“Signs don’t do much. It’s the educational programs where you’re actually talking to people that are the most effective in changing behaviors.”
Sean Underhill is a park ranger from Prescott, Arizona helping get city-level park programs up and running. He shares insights into their extensive volunteer efforts and a new ranger program that is building a bridge between parks and local communities. The implementation of a city level Junior Ranger program is one great example of the innovative initiatives they are working on.
Rarely do we hear about city-focused Junior Ranger programs, and Prescott’s approach is nothing short of transformative. Their team includes one paid ranger and a robust volunteer system. Together they’ve shifted from code enforcement to immersive interpretive work, and now are watching the The Nature Ninos program take off. This reaches children from ages 0 to 8, engaging them and their families in hands-on outdoor learning experiences. And it is all for free!
Some of the notable things Sean shares:
- Volunteer-PoweredPrescott’s unique reliance on volunteers and AmeriCorps members shows how community engagement can drive impactful programs.
- Educational ImpactTheir shift from enforcement to education and interpretation is building a deeper connection between the people and the parks.
- Inclusive ApproachWith a bilingual Junior Ranger booklet, partnerships with local organizations, and thoughtful attention to accessibility, Prescott is making nature education inclusive and engaging for all.
Families can earn a Junior Ranger badge by visiting local organizations and engaging with their surroundings through a beautifully crafted, region-specific guidebook that’s free to access. Sean’s work underscores that introducing families to local nature is foundational to fostering a lifetime of appreciation and conservation.
The ripple effect of this work is worth noting. By grounding families in their local natural environments, they lay the groundwork for broader conservation efforts on a national scale. Sean’s insights remind us that every journey to protect our large natural spaces starts in our own backyards.
Curious about adopting some of these ideas in your park? Listen to the full episode to learn more about Sean’s journey and pick up practical tips for creating a similar impact in your community.
Resources
https://parkleaders.com/about/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/
Notable Moments
00:42 Prescott’s volunteer-driven, unique park ranger system.
03:26 Code enforcement change to interpretation.
07:07 Leave No Trace signs to improve local campsites.
11:48 Enhance accessibility and safety to attract families.
15:38 Launching a Junior Ranger program
18:06 Nature Ninos partner is developing a local STEM activity center.
20:53 ADA trails improve park accessibility.