Park Rangers

In these essays you’ll discover what a national park ranger is, what they do, and why we need them. (And read a few wild ranger stories.)

wildflowers in a field with a mountain in the background

National park rangers keep the records of our heritage. To lose their knowledge is to forget who we are and where we have been.

sculpted red rocks under a starry night sky

The Trump Administration wants to steal public lands. They mistreat federal workers who protect those lands with one goal: to make them quit.

two arms hugging a tree

I am still hopeful about US national parks because of park staff. Their dedication, stewardship, and love for parks hasn't changed.

a closed sign blocking a path

Trump's federal hiring freeze is another step toward privatization--selling off America's national parks to the rich. Here's how.

small wooden building with "Ranger Station" sign

Why we need national park rangers: how losing one of our most popular American icons would diminish our dreams and harm our national parks. 

a river bordered by massive canyon walls

To build a wall in parks--that was the threat the first time Donald Trump was president. Now he is threatening the parks themselves.

a large canyon of red rock with at silver river at the base

Learn what an interpretive theme is and what it isn't. A theme is not a topic. A theme is the glue that binds the topics together.

laps of people sitting and taking notes

Take time for your mental health. When we wake up and are not okay, we should all have the right to take a Karen Day.

historic cannon in front of a fence and autumn trees

An interpretive park ranger conveys a park's story. Every park has a story, a reason that it was protected and staffed with park rangers.

an outdoor sign reading "this is grizzly bear country"

Why are there no stupid questions to ask a park ranger? Because the biggest questions provide the biggest opportunities to learn.

exit sign outside in the brush

I quit the national park service for the same reason I became a ranger in the first place: to find and do what makes me happy.

A dirty and well-worn green and white bag with first aid printed on it

Why I became a Wilderness First Responder: how a scary accident taught me that doing your best is always enough.