside conservationists. While rules and procedures are necessary for national park success, as Phil explains, integrating external voices into collaboration and activation is critical. Often, those in uniform want help from those not in uniform but within their terms and parameters. The question is: How […]
Making Long-Term Resource Decisions
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, new director of Indiana State Parks, Terry Coleman, joins the show to discuss his story and the importance of long-term resource decisions. Having served as deputy director of state parks since 2014, Terry has been operating as interim state parks director since August. With skills in long-term […]
The Truth About Multi-Tasking in Park Management
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest cohost, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss his philosophy on multi-tasking. While most assume multi-tasking is a strength, as Jody and Phil explain, there are better ways to be productive. For instance, with park management, the focus for a ranger should not be to execute multiple responsibilities […]
The Power of Interpretation
Milward Simpson, Executor Director for the National Association of Interpretation and former park ranger, joins the show to discuss the power of interpretation. With a diverse career portfolio, Milward shares how his park ranger experience helped prepare him for his current job at NAI. As he explains, while each role, from the artistic director of […]
Save the Yellowstone Grizzly
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Doug Peacock joins the show to discuss his latest project, Save The Yellowstone Grizzly. A long-time naturalist, Doug founded STYG in 2016 to advocate safety and recovery of grizzlies south of Canada. As he explains, the removal of grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park should be a […]
Devoting a Career to One Park
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, David Van Cleve, joins the show to discuss locational stability in a park ranger career. As David shares in his book, ‘A Greatness of Spirit: Tales of Extraordinary Rangers at the Heart of California’s State Park System’, few rangers stay the course within one state park; however, […]
Working with Friends Groups
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Francis joins Jody and Phil Gaines to discuss working with support groups. A retired superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Francis explains how friends groups can help maintain accountability among park rangers and leaders. For instance, through networking, advocacy, and project development, friends groups can call […]