“National parks are sacred not because of what we build, but because of what we protect.” When Sam Gennawey joins a conversation, you know you’re about to explore the story behind the story. Sam’s latest book, Sacred Landscapes, takes readers on a six-year, 175,000-mile journey through national parks from the lens of someone who’s quite […]
Park Leaders
Do You Need Park Experience to Manage a Park
“You don’t have to come from parks to lead in parks. But you do have to embrace the culture, listen, and lead with purpose.” Every so often, an email lands in my inbox that reminds me why I started this show in the first place. In this episode, Phil Gaines and I respond to a […]
Stories Connect People to Conservation
“The only way you’re going to save the world is with a damn good story.” What if the future of conservation hinged less on policy and more on storytelling? That’s one of my favorite takeaways from my conversation with Jeff Parrish, Global Managing Director for Protect Oceans, Lands, and Water at The Nature Conservancy. Jeff […]
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 […]
Dealing With Administrative Change
“You have to be ready because change is constant, and you have to be able to adapt and adjust.” As the retired director of South Carolina State Parks and a current professor at Clemson University, Phil Gaines has wisdom on navigating administrative changes in park systems that is invaluable. Phil joined me to break down the […]
Talking About the Glacier Park Conservancy
“By bringing varied backgrounds into conservation careers, we are ensuring our parks represent all of America.” In Glacier National Park, the journey to reintroduce bison is a great example of the power of perseverance and learning from failure. The collaborative effort between the US Federal Government, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Glacier Park leaders, and […]
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 […]
Creating Experiences for Normal People
“The general public is not impressed with how much you know. They’re impressed with how much you’ve inspired them to know more about the places they visit.” The deep knowledge of park leaders is invaluable. However, when we want to create experiences for the everyday visitor it is important to recognize that simplicity resonates with […]
Finding the Return on Investment in Interpretation
“People can’t fall in love with your park if they’re lost.” Interpretation plays a vital role in attracting, entertaining, and educating diverse users. One person with a lot of experience in this area is Ky Harkey, former director of interpretation for Texas State Parks and now founder of The Visitor Experience. His expertise in interpretation […]
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 […]