“I’m going to do something that’s connected to the national parks or our or a state park near me so that I can use my knowledge and see the real world impact it has. And that way, I never am stuck in class asking, why is this important? Why on earth do I have to […]
national parks
Rethinking Park Restrooms
“We’ve designed the bathroom to be agnostic to the environment in which it goes. There are certainly other operational considerations the further out you go, but there’s really no fundamental limitation as to where we put a throne.” The days of endless maintenance and poorly maintained facilities might just be behind us. While bathrooms in […]
The Role of Philanthropy in Parks
“Nothing gets done without partners. And in fact, it’s way more fun when you get to do it with other people.” Philanthropy is a powerful tool that often goes unnoticed in the world of park management. This week, I had the privilege of diving deep into this crucial topic with Sarah Unz, Vice President of […]
Connecting With Nature in the Classroom
“They’ve done studies observing children in a park. They issue the more organized places like a like a soccer field or basketball court, but the kids always end up on the edges where the trees or the brush is just messing around.” Childhood adventures in nature often shape a lifetime of curiosity and exploration. Yet, […]
Attention to Details Matter to Park Guests
“The small stuff is where you create that memory or you create an impression that never leaves them. Attention to those little details really matter.” Attention to details isn’t just a small matter; it can transform the experience of park visitors. In the latest episode of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Gaines returns for a […]
What Has Changed in Parks in the Last Decade
“If you look back over the last 100 years of significant events in America’s parks, state, national, local, that, you know, on that list of the top 10 or 15 things that’s changed the way we manage parks is, how we did the pandemic.” We just celebrated a major milestone—300 episodes of the Park Leaders […]
Interpreting Freeman Tilden
“Does it really make any difference if you do believe something, but are at the same time intolerant of someone who does not agree or concur in your beliefs?” In this episode, Walt Dabney returns to share his extraordinary experience as a student trainee. Walt is the retired director of Texas State Parks and a […]
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 […]
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 […]