“People don’t fall in love with parks because of facts alone. They fall in love when they understand the stories.”
When people think about who tells the stories of parks, they usually imagine rangers, naturalists, or longtime employees. Sometimes, though, the most powerful storytellers come from outside the system. Allison Martin is one of those people.
Allison is an English teacher from Indiana who never worked in parks, yet cares deeply about them. That curiosity led her to create In the Parks, a podcast focused entirely on Indiana State Parks. What started as a simple idea quickly became a way to help people understand what they’re seeing when they visit a park, not just walk past it.
Allison didn’t grow up as an outdoor enthusiast. Her connection to parks developed over time, through running, working as a camp counselor, and slowly discovering the value of being outside. That perspective matters. She approaches parks the way many visitors do. She leans into her curiosity, questions, and desire to understand why a place matters.
What impressed me most is how intentionally she tells stories. She blends conversations with park staff, volunteers, and narration to create episodes that feel engaging and accessible. Naturalists play a big role in her work, and for good reason. They are exceptional storytellers, capable of connecting geology, history, wildlife, and people into a single experience.
Allison shared powerful examples of how stories emerge once you start paying attention. From uncovering deep spiritual connections at Mounds State Park to witnessing recovery and healing after a tornado at McCormick’s Creek, her episodes show that parks are not static places. They are living stories shaped by people, history, and care.
Her work also highlights something we often overlook. You don’t need to wear the uniform to have an impact on parks. Civilians play a critical role through volunteering, visiting, donating, and simply showing up. Those actions matter more than most people realize.
If there’s one takeaway from this conversation, it’s this: parks thrive when people feel connected to them. Storytelling builds that connection. And sometimes, the best storytellers are the ones discovering the parks alongside everyone else.
Connect with Allison
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/INtheParksonline
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/INtheparksonline
Resources
https://parkleaders.com/about/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/
Notable Moments
[00:00:55] Why Allison started a podcast about Indiana State Parks
[00:02:32] Discovering a love for the outdoors later in life
[00:03:17] How the podcast gained support from Indiana State Parks
[00:06:27] Finding stories inside each park
[00:08:02] Why interpretive naturalists are powerful storytellers
[00:14:00] Rediscovering familiar parks through curiosity
[00:18:22] The role of hospitality in Indiana State Parks
[00:24:51] Advice for civilians who want to have an impact on parks