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

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest Scott Durham, former superintendent of West Virginia State Parks, joins the show to discuss the origin of the “Ranger First” mantra. As Durham explains, with park ranger set as a universal term, the “Ranger First” philosophy was established to clarify authoritative influence and promote voluntary compliance. Since its inception, benefits have emerged specifically through community-oriented policing and accountability among rangers and superintendents. Essentially, the term “Ranger First” is more than a banner but also an umbrella attitude centered on developing healthy park operations and visitor behavior. Durham hopes this approach will continue to integrate ranger visibility into higher education, ingenuity, and compliance at large. Resources: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Phil Gaines returns to discuss ways park leaders can focus on personal growth during this pandemic era. While COVID-19 has altered many park programs, on a personal level, the effects have varied among rangers. Even as visitation rates have increased in recent months, so tends to complacency, especially for leaders accustomed to former rhythms. Yet, as Phil explains, if you’re an influencer hoping to mature in this season, you must refuse to be easily satisfied. Rather than stick to the predictable routines, dare to see where your passions can take you and explore avenues for learning. For instance, you may want to seek a mentor who can impart part of their knowledge base and experience. You may want to carve out weekly reading time to discover new content and resources. Whatever plans you set, integrate new pursuits into the places you have become most idle. From there, if you find any to be successful, flex them into daily or weekly practice.    Resources www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.

On this episode of the Parks Leaders Show, the Ingles family joins in to discuss their passion for state parks. As road warriors, the Ingles have a fresh perspective on park trends and patterns. With the recent increase in park visitation, De and John note emerging issues in national parks such as overcrowding and conservation communication and provide solutions on what rangers can do in the short term. Additionally, to help parks in their preservation efforts, the Ingles hope their passion project, Wild Routed, can inspire visitors to appreciate the maintaining of historic landscapes through their unique merchandising. For more information, please visit their website. Resources Website: https://wildrouted.com/ Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ Linkedin for De: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmykgirl     Linkedin for John:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/johningles

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss ways park leaders can recalibrate their careers amidst the pandemic. In this Covid-19 era, customer service has suffered across multiple industries such as national and state parks. Despite new efforts to attract tourists, limited staff, restricted hours, and dwindling attendance have combined to hinder performance across multiple locations. Yet, as Phil explains in this episode, while disruptions increase during desperate times, so should the adaptive innovations. If organizations want to expand their reach, they must consider new approaches to providing value and service. Accordingly, in the weeks ahead, Phil and I will break down how we can professionally mature in today's hostile working environment. While the roadmaps may vary, forward progress will come as long we know our goals, celebrate victories, and learn from our mistakes. It's just a matter of time.   Resources   www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.fac

Matthew Luhn joins the show to discuss using Pixar-style storytelling for interpretation. As discussed in previous interviews, interpreters are some of the best storytellers on the planet. Especially when integrating science, the opportunity to engage park visitors through interactive engagement has never been greater. According to Matthew, the value of stories, in part, is their ability to tie a critical message to the story itself. For instance, if you want to encourage an audience to be prepared in a certain way, integrating modern-day technology and animation can be a powerful tool to promote questions and inquiry. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss the relationship between interpretation and cultural challenges. In present times, more and more park rangers are having to adapt their language to political correctness. Especially after a year like 2020, to preserve retention, state and national park leaders are reanalyzing how they communicate history to the next generation of visitors. However, as Phil and I discuss in this episode, interpretation is also affecting the oral history of issues like climate change. The question is: How do park rangers provoke people into deeper thinking without overstepping with a right or left-wing agenda? Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

Kyle Wagner, former Travel Editor for the Denver Post, joins the show to discuss her state and national park endeavors. A current freelance editor and writer, Kyle explains her heart for exploration and goal to visit every Colorado State Park. With a mission to visit every national park, Kyle hopes her followers can draw inspiration from her favorite landmarks and historic sites. Kyle also shares her top five Colorado state parks and some of the most embarrassing questions raised by her readers. Resources: Twitter: https://twitter.com/kylewagnerworld Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guests, James Ledgerwood, superintendent of Chimney Rock State Park, Mary Yeager Gale, Chairman of the Board for Chimney Rock Management, and Emily Blackwell, Project Manager at Stewart, join the show to discuss access at Chimney Rock State Park. Known for its renowned elevator access and outcroppings trails, Chimney Rock State Park has seen an evolution of improvement since 2011. While many last decades would struggle to summit its peak, changes to trail quality and access have encouraged new interest and retention alike. Now, whether you are a thrill-seeker, a student, a senior, or disabled, there's a way for you to enjoy some of the best scenic views in North Carolina. Despite the cost and effort, James, Mary, and Emily are hopeful positive momentum will continue as a new generation of parkgoers discover the spectacles Chimney Rock State Park has to offer.  Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest Brad Krey returns to discuss interpretative services and digital access to parks. As education evolves into a social distance science, the same reality is impacting today’s parks. According to Brad, there’s not only a concern to teach a new generation about natural resources but build influential relationships through technology. In an ideal world, more teachers consider state parks as a platform for natural resource education. From there, by utilizing blended digital access, a learning technique that builds environmental awareness through distance education, teachers and park rangers alike can engage in meaningful conversation in and outside the classroom. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss park retention with COVID-19 impacts beginning to fade. After 15 months of social distancing, parks, like most enterprises, are slowly returning to normality. Accordingly, Phil asks two critical questions: 1) How do we get back to normal? 2) How do we educate and engage in what we want them to learn? As Phil and Jody discuss, state parks should embrace the opportunity to provide more resources, from kiosks to online, where new visitors can engage new information. More initiatives can emerge with less focus on health preservation by focusing on customer service, new activities, and client feedback. Overall, the time has never been better for state park service models to step up. For state parks, why not accept the call to lead the way? Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Alan Spears, Senior Director of Cultural Resources for the National Parks Conservation Association, joins the show to discuss civil discourse in state parks. In a politically charged era, the struggle to promote diversity is real. Tensions are high, feelings are fragile, and confrontations are ignitable if not handled appropriately. Yet, as Alan explains, state parks can play a part in healing cultural and racial divisions. Not only can parks commemorate national pride through select monuments and landmarks but also serve as refuges for civil discourse where people can engage in culturally sensitive conversations. As he suggests, if park rangers and interpreters work together to encourage inclusivity, then the strain of social stress will lessen. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

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/