“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 […]
Podcast
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 […]
The Impact of Local Conservation
“those little tidbits of information really help park and conservation leaders be better in their jobs, be better stewards of the resources, and just be better community leaders.” – Chris Lee Local conservation efforts have a lasting impact on communities and individuals. Chris Lee, the executive director of Des Moines County Conservation, joins for […]
Manage Like a Mother
“When your mother was not setting expectation properly and yet was keeping you accountable, it felt unfair. You remember that. So take those learnings and apply them in the workforce…” – Valerie Cockerell The skills and experiences of motherhood translate into essential and effective leadership skills. Valerie Cockerell joins for a conversation on the similarities […]
The Future of Camping
“… they don’t have to make conservation their top priority. So you combine those 2, and they are really doing some innovative things around camping.” The increasing demand for camping in natural parks has impacted the future of camping. Companies are taking notice and working to proactively prepare for this growing interest. During this conversation, […]
Reviewing the 2023 State Park Director’s Conference
“What you’re doing is making a difference not only for this generation, but if you do it right, it’s making a difference for future generations.” Phil Gaines and I had the chance to record an episode together while attending the 2023 State Park Director’s Conference at the Mormon State Historic Site in Genoa, Nevada. It […]
Managing the Capacity Dilemma
Capacity is a big challenge for this generation, especially post-pandemic. We need to rethink how we get people into these special places while preserving their natural beauty and ensuring a meaningful and enjoyable experience. – Phil Gaines As national park attendance continues to increase, managing visitor numbers has become crucial. The pressure is on park […]
Transforming Neglected Parks into Community Assets
“The more interaction you have with nature, the healthier you are mentally and physically.” – Dan Biederman Dan Biederman is an expert in urban redevelopment, who discovered a profound love for the outdoors at a young age. He dreamed of becoming a forest ranger, but lacked the scientific background. Instead, he found himself as a […]
Searching for Missing Hikers
“I really wanted to tell the truth behind the beautiful scenery.” In a world of rugged landscapes and unpredictable elements, park rangers and first responders face challenges that test their limits. Sometimes that work can include critical tasks such as searching for missing hikers. Andrea Lankford is a former National Park Service ranger who joins […]
The Role of an Assistant Park Manager
“The exposure that assistant managers have to total park operations is tremendous.” Managing a park isn’t a one-person job. It’s a combination of efforts from different individuals. Phil Gaines and I explore the hidden challenges and crucial responsibilities within the role of an assistant park manager. An assistant park manager has to understand how that […]