The National Parks Classroom
Park Leaders Show
"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 learn this?" Notable Moments 03:02 Parks' Enhanced Virtual Learning Programs 05:30 The Value of Learning About Distant Places 12:39 Bridging Classrooms and Public Lands 17:53 Engaging Park Rangers as Educators 24:08 Enhancing Park Visitor Experience 26:14 Park Principles for Classroom Management Connect with James Order the Book ...
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Rethinking Park Bathrooms
Park Leaders Show
"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." Bathrooms in parks are rarely the focus of innovation, but I was eager to dive into this unexplored territory with guests Jessica Heinzelmann and Fletcher Wilson from Throne Labs. Together, they are revolutionizing bathrooms, transforming them from mundane necessities into seamless, data-driven experiences for park visitors. for more from this episode about how...
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Dealing With An Administrative Change
Park Leaders Show
"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. He joined me to break down the often tumultuous times when new administrations take office. Transitions can be tough. Read the blog to hear how more on our conversation about strategic planning and adapting to new leadership in the park system. Resources Facebook -
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The Role of Philanthropy in Parks
Park Leaders Show
"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. I have the privilege of diving deep into this with Sarah Unz, Vice President of Community Partnerships at the National Park Foundation, and Ryan McClure, Executive Director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation and Board Chair of the Friends Alliance. for more on creating world-class experiences and preserving our natural treasures for future generations. Notable Moments 00:00 Reimagining the...
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Connecting With Nature in the Classroom
Park Leaders Show
"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 can shape a lifetime of curiosity and exploration. That’s why I was thrilled to chat with Chris Anderson, creator of "OutSCIder," an initiative bringing educational videos about national parks into classrooms. Through his work, Chris is ensuring the next generation doesn’t just learn about nature but forms lasting bonds with it. ...
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The History of Public Lands
Park Leaders Show
"After 43 years of doing this, some things didn't sound accurate to me. So I started researching this in in order to to put together a program to go out and really explain what the history of these places are and what is fact and what is fiction." When was the last time you thought about the history behind our public lands? It's more intricate than many realize. One person that knows that is a veteran leader in the world of parks, Walt Dabney. Walt joined us fresh from the 47th annual Ranger Rendezvous. This event started back in 1977 and continues to bring park rangers together. His...
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Creating a City Level Junior Ranger Program
Park Leaders Show
"Signs don't do much. It's the educational programs where you're actually talking to people that are the most effective in changing behaviors." Notable Moments 00:42 Prescott's volunteer-driven, unique park ranger system. 03:26 Code enforcement change to interpretation. 07:07 Leave No Trace signs to improve local campsites. 11:48 Enhance accessibility and safety to attract families. 15:38 Launching a Junior Ranger program 18:06 Nature Ninos partner is developing a local STEM activity center. 20:53 ADA trails improve park accessibility. Sean Underhill is a park ranger from Prescott,...
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Honoring Fallen Park Rangers
Park Leaders Show
"We honor our profession and we're proud of what we do to remember those that we lost." Park Rangers often dedicate their life to the preservation of nature. There is another side of the work that is less known; Uncovering the forgotten stories of those who paid the ultimate price. My conversation with Jeff Ohlfs, retired chief ranger of Joshua Tree National Park, explored the often-overlooked sacrifices of park rangers worldwide. Read more about his work . Resources Facebook -
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The Impact of Natural Disasters on Parks
Park Leaders Show
"As a helper, as a as a compassionate individual, you can get compassion fatigue, physical fatigue, and emotional fatigue because it is devastating." Resources Facebook -
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Talking About the Glacier Park Conservancy
Park Leaders Show
"By bringing varied backgrounds into conservation careers, we are ensuring our parks represent all of America." Connect with Doug Resources Facebook - 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 the Blackfeet Nation was a key marker in the project’s success. This journey wasn't straightforward thought. Read more about it .
info_outline"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."
Key Moments
02:04 Creating Park Experiences for New Visitors
07:10 The Challenge of Information Overload in the Digital Era
10:35 Historical Communication and Public Engagement
16:02 Inspire Learning through Augmented Reality Historical Storytelling
18:08 Instant Information Access on Learning
21:19 Contact for creating park experiences or highlights.
Resources
https://parkleaders.com/about/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/
Creating Experiences for Normal People
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 the general public. We can add to their experience by offering narratives and relatable stories that build their interest in the history. Even better is when it encourages them to further explore the land.
Too many park guests feel lost in a sea of too much information at an exhibit. Park leaders have the unique role of balancing their wealth of knowledge with creating intrigue of the great outdoors. As Phil says, "park people are not normal people." and how we can embrace this difference to enrich the experiences of our everyday visitors. "Normal" may be subjective, but the joy of discovering the wonder of parks is universal. A park adventure shouldn't feel like a history exam. It's about creating a connection that turns mere data into memorable stories. This is how parks capture hearts and provoke minds.
Ever heard of the Horn Works in Charleston? No? Phil Gaines shares about turning a 10x10 foot relic into a journey through time. Imagine seeing a revolution-era fort pop up among modern buildings using augmented reality. That's where technology marches alongside history in the parks, showing us that innovation and tradition can walk hand in hand. It's an opportunity to dive into the past without getting lost!
It is inevitable that people will spend time googling historical facts after a park visit. Visiting parks sparks curiosity in the minds of the next generation. For many younger visitors, a monument speaks louder than textbooks. Parks are more than terrain; they're a testament to human history. Next time you visit a park, look beyond the scenery. Search for the story, find the connection, and dive into the curiosity and wonder the experience brings.
While park staff may not be your everyday Joe, the experiences they curate should resonate with anyone stepping off the bus, ready for adventure. Make sure to listen to listen to this episode for more on ways park leaders are working on making the next 250 years of park history as engaging as the first.