Park Leaders Show : Park Ranger | National Park | State Park | Leadership

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Jackson Lake State Senior Park Director Amy Brandenburg joins the show to discuss becoming dark-sky certified. Having helped her Morgan County state park achieve dark-sky certified status in September 2020, Amy explains the requirements of obtaining the designation. As she points out, the accreditation process can be exhausting for parks pursuing similar endeavors. For starters, park rangers must not only file an extended application but revise their park’s resources to meet light pollution regulations. Despite the hard work, Amy is hopeful new tourism trends will continue in 2021 and beyond. As a charge for other state parks, Amy advises rangers to think outside the box to maximize their resources, protect the environment and inspire attendance. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this special episode of the Park Leaders Show, the Logsdon family joins the show to discuss iguanas and working with families as camp hosts. As a family on the go, the Logsdon live an abnormal life; however, while their mobile, small-home lifestyle has been perceived unorthodox by some, the learning, volunteer, and mentoring opportunities have well made up for it. According to Nathan, more young families should consider camp hosting as a realistic venture. Even in shoulder seasons, camp hosts can reap resume building leads and reach a broader group of people as they learn more about nature and culture in state parks. Resources: Website: mamasaysnamaste.com E-mail: ashley@mamasaysnamaste.com Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, biologist, Gina Zwicky, joins the show to discuss her passion for frogs. Charming, charismatic, and ecologically intriguing, Gina explains how frogs inspired her career as well as her side hustles. Currently serving as a park service volunteer, Gina also discusses why she enjoys taking people on interpretative nature hikes and what people can do to improve their interactions. For instance, while frogs are suffering due to human activity, by connecting with nature through interpretation and community science programs, people can enhance the quality of frogs as they participate in ecological monitoring. Resources: Twitter: https://twitter.com/GinaGoesOutside Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginagoesoutside/ Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host Phil Gaines, and Milward Simpson, Executor Director for the National Association of Interpretation, returns to discuss interpreters at parks. While most interpretative services foster outdoor natural hobbies and interests, as Milward and Phil explain, the success of visitation must also reflect in data and revenue. As many parker ranges aspire, forming life-long connections with guests is an intellectual and financial end-goal; however, this shouldn’t deter park leaders from capturing data and viewing revenue generation outside program figures. Furthermore, to improve interpretative services at the park, rangers should consider virtual programming, training, even podcasts in the implementation of audience expansion. Although technology can never replace experiential learning, the use of interpretation improvisation can help reach the next generation. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Andrea Ketchmark, executive director of the North Country Trail Association, joins the show to discuss chapter-based organizations and the working relationship between agencies and associations. As the pioneer of a nonprofit organization that coordinates volunteer trail builders and chapters in eight states, Andrea’s role entails project implantation, navigation and safety communications, and grant writing. However, of all her responsibilities, perhaps the greatest challenge involves working with agencies. Per her experience, while the working relationship between association and agency can be complex, Andrea encourages emerging leaders to start with a shared vision. Before you set off to achieve anything, establish a unifier and take time to have conversations and build trust. By staying consistent with these virtues, an organization can maintain a positive impact in its community. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

Phil Gaines, returns to discuss ways park rangers can help outside conservationists. While rules and procedures are necessary for national park success, as Phil explains, integrating external voices into collaboration and activation is critical. Often, those in uniform want help from those not in uniform but within their terms and parameters. The question is: How can park rangers help non-rangers advocate national resources and wildlife without overyielding? As Jody and Phil conclude, though the challenge of defining roles can be difficult, it’s well worth the effort in making parks a better place. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, new director of Indiana State Parks, Terry Coleman, joins the show to discuss his story and the importance of long-term resource decisions. Having served as deputy director of state parks since 2014, Terry has been operating as interim state parks director since August. With skills in long-term resource decision-making, Terry explains how he achieved the position and why strategic planning is critical during short administrations. Per his experiences, stewarding relationships and teamwork not only fuels quality effort but strategic planning. As a charge to the next generation of park leaders, Terry advises knowing the prize and maintaining focus. If you can do this for yourself and help others do the same, no question, you’ll be effective in what leadership role you pursue. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest cohost, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss his philosophy on multi-tasking. While most assume multi-tasking is a strength, as Jody and Phil explain, there are better ways to be productive. For instance, with park management, the focus for a ranger should not be to execute multiple responsibilities simultaneously but strategically prioritize through empowerment, compartmentalization, and planning. In this way, rangers can be the best managers they can be, tending smaller circles as the big ones take care of themselves.   Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

Milward Simpson, Executor Director for the National Association of Interpretation and former park ranger, joins the show to discuss the power of interpretation. With a diverse career portfolio, Milward shares how his park ranger experience helped prepare him for his current job at NAI. As he explains, while each role, from the artistic director of a theme park to the administrator of a state historic preservation agency, improved his skills as an administrator in conservation arenas, the key to his success has always been his work ethic and appreciation for cultural heritage. Fittingly, as a final charge, Milward encourages the emerging generation to take their education seriously and to consider the interpretation field if you have a knack for communications, technology, maintenance, and personnel management. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Doug Peacock joins the show to discuss his latest project, Save The Yellowstone Grizzly. A long-time naturalist, Doug founded STYG in 2016 to advocate safety and recovery of grizzlies south of Canada. As he explains, the removal of grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park should be a national priority following the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s March 2016 delisting announcement. With the agency’s dismissal of climate change and relocation urgency, Doug hopes the nonprofit will score legal victories as they seek to preserve the welfare of grizzly bears in Yellowstone and similar national parks. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, David Van Cleve, joins the show to discuss locational stability in a park ranger career. As David shares in his book, ‘A Greatness of Spirit: Tales of Extraordinary Rangers at the Heart of California's State Park System’, few rangers stay the course within one state park; however, for those who do, they carry unique perspectives worth exploring. For instance, as regional managers and supervisors, rangers who stay in one park throughout their tenure have the opportunity to impact thousands of students within the same community. Through educational influence, these rangers can model high standards of excellence and promote cultural heritage for their park systems. Resources: A Greatness of Spirit: https://www.amazon.com/Greatness-Spirit-Extraordinary-Rangers-Californias-ebook/dp/B07HJHP2PQ Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Francis joins Jody and Phil Gaines to discuss working with support groups. A retired superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Francis explains how friends groups can help maintain accountability among park rangers and leaders. For instance, through networking, advocacy, and project development, friends groups can call on experienced members to speak for resources and park mission whether it involves testifying before Congress or writing letters to editors. As Francis elaborates, the goal of friends groups is to resolve local and political issues, manage state and federal projects, and cultivate relationships. If a national park wants to prioritize this endeavor, park managers must not only understand nonprofit requirements but understand the budgets and social value behind their projects. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

Ben Novak, the lead scientist of the biotechnology nonprofit Revive & Restore, joins the show to discuss his historic breakthrough. A conservation activist, Ben shares the story of Elizabeth Ann, a black-footed ferret, recently cloned as part of a project with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Revive & Restore, and the San Diego Zoo. With a passion for saving endangered species, Ben plans to reintroduce similar species to their habitats through artificial insemination as a genetic rescue model. Having spearheading this scientific milestone, Ben hopes the pandemic can be a wake-up call for the next generation to take risks with their goals. Like him in his early career, emerging leaders may encounter negative feedback in their quest for positive change; however, this doesn’t mean they should give up. Instead, Ben charges young people to stay the course as fresh ideas, like the bioethics of cloning and preservation, become more culturally accepted. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.f

In this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Matt Holloway, a former ranger at Glacier National park, and his 11-year-old daughter, Harper, joins the show to discuss their epic hiking adventure. After hiking 160 miles of the Pacific Northwest Trail Reroute in 19 days, Matt and Harper share their motivations and takeaways from the experience. While part of their inspiration was to deter hunter activism, the primary objective was to raise conservation awareness for grizzly bears. By hiking the trail, Matt and Harper hope their ground truth observations can help park rangers consider rerouting the trail in a way that will preserve grizzly bear habitation.  Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting park visitation and user groups. While the pandemic has reduced the number of new visitors in national parks, there are still some encouraging trends for park rangers. For instance, while bottom-line attendance may be down, certain demographics like women, youth, and seniors are making more frequent trips to parks. As Phil explains, though more time is needed to monitor these trends, such patterns are worth statistical analysis as new markets often lead to new activities. Additionally, when you consider disruptive innovations and social media, the stage is set for new crazes to emerge. Like mountain biking, geocaching, and Instagram hotspots the past decade, there will be new rages at some point; hence, why rangers should not be discouraged about temporary retention and focus more on the voice of their audience. Resources: One of Us: https://www.amazon.com/One-Us-Biologists-Among-Bears/dp/1525548514 Conne

Phil Gaines, the semi-regular guest host, returns to discuss annual performance reviews. While some employers view annual reviews as obligations, the truth is these evaluations are critical to an organization's success. As Phil explains, the best annual performance reviews involve checkmarks throughout the year to maintain consistency. To evaluate performance correctly, supervisors should gauge progress on monthly to quarterly intervals using surveys or 1:1 meetings. Furthermore, annual performance reviews should not only distinguish performance issues versus disciplinary issues but promote open dialogue dedicated to vocational growth.   However you approach performance evaluation, remember to distribute feedback and encourage learning opportunities regularly. In this way, you will motivate your team members to accomplish their goals with maximum efficiency. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

Barrie Gilbert, a bear biologist and author of ‘One of Us: A Biologist’s Walk Among Bears’, joins the show to discuss his research and resources.    Having survived a near-fatal attack by a bear in 1977 In Yellowstone Park, Gilbert has devoted his career to wildlife discovery. For over four decades, Gilbert’s scientific inquiries have inspired a new generation to study bear behavior and habitation preservation. Ultimately, his work has changed the narrative concerning the perception of grizzlies in national parks. As for his book, “One of Us” examines the integrity of hunting as well as the years Gilbert spent in Yosemite studying black bears. To him, if the public concept of bears is to improve, we must replace the Louis and Clark mindset for one seeking to enhance their environment. Only then can we promote safe practices regarding the man and bear relationship. Resources: One of Us: https://www.amazon.com/One-Us-Biologists-Among-Bears/dp/1525548514 Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebo

In this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss how parks can maximize their winter seasons.   For most parks, tourism is high in the summer, low in the winter. As visitation decreases during the cold months, the opportunities for special projects increase. The question is: How do parks best utilize their downtime to avoid lost time?  As Phil explains, while winter work projects vary upon location and climate, the bottom lines are the same. If a park ranger wants to prepare for the spring, they must promote rest for staff, document processes, focus on planning, and fix infrastructures critical to volume.  Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss strong park culture.  While some say culture is how you do things, the truth is discovering culture goes much deeper. For instance, when a new park ranger obtains a new role, they instantly inherit a culture. In some cases, the culture may be unhealthy; in others, it may be rich in tradition.  Whatever the situation, knowing the formal structure and informal influencers is critical to quality management. As Phil explains, though rangers may serve as the primary authority, all staff members can leave an impact on a park and its programs. Accordingly, if rangers commit themselves to know their personnel and the people they influence, the more they’ll discover the ‘why’ of their culture.   Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Rick Bass, an acclaimed author, and native of Yak Valley discuss challenges affecting national parks and the importance of sharing experiences. From climate change to conservation conflicts, Rick explains why we should pass stories of environmental struggles to future generations. In his mind, the obligation to preserve history and raise awareness are community values and expressions of courage. If one seeks to inspire influence, one must be willing not only to lend a voice but share the whole story. As Rick continues, one of the ways he has done this is through his book, Traveling Feast. In the book, Rick focuses his premise on connecting generations through benevolence – the idea of sharing what you love at the core of generosity. The more life seems to converge, the more opportunities we have to expound upon the hope that we know. Resources: The Traveling Feast by Rick Bass  Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/