Park Leaders Show

When you think of City Parks, what comes to mind?

I imagine you don't think of 29,000 acres and 5,000 individual properties in a single City Park System. That is how much property New York city Parks is responsible for.

In an environment that makes me think of skyscrapers and concrete, NYC Parks account for 14% of the city. Managing that much property surrounded by so many people is no easy task.

Sarah Aucoin, Director of Urban Rangers with NYC Parks
Sarah Aucoin, Director of Urban Rangers with NYC Parks

Sarah Aucoin is the Director of Urban Rangers for NYC Parks. She is responsible for the team of rangers who patrol and protect the 29,000 acres of parks throughout the city.

In this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Sarah Aucoin discusses how she keeps her team unified with the challenge of having a big team spread out.

Sarah also discusses how NYC Parks connects parks to citizens to foster an interest in nature. Urban parks and green space are important to generate interest in nature that will translate to care for bigger parks. Quite often, a connection to local parks leads to a connection in state and national parks.

Sarah will give you new ideas on how to connect people who don't usually visit parks to build a connection to nature.

You can find the Park Leaders Show on iTunes and Stitcher Radio.

Direct download: PL39_Sarah_Aucoin.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

December 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the death of John Muir. Muir passed away on December 24th, 1914. His last fight was to save the Hetch Hetchy valley. If you are not familiar with John Muir and the Hetch Hetchy Valley, I am going to spoil the story for you. The valley is under water. Flooded behind a dam to create a water reservoir for San Francisco.

The Hetch Hetchy was reported to be as beautiful as Yosemite Valley. When speaking of Hetch Hetchy, John Muir said it was “a grand landscape garden. One of nature’s rarest and most precious mountain temples.”

Now, a century after the death of Jon Muir, the fight for Hetch Hetchy is going to come alive again. Robert Hanna is going to pick up the torch Muir carried to save the valley. Hanna reminds me of the water behind the dam. He is gentle, but can apply so much pressure he can move a mountain.

Robert Hanna has shown once before what can happen when he applies pressure. California was going to solve budget problems by closing 70 state parks. Hanna stepped in and became a key figure in keeping the parks open. Just like water, Hanna can shape an outcome with a constant drip, or an all out flood.

It was Hanna’s work with keeping state parks open that caught my attention. But after talking with him, I know his fight to reclaim Hetch Hetchy is going to be a great story.

In itself, the fight for the valley is a good cause. But now, 100 years after the death of John Muir, the charge is being led by Robert Hanna, who is the great great grandson of John Muir.

Robert Hanna founded a clothing company, Range of Light, based on the principles of John Muir.

Direct download: PL38_Robert_Hanna.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

As a leader you have a responsibility to continue to get better. There is one area in particular though, where I think you need to improve and you may not have considered it.

If you are a leader, you need to write great email.

Email? Isn’t Park Leaders about parks?

Yes, of course Park Leaders is about parks, but it is also about leadership. And if you are going to be a leader and have an impact, you need to get better at email. In fact, you need to write great email.

Once you write great email, you are going to notice you are getting more done. You are going to notice you are getting better responses to the emails you send. And you are going to notice you do not need to spend as much time with email.

It is easier than you think to write great email. You can write great email by focusing on three areas: Subject Line, Opening Sentence, and White Space.

Subject Line: Consider the subject line as important as a headline for a newspaper. Inboxes get filled up quick. The first thing someone does when they open their email is to scan the subject lines of all the email. You need to use a subject line that gets attention.

I’m not saying use a crazy subject line, like I found a live Muskrat in the Bathtub, unless it is true. Use a subject line that gives useful information to the reader. Don’t use in a generic fill in the blank subject line like “Hey” or “Monday”. If you are sending an email about an upcoming meeting, don’t just make the subject line “Meeting”. Include useful information right in the subject line. An example would be “What you need to know about our 2:30 meeting”. This subject line lets the reader know the information in the email is useful and timely. They will open this email.

Opening Sentence: People skim email. When someone opens your email they quickly browse through it trying to pick out why you sent the email. Are you telling them something they need to know? Are you asking them for something? People want to know right away, so do them a favor and put it right up front.

An email consists of two parts, the Ask and the Information. Or it could be the Response and the Information. Usually, people front load an email with information and stick the Ask at the end. If you are asking something, ask in the first sentence.

By putting the Ask up front, and the information second, the reader will know what to do with the information. If I know what you are asking, I will know if the information is applicable. If I don’t know what you are asking, I will have to reread the email after I find out what you are asking. There could even be times when the information is not needed, or it can be saved to reference at a later time. Even when the information is needed at the time, it is useful to read it in the context of the ask.

White Space: The more white you see in your email, the better. Remember I mentioned people scan email. You know they are going to skim, so make it easier for them. When you include white space, eyes can quickly move from one sentence to the next. Information can be plucked out quickly. It is easier to read and reread email with white space.

Select nearly any article or blogpost on the internet and you will see how the author used white space. I am sure you receive email that has big blob of text. A whole bunch of words in a single paragraph. If you are like me, you move on and save that email for later. Or you never read it. Using white space will help your emails get read.

Work on these three steps, and you will soon be writing great email.

If you are going to be in a leadership position, writing great email is important.

If you apply what you read here show you can write great email. But if you want to go deeper and learn in better detail, with examples and exercises, you will find the Park Leaders Guide to Effective Email to be a tremendous help.

The guide does not only cover the three elements of a great email, but there are also examples of great email and awful email, with a breakdown of what made it great or bad. There is also a section full of tips for great email. There is a section on using email to become more productive. There is a section on using email as a tool for team work. And there is a section about when you should not send an email. Understanding when not to use email could be one of the most important aspects of email.

I promise you will get a lot out of the Park Leaders Guide to Effective Email. You can find out more about the guide here.

Direct download: PL37_Email.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

Have you heard anyone suggest our country should bring back the Civilian Conservation Corps?

I have. And I agree, it would be a good thing for our country. But the Conservation Corps never went away. It just looks different.

Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President and CEO of The Corps Network, joins the Park Leaders Show to discuss the work of the Corps Programs. The Corps Network is the national voice and advocate for the Corps Programs across the country.

In this episode, Mary Ellen explains the important work done by Corps Programs and the impact they have on youth. She also discusses the benefit of the projects done by the Corps.

The Corps Network is the tie that holds the Corps Programs together from all the states together. The organization provides training, communication, and centralized leadership. They also offer an annual conference in Washington D.C. You can learn more about the conference here.

If you are interested in the work of the original Civilian Conservation Corps, former Park Leaders Show guest, Jack Hart, wrote a book about the CCC in Washington State. Two Hands and a Shovel examines how the CCC built Deception Pass State Park.

Direct download: PL36_Mary_Ellen_Sprenkel.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Park signs are an important piece of park management. Typically, a visitor interacts with signs more often than they do with park staff. The words on signs create an identity for the park.

How many parks take the time to review signs to consider the identity they create through signs?

For this episode, Mike Kim joins the Park Leaders Show to review park signs to talk about how to create great park signs. Mike Kim is a marketing consultant, professional copywriter, and brand strategist. He is also a Chief Marketing Officer for a multi-million dollar private company in the New York City area.

In most parks, consideration is given to placement of signs and amount of signs, but how often do we consider the words we put on signs? Mike reviews three park signs and discuses, from a marketing perspective, the impact and perception of each signs. Along the way, he offers advice on how to create great signs.

After reviewing park signs, we move to discuss other writing that can impact a park visitor. Mike also offers tips on writing better event flyers and park brochures.

With an event flyer, you should use a nice photograph and a catching headline. This will capture attention and get the reader to pick up your flyer and read the content. The rest of the text should use descriptive words to draw the read in.

Brochures can help visitors get more out of their experience at your park. Don't use a brochure to give facts and information. Tell a story, paint a picture, and let the visitor know what kind of experience they will have at the park.

Mike Kim reminds us that everything we say (including signs), and everything we do, is our brand.

Below are the three signs reviewed in this episode of the Park Leaders Show. All three signs are from different parks in different states.

This sign is an entrance sign to a State Park:

Park Entrance Sign
This sign is at the entrance to a park campground:

 Camper Sign

 This sign is on a large information board at a trail head:

Dog Leash

 

You can subscribe to the Park Leaders Show in iTunes and Stitcher Radio.

Direct download: PL35_Mike_Kim.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

This episode of the Park Leaders Show is a part two of sorts. My interview with Kelli English was so wonderful and long that I broke it into two parts. The first part of our conversation was about interpretation and storytelling. You can find it here.

With the second half of our interview, Kelli talks about growing up in the south side of Chicago and how she ended up telling stories as an interpreter in Yellowstone National Park. She also discusses the different perspective she has being an African American interpreter. She is aware of the stories told in parks that can connect different communities to parks. Stories that are not mainstream can have a tremendous impact on the people who hear them.

Communities of color are interested in hearing the same stories other visitors are interested in hearing, but they also want to hear stories about their history when it is present in the park.

Kelli shares stories that may open your eyes to why parks have not always been open and welcoming to all people. Discriminatory attitudes and practices from the past still have a deep impact on perceptions and use of parks today.

Our National, State and local parks are the caretakers of American History. We have an obligation to tell stories, good and bad, that have impacted our life. Kelli offers insight into how and why we should share even the negative stories of our past.

Kelli discusses an exhibit that changed her life. The book about the exhibit is Without Sanctuary by James Allen and John Lewis.

Direct download: PL34_Kelli_English_Diversity.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Kelli English is the Chief of Interpretation for four National Park Units in the Bay Area of California, including John Muir National Historic Site. She has spent her career as a park ranger interpreting stories to park visitors. Now, she interprets to interpreters. She admits, even though her job leans towards administration, she still finds opportunities to tell a story to park visitors.

Kelli grew up on the south side of Chicago and ended up telling stories in Yellowstone National Park. Her stellar interpretation earned accolades in 2005 when she was awarded the 2005 Outstanding New Interpreter award from the National Association of Interpretation.

In this interview, Kelli discusses how to infuse your personality into the stories of your park and where to begin gathering stories if you are new to a park.

Kelli also examines the differences in interpreting a wilderness park, like Yellowstone, compared to a historical park.

It is through interpretation that we help visitors find a connection with the park. When a visitor has a connection with the park, they will care more and become invested in the park.

You can hear the second half of the interview with Kelli English HERE.

Direct download: PL33_-_Kelli_English.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

David Flores may not be who you would expect to pour his talent and research into outdoor recreation and conservation.

Typically, someone who devotes their career to parks, recreation, or conservation grew up playing and exploring in the outdoors. David Flores did not recreation in parks and forests when he was a kid. Yet, he is now a research social scientist with the US Forest Service.

How did that happen?

As he graduated with a PHD, Flores was connected to the Forest Service through the Presidential Management Fellowship Program. Working for the Forest Service allowed David to continue to focus on research, and he found that appealing.

Now, Flores realizes the power of spending time outdoors and the connection people have with the land. His research is focused on human dimension issues related to the land, such as urban planning, climate change, rural life, and ecological change.

As part of his research, David meets people who make a living on the land and listens to their stories. In this interview, David shares what he has learned during his research. We discuss the importance of parks to a community and what he has learned about urban green space.

Given his background, David offers unique insight how parks can connect with people who have not grown up with access to, or interest in, recreating outdoors.

You can subscribe to the Park Leader Show on iTunes here and Stitcher Radio here.

Direct download: PL32_-_David_Flores.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

Bradley Fauteux is the Managing Director of Ontario Parks, and the first international guest of the Park Leaders Show.

After a stint as a professional musician, Bradley began a career in Government and has become the ultimate generalist.  Fauteux had been working towards the job of Managing Director for ten years. He spent those years acquiring the skills he would need for the job and building a network of friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to learn from.

Fauteux is only the fourth person to serve as Managing Director of Ontario Parks. He is also the Chairman of the Canadian Parks Council.

Fauteux discusses some of the programs Ontario Parks has had success with:

Learn to Camp program helps first time campers learn the basics so they can enjoy the outdoors. Nine Thousand campers have  participated in the the program with 75% rate of return and 98% satisfaction rate. The Learn to Camp program won the Provincial Tourism Innovator of the Year Award.

The Life Jacket Loaner program designed to prevent drowning by providing life jackets to people going in the water at more than 60 parks. Both programs are backed by generous corporate sponsors.

The leadership program is an intensive 1-week program where colleagues get together and work through leadership challenges. This is an investment in leadership to ensure Ontario Parks will have great leaders across the organization.

Fauteux offers this wisdom to leaders:

• When pursuing a job, know the people, values, mission statement, and priorities to show you are committed and mature enough to lead. Prior to a job interview, you should have already become a known commodity through networking.

• Once you have a leadership position you should seek advice and listen, learn about the people you work with, and make sure people understand your values.

• Hire staff based on engagement, preparation, commitment, creativity, and awareness. You want to hire someone you would want to follow.

Direct download: PL31_-_Bradley_Fauteux.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Recently, I was talking to a park manager who told me someone on his team was looking for mentoring opportunities. It got me thinking about mentors and how important a mentor was to my career, especially early when I was new to being a park ranger.

I realize not everyone is fortunate enough to get a mentor early in their career, but listen, friend, you do not need to rely on a mentor. Not in the way you think you need a mentor.

There are mentor opportunities all around. You don’t need to feel alone because you don’t have a mentor.

There are five types of mentors available.

Classic Mentors: A classic mentor is what you think of when you think of a mentor. It is a single person who invests in you and your development.

I was lucky to have a classic mentor in Jack Hartt, who was the manager at the first park I worked at. Jack took the time to spend lunch breaks with me, go for walks in the park with me, and answer questions nearly whenever I had them.

Academic Mentor: An academic mentor is someone who mentors you through the content they produce. Books are an obvious way to connect with an academic mentor. For $20, you can spend hours with a mentor and get some of their best advice. Don’t discount this idea. Pick a book, and take in the words with the same weight you would a classic mentor. If you take in a book with the idea of consuming the words, not for entertainment, but to learn and grow and change, it can have the same impact as spending the same amount of time with a classic mentor.

Situational Mentor: A situational mentor is someone who mentors you through a certain situation. If you need to improve a skill, perhaps you can find a situational mentor to help you improve. If you are having a tough time with an employee, you can find someone else who has been through the situation. If you are hiring an employee for the first time, or going for a promotion yourself, you can find a situational mentor to help you out.

Shadow Mentor: A shadow mentor is simply someone you observe. For example, you watch your park manager or superintendent with a deliberate eye towards how they handle situations and how they deal with people. They key here to you have to be deliberate in watching and analyzing what they do and how they do it.

Anti-Mentor: Having an anti-mentor may sound strange and something you want to say away from. But listen, if you find yourself working for a bad boss, you can grumble about it and have a lousy time. Or, you can use a bad boss as a mentor. An anti-mentor. Let them mentor you on what not to do.

Those are the five types of mentors, but don’t overlook the value of friendships. You can learn so much just from the people you hang out with.

Listen to the episode to go in depth with each type of mentor.

Direct download: PL30_Mentors.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 5:45am PDT

Diversity has been a consistent topic on the Park Leaders Show. For this episode, three former guests of the show return to have a panel discussion about diversity.

Teresa Baker (founder of African American National Parks Day), Jose Gonzalez (founder of Latino Outdoors) and John Griffith (crew supervisor with the California Conservation Corps) team up to form the first Park Leaders Panel.

Together, they discuss why a gap exists between parks and communities of color, how one person can make a difference, and how we can connect urban youth to National Parks far away from their home.

After listening to this panel discussion, if you have any questions for the panel members, please leave a comment here on the show notes page, and they will respond.

John Griffith has become well known for his dancing videos on YouTube. Just for fun, below is  a video of John dancing:

Dance Excerpt from the video "Wildlife: Our Low Maintenance Pets." (click to watch on YouTube)

Direct download: PL29_Diversity_Panel.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 7:00am PDT

Lee Cockerell returns to the Park Leaders Show to discuss customer service. Lee examines takes a deeper look at nine of the thirty-nine essential rules for delivering sensational service from his book The Customer Rules.

In this episode, we discuss the following nine customer rules;

  1. Become an expert at creating experts.
  2. Treat customers the way you would treat your loved ones.
  3. Be a copycat.
  4. Fish where the fishermen ain't.
  5. Serve to WIN.
  6. Don't give the responsibility without the authority.
  7. Never, ever argue with a customer.
  8. Apologize like you really mean it.
  9. Don't try too hard.

 

Direct download: PL28_Lee_Cockerell_Customer_Service.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Two episodes of the Park Leaders Show have discussed the Conservation Corps.  Ray Bivens is a true Conservation Corps success story. Ray Bivens began his outdoor career with the Maryland Conservation Corps. That experience led him into a career in Parks and Recreation. At only 38 years old, Ray became the Director of Delaware State Parks.

Ray has an entrepreneurial view of parks. He understands parks compete with other forms of recreation. In order to get visitors to a park, and entice them to return, you have to give them a reason. Make a park enjoyable, fun, and deliver a little WOW. He says Parks are in the "Forever Business" and believes if you can't get the business part of parks right, you can't get the stewardship part right either. Running parks properly allows you to fulfill your mission.

Ray talks about the importance of making the most out of opportunities, his role of Director, balancing your career and family, and hiring new team members.

As inspiration for up and coming leaders, Ray shares the Seven Secrets of Good Interpretation by Bob Jennings. Ray points out you can remove the word interpretation and replace it with Park Ranger or Park Manager and have a guide to help you do your job better.

  1. Love what you are doing and don't be afraid to show it.

  2. Know your subject and keep trying to learn more about it.

  3. Develop ways to keep yourself and your presentation fresh.

  4. Remember the little things.

  5. Don't be afraid to try something different.

  6. Listen.

  7. Go back to #1.

Direct download: PL27_Ray_Bivens.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Valerie Naylor is the recipient of the 2013 Stephen T. Mather Award for her steadfast leadership and persistent dedication to National Parks. Her persistent dedication has been put to the test against industrial pressure from the Bakken Oil Boom on the borders of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

For the past four years, managing this beautiful national park has been an exercise in relentless dedication to monitor the intrusion of industry towards the border of the park. Ranger Naylor has negotiated with oil companies to minimize intrusion on the border and view from within the park.

After building a reputation for being relentless, respectful, and tenacious in protecting the park, Valerie is retiring from the National Park Service on October 31st.

Ranger Naylor shares a story about the time Theodore Roosevelt spent in the Badlands of North Dakota, within what is now the National Park which holds his name. This story reminds us that every park is to someone what the Badlands were to Theodore Roosevelt. Each park has the potential to change someone's life. Knowing that, how can you not put all you have into making your park the best it can be?

Valeria Naylor gets that. And that is why, come November 1st, it is going to feel like something is missing from the National Park Service.

Direct download: PL26_Valerie_Naylor.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Personal accountability is the foundation of leadership. If you don't get personal accountability right, nothing else in leadership works as well as it should.

This is why QBQ by John G. Miller is one of the most important leadership books I have read.  I read this book at lease once each year and have given more copies of this book away than any other book.

QBQ stands for the Question Behind the Question. Asking the right questions will change your outlook and give you personal accountability for any situation.

In this episode, John explains how asking the right questions can lead us to greater personal accountability and better leadership. Practicing QBQ principles will have a ripple effect in your leadership, productivity, and even your family life.

If you have not read QBQ, consider doing so. You can buy it here. It will change your view on your job and the role you play.

Jason Harrod provided the music for the Park Leaders Show.

Direct download: PL25_Foundation_of_Leadership_3.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Naomi Torres is included on Richard Rojas' short list of All Star Champions of change. When someone makes it onto a list like that, I know I want to talk to her.

Naomi is the Superintendent of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. She began her career as in interpreter at Alcatraz and has spent her career with the National Park Service in the Bay Area of California.

As the Superintendent of a trail which passes through property and jurisdictions outside of National Park Service property, Naomi has developed and maintained many healthy partnerships.

Naomi also discusses the need for Parks to reach out to communities of color. If we don't reach out the communities, the faces seen working or recreating in our parks will not become more diverse.

Direct download: PL24_Communities_of_Color.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

As I talk to leaders and managers from parks, Disney came up more than once as a source parks could look to for best practices and new ideas on how to operate a park.

I took the hint and brought Disney to the Park Leaders Show.

Lee Cockerell is the former Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World. Lee was responsible for training 7,000 leaders at Walt Disney World. Imagine the challenge of training 7,000 leaders to carry the same mission and values out into the work force.

Although retired, Lee still teaches at the Disney Institute and gives presentations all over the world. He is the author of Creating Magic and The Customer Rules. These books give a look at leadership and customer service from inside Disney.

If you are serious about leadership and improving your culture, this is an important episode of the The Park Leaders Show. Lee discusses hiring, how the values of Disney are lived by thousands employees, and what it takes to be successful.

If you are reading this in email click here to listen to the episode.

 

Lee Cockerell, Leadership Speaker - Demo Video (click to watch on YouTube)

Direct download: PL23_Parks_and_Disney.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 2:32pm PDT

Sarah Milbourne recently became the Park Manager of Rocky Gap State Park in Maryland. Sarah is the product of a Park System which invests in employees.

She bursts with enthusiasm for her agency, her park, and her new role as Manager.

Sarah discusses the transition of becoming a Park Manager at a park where she already worked as a Park Ranger. She explains her desire and push to become a Park Manager and what she learned along the way. Sarah offers great insight to anyone who aspires to become a Park Manager. We also discuss how Maryland State Parks works to build employees early in their career so they can reach their potential.

Maryland State Parks also has assists their employees recognize and embrace diversity in park visitors. Through training and a deliberate culture built by Maryland State Parks, Sarah views her role, and her park, as a piece of a whole agency working towards the same goal.

If you are reading this in email click here to listen to the episode.

If you use iTunes, you can find the Park Leaders Show here.

Direct download: PL22_Becoming_a_Park_Manager.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

I have been a lifelong fan of Smokey Bear. This month, August 2014, Smokey Bear celebrates his 70th birthday. Imagine that. Smokey has been with us since the Second World War.

Seventy years of grandfatherly advice about wildfires. Seventy years of raising awareness of the impact of fire. Seventy years of standing on the roadside alerting you of the fire hazard. Seventy years of watching over us and protecting our natural resources.

As a child I looked up to Smokey. As a Park Ranger I bonded with Smokey as we were both stewards of the forest. As a wildland firefighter I appreciate the hard work Smokey put towards fighting the same battle.

Fred Hernandez, Acting National Fire Prevention Coordinator for the US Forest Service, joins me to talk about Smokey and his lifelong mission to raise awareness about wildfires.

You may be surprised to learn some of the history behind Smokey Bear. Fred talks about why Smokey was created, where his name came from, the story of Smokey Bear who lived in the National Zoo, and why Smokey's tag line changed to "Only you can prevent Wildfires.

There are many ways to get in touch with Smokey. You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and of course Smokey has his own website. Smokey is so popular he even has his own zip code. You can send a letter directly to Smokey at; Smokey Bear Washington, DC 20252

If you are reading this in email, click here to listen to the episode.

This episode features a special song performed by The Wild Ponies.

Smokey Bear - Bearhug (click to watch on YouTube)

Direct download: PL21_Seventy_Years_of_Smokey.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 2:15am PDT

For this episode, I invited a guest to return and we took questions from park rangers in the field. 

So far, the most listened to episode has been Don't Let the Park Define You with Commander Bill Overby. I invited Bill back because you like him, and because he has a heart for both State and National Parks. As Commander of the Parks Law Enforcement Academy in Mount Vernon, WA, he is connected to the young rangers as they begin their career.

He has been the commander for over a decade and spent over thirty years as a Park Ranger with Washington State Parks. If something could happen to a Park Ranger, he has seen it, done it, or dealt with the consequences of someone else doing it. To tap into his wisdom, we took a couple of questions from Park Rangers and answered them on the Park Leaders Show. We also dug in deep and talked about the topic beyond the questions.

We explore the idea of having fun while working at a park. Can you have fun and still be professional?

We also discuss integrity when filling out applications for park service jobs. Commander Overby feels strongly about this and he will explain why.

You may not know this, but I hold a record at the Law Enforcement Academy. Ten years after I was a cadet no one has matched what I did. Commander Overby discusses my accomplishment and why he thinks no one else will be able to match it.

If you are reading this in email click here to hear the episode.

Direct download: PL20_Fun_and_Professional.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 6:57am PDT

Each year, the National Park Service asks Rangers to single out one ranger who epitomizes the Ranger ethic. Believe me, there are so many rangers who could be help up as an example of excellence on the job. So when one ranger is selected to receive the Harry Yount Award for Excellence, you know this is someone special.

My guest today, Tom Betts, is the most recent recent recipient Harry Yount Award. Tom Betts is the Chief Ranger at Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. If I were to exaggerate everything you think of a Park Ranger, I would almost be able to describe Tom.

Tom has protected park visitors and resources during volcano eruptions, wild land fires, earthquakes, floods, snowstorms, wildlife encounters, and search and rescue missions. He has conducted patrols via foot, truck, boat, helicopter, raft, ATV, skis, snowmobile, horseback, and airplane.

Stephen Mather, the first director of the National Park Service, said this about park rangers,

"They are a fine, earnest, intelligent, and public spirited body of men, these rangers. Though small in number, their influence is large. Many and long are the duties heaped upon their shoulders. If a trail is to be blazed, it is 'send a ranger.' If an animal is floundering in the snow, a ranger is sent to pull him out; if a bear is in the hotel, if a fire threatens a forest, if someone is to be saved, it is 'send a ranger.' If a Dude wants to know the why, if a Sagebrusher is puzzled about a road, it is 'ask the ranger.' Everything the ranger knows, he will tell you, except about himself."

I am convinced he was talking about Tom Betts. Now, I know Tom would not want me saying this about him. When I first asked him to be on the Park Leaders Show, he told me he has spent the last 32 years trying to stay out of the spot light. He was gracious enough to be a guest on the Park Leaders Show and now his secret is out.

Tom talks about his career with the National Park Service, the story of meeting his wife at the Grand Canyon, and offers advice to up and coming leaders in the park system.

If you are reading this in email click here to listen to the episode.

Direct download: PL19_Harry_Yount_Award.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 8:40am PDT

When you want to talk about youth involved in parks and recreation, the best place to start is with the Corps Network. I have become fond of the Corps Network and they work they do. Not just the work for parks and conservation, but the work they do in the lives of young people.

One of those young people who made the most of her time with the Corps is Ruby Simonian. Ruby glows with excitement about her time with the California Conservation Corps. She gives the Corps credit for building her confidence, skills, and experience. Prior to becoming involved in the CCC, Ruby was not motivated to do much with her future. When she left the Corps, she felt she could have an impact on the world.

Ruby's hard work with the Corps did not go unnoticed. She was awarded 2014 Corpsmember of the Year.

Ruby offers advice to leaders on how to connect with youth working in their parks. She also talks about John Griffith, and the impact he had on her time with the Corps. She holds John up as an example of how leaders can work with youth.

If you are reading this in email, click here to listen to the podcast.

Direct download: PL18_Working_with_Youth.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 8:00am PDT

Marty Huseman is the Chief Ranger at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. Her career with the National Park Service has taken her all over the country.

As she began her career, she was advised to take a job at a park most people have not heard of. She followed that advice and became a Park Ranger at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

Marty's interest in developing the next generation of Park Ranger's led her to become involved in the Park's Law Enforcement Academy with Bill Overby. Marty was a founding member of  the National Park Service Honor Guard.

In this interview Marty talks about her career and path to becoming a Chief Ranger. She also outlines the structure of National Park and the roles of different staff. We also discuss whether parks is a man's world and the challenges Marty has faced being a female Park Ranger.

Resources

• OPM Leadership Competencies

Direct download: PL17_Mans_World.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 8:00am PDT

Ray Murray could be considered an environmental elder. He has been working in the field of parks, recreation, and conservation for decades. Ray is currently the Partnerships Program Chief for the Pacific West Region of the National Park Service.

In this interview, Ray shares the biggest changes he has seen during his time with the National Park Service. Ray talks about the traits of successful park managers, what a successful partnerships looks like, and advice for up and coming leaders.

Ray feels the biggest challenge facing parks is remaining relevant. As the world changes outside of park boundaries, parks have had trouble keeping up. Ray understands parks can not rely on people who look like him, recreate like him, or act like him. Parks needs to reach into urban areas, connect across generations, and be available for people of all income levels.

Ray's wisdom can help new rangers and veterans alike.

Direct download: PL16_Remaining_Relevant.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 8:00am PDT

I have had the opportunity to talk to many people about why they became a park ranger. Each story is personal and unique, but the answer Amanda Llanes gave really stood out.

Amanda was a cadet at Skagit Valley College Parks Law Enforcement Academy when we introduced by Commander Bill Overby. She was attending the academy on a scholarship from Hawaii Pacific Parks Association. Commander Overby thought her story was worth sharing.

She has taken on the responsibility of representing two cultures, both trying to accomplish something through preserving land and culture.

When I asked her why she wanted to be a park ranger, she said she wanted to be a hero. You see, to Amanda, anyone who protects the environment and culture is a hero.

I hope her message reaches anyone who works in parks, no matter your position or how long you have been serving.

This interview with Amanda took place while she was a cadet at the Academy. I hope to interview Amanda periodically during her career so we can all follow how she develops. Her career can give us real examples of the challenges and pleasures a ranger will face early in her career. And I hope to get excellent examples of leaders having an impact on her development.

Below is the entire graduation ceremony from the Skagit Valley College Parks Law Enforcement Academy. It is long, but you will hear plenty about Amanda during the ceremony. She wins several awards, get recognition from the Commander and fellow cadets. Amanda also does a cultural presentation to the Commander and other leaders.

Skagit Valley College's PLEA Graduation of 2014 (click to watch on YouTube)

Direct download: PL15_Being_a_Hero.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 4:42pm PDT

During a camping trip at Maumee Bay State Park I watched as the park prepared for a Fourth of July celebration. Small flags lined the entrance road to the campground. Every campsite had an individual flag. Volunteers were meeting to discuss the plan for a bike parade the next day.

Watching this made me consider the impact preparation can have on a park.

Park Ranger Joseph Felgenhauer taught me about the impact of preparation and the importance of interpreting an experience. During one hike along the Little Spokane River, while leading a group of school kids, Joseph taught me the following things;

Use words to guide and experience. Ranger Felgenhauer used words to lead his guests to discover and learn.

Encourage people to participate. Ranger Felgenhauer encouraged kids to touch everything they came across on the trail.

Point out what you want people to see. A customer could miss something outstanding if you don't point it out to them.

Know what your customers are going to see, feel, and experience. Ranger Felgenhauer knew every turn and curve his guest would walk on the interpretive hike.

Preparation trumps knowledge. Preparation can leave you in a position to adjust to anything that may arise.

Nothing beats preparation. Don't leave people your visitors to have a good time on their own. Prepare for it.

There is no substitute for WOW. Ranger Felgenhauer WOWed his guest. The WOW is what they will remember, not the weather or the beautiful trees.

Resources

Riverside State Park

 Grand Canyon Shaped Over Time: Ranger Minute (Geology) (click to watch on YouTube)

Direct download: PL14_Interpreting_an_Experience.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 12:34pm PDT

Consider your last visits to our National Parks. Just pick one, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, or Mount Ranier. How many African-American faces did you see on your visit?

Even better, when was the last time you saw an African-American face under the flat hat?

It is clear there is a piece missing if the faces you see could combine into a puzzle.

Teresa Baker is trying to change that. She would like to see more faces like hers when she visits National Parks.

Not content to sit back and wish, she learned forward to do her part. She founded African-American National Parks Day, which is gaining momentum in its second year. Despite the gaining popularity of this event, her hope is that the event is not even needed in five years.

Teresa and I talk about this special day, and then we go deeper. We talk about why we don’t see more African-Americans recreating in our parks and how parks can connect better with the African-American community. I also ask Teresa some uncomfortable questions, and she gives honest answers you are going to want to here.

Resources

African American National Parks DayOutdoor Afro

 

Direct download: PL13_African_American_National_Parks_Day.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 8:00am PDT

Former Washington State Parks Director, Rex Derr, told me about the State Parks Leadership School. This School was founded by the National Association of State Park Directors. Upon learning more about the school, I knew anyone who attended would likely be a good guest for the Park Leaders Show.

I called a few people who attended but only heard back from one. Matt O'Quinn, park manager of Powhatan State Park in Virginia, called me back and recommended I speak with Austin Bradley, the manager of Breaks Interstate Park.

It was a great recommendation. Austin Bradley is a sharp guy. He is an MBA with a sharp business sense, a passion for the outdoors, and discipline of a law enforcement officer. Austin manages a unique park, with land in both Virginia and Kentucky.

Austin Bradley and I discuss the challenges of his park, how to position yourself for a promotion, and ideas to keep in mind as your park is faced with budget cuts. Austin explains how parks are in the business of people.

 

Resources

State Parks Leadership SchoolBreaks Interstate ParkLast Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

Direct download: PL12_Parks_are_People.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:04am PDT

Chris Brogan may not be who you expect to talk about parks.

Chris is is an adviser and strategist to professionals and owners. He is a New York Times best selling author of seven books, including The Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth.  He is a sought after key note speaker and has been on the Dr. Phil show. He has consulted with companies like Disney, Coke, Pepsi, Google, Motorola, and more.

So what does advise does Chris Brogan have for parks?

"(Parks) should be business minded. And you should be much more outgoing in explaining what other values you can add to the service."

Parks all across the country are feeling the budget pinch, and a typical response is the cut expenses and raise fees. Those drastic measures are what is interpreted as "act like a business".

Chris wants you to look another direction. Add value. Make it about the customer.

He explains people don't spend money just to spend money. They are not going to give money because your park has a tight budget. They want something in return. They want you to make their experience more valuable.

During our interview Chris also talks about where to find ideas (not at other parks), how to work for a boss, and why you should master the art of an apology.

Chris also uses the word "delicious" when talking about service. Would you consider the service you offer to be delicious?

You can find out more about Chris and his newest book here. I encourage you to sign up for Chris' newsletter. It will be one of the best things to show up in your mailbox all week. When you get the first newsletter, reply to Chris and let him know you heard him on the Park Leaders Show.

Resources

• Music by Jason HarrodThe Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth by Chris Brogan • Owner MagazineSign up for Chris Brogan's NewsletterChris Brogan on TwitterSeven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Direct download: PL11_Parks_as_a_Business.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:09am PDT

I know Park Leaders is on a roll when I end up talking with someone like Richard Rojas. It is a sign to me the dots are starting to connect. I was introduced to Mr. Rojas through Jose Gonzalez of Latino Outdoors. I was introduced to Jose through John Griffith of the California Conservation Corps. Unexpectedly talking with Richard Rojas was like stumbling onto a treasure chest. He is a wealth of knowledge and wisdom about park management, and the issue parks are faced with.

Richard Rojas had a 32 year career with California State Parks. He rose through the ranks, beginning as a Park Ranger, promoted to Supervising Ranger, Park Superintendent, Chief Ranger, and finally served as District Superintendent for the Channel Coast District from 2000-2007.

We talk about diversity, of course since Richard came to be known as the "diversity guy" in California State Parks. But it would not be right to stick to a single topic when talking with someone who has as much experience and wisdom as Richard Rojas.

We talk about hiring and managing staff, the need for parks to be more flexible, and what other park systems can learn from the California State Park system.

Richard also shares what question he would ask a job candidate if he could only ask a single question. You don't want to miss his answer. He also challenges us to consider what our legacy will be.

Resources

California State ParksLatino OutdoorsParks Forward

 

Direct download: PL10_What_Will_Your_Legacy.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 6:55am PDT

At Park Leaders we examine issues relevant for park leaders. We have heard from more than one guest on the Park Leaders Show about how important volunteers are to the vitality of parks. There are steps you can take to ensure you get the most out of working with volunteers and they get value from working with you too.

I recently read a quote that stood out;

As a Leader, one must sometimes take actions that are unpopular, or whose results will not be known for years to come. They are victories whose glory lies only in the fact they are known only to those who win them.” 

This struck me so much I wrote it down so I could reflect on it. I realized it applied to the work we are doing in parks. The results of our work may not be known for years to come, or perhaps never be known at all.

It is easy to think of someone like  Jose Gonzalez and the work he is doing with Latino Outdoors. He is in the big arena, fighting to make a difference for relationship between Latinos and Parks. But all victories do not have to be big to be glorious.

No matter your role in parks, you are experiencing little victories that advance our mission. Whether you are a park manager balancing a tight budget and a thin staff, a park ranger still learning the ropes, a corps member building a trail, or a volunteer doing work the public may never see, you know the glory of your victories. They may only be small victories right now, but it is the start of something bigger.

Working with volunteers was one of the true delights of the last two years of my ranger career. I worked with a wide variety of people from all over the country, each with the own unique story. The park I worked at consistently registered more than 20,000 volunteer hours each year. The park manager was known as “The King of Volunteers”. I learned so much from the volunteers I worked with. There are steps you can take to get the most out of working with volunteers and ensure they get the most out of working with you.

I developed this list with camphosts in mind because they are with the staff for an extended period of time. They live with you, work with you, and can make your life so much better. Some of these tips may apply to other volunteers as well.

Here are 10 tips for getting the most out of working with volunteers;

10. Take the time to interview them before you put them on the schedule. In the initial talk you will find out there experience and what they hope to get out of the experience. You are also likely to find something that lets you know they would or would not be a good fit.

 9. Before you put them to work, schedule an hour or more to sit with them. Use this time to explain your agency, talk about the park and staff, and clearly discuss your expectations.

8. Find out what they actually want to do. If you are scheduling volunteers to be camphosts, do they only want to clean firepits, or do they want to be involved in more. I have had volunteers who wanted to clean firepits and greet campers and nothing more. I have also had volunteers who wanted to be busy 8 hours per day and create something they could be proud of. I worked with one volunteer to create recycling bins that saved hundreds of dollars each year for the park.

I also had a camphost who owned a painting company. My natural assumption was I could use him for the backlog of painting projects at the park. After talking with him, he did not want to do any painting. He had painted his whole career and did not want to spend his retirement years painting too. It is important to flush that information out early.

7. Take time to hear their story. I know I am asking you to take a lot time out of your busy schedule to slow down long enough to talk extensively with your volunteers, but you need to hear their story. It is important you have an informal, not official feeling talk with them. Find out their story. This will make them feel welcome and show that you are interested in them, not just the work they will do. Hearing their story will bring out any special skills they have that may help you and the park. Often, there is something more they can do that you haven’t discovered yet.

6. Spend more time with them. After the initial investment in time, you cannot turn them loose and expect to only hear from them when something is wrong and then say goodbye when they leave. You need to spend time with them. Stop by to say hello. Ask them what they are seeing. Find out if they need anything to be able to perform their job. The less time you spend with them, the less likely they are to tell you what is really going on around you.

5. Include them in the Parks story. When volunteers know the history, challenges, goals, and vision of the park they can write themselves into the story. When they write themselves into the story, they will take ownership into their area of responsibility and pride in all areas of the park.

Volunteers are the face of the park to many park visitors. Consider how many people will visit your park and never see a Park Ranger. You want volunteers to feel they are part of the overall story of the park.

 4. Create an atmosphere where volunteers can get to know each other. At Fort Flagler State Park volunteers had their own break room, laundry facilities, library and more. Volunteers where included in staff meetings, which also helped tie them into the park’s story. This usually worked out so well volunteers would plan their own events and many created friendships they took outside of the park.

3. Create a sense of security. It is important for volunteers to feel they are safe while doing their job. Whatever you need to do to make a volunteer feel safe, do it. Provide cell phone or radio if possible. As best you can, let them know who is working on what days and who is on call when no one is working. Let them know how to get a hold of you when there is an emergency or uncomfortable situation.

2. Motivate, inspire, and include them just as you would with paid staff. You would not expect your paid staff to work unmotivated, uninspired, or feeling like an outsider. I know some park managers do, but not anyone who is ambitious enough to listen to the Park Leaders Show. Volunteers should be treated with the same respect you give to other staff.

1. Recognize them for good work. I don’t believe you should take any staff for granted. No one is ever “just doing their job”, even if they are doing what they are paid to do. Appreciate people. Recognize people. Even if they are doing the exact job outlined in their job description, it goes a long way when you let them know you notice when they do a good job. If that is true for paid staff, imagine how important it is for staff you do not pay.

Bonus Tip - Interview them when they leave. Interviewing volunteers when they leave will accomplish two things. First, you will find out how they felt about their time with you. You can discuss how you feel they did and they can do likewise. Second, it gets it on your calendar to spend time with them before they leave. Saying goodbye is as important as saying hello.

There you have it friends, ten ways you can get the most out of working with volunteers and ensure they get value out of working for you.

A strong connection to volunteers gives your park a citizen voice. And when times get tough, a citizen voice is important.

Many of those tips I learned from working with Mike Zimmerman, the King of Volunteers, at Fort Flagler State Park. That is what we do at Park Leaders, take the wisdom of the people who have done it, and pass it on to the next generation of leaders, the ones with all of the passion to have an impact.

 

Direct download: PL09_Working_with_Volunteers.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:47am PDT

Park Leaders has been discussing diversity lately. Diversity is on of the most pressing issues to ensure parks remain relevant.

You can not examine diversity in parks without coming across the name Jose Gonzalez. Jose is the founder of Latino Outdoors.

Jose founded Latino Outdoors to connect leadership, culture, and communities with conservation, nature, and the great outdoors. He works closely with organizations seeking to add diversity to their outdoor and conservation programs.

Latino Outdoors is a platform for Latino Outdoor and Environmental Education Professionals to serve as role models and leads for guided hikes and outdoor excursions for Latino communities—all ages and generations, bilingual and Spanish-speaking. We help set up and lead outings for Latino community members for the purpose of expanding the Latino experience in the Outdoors—with a focus on providing positive transformative experiences with cultural relevancy.

In this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Jose discusses the relevance of Latinos in the future of parks and conservation.

What We Talk About

• Why Jose founded Latino Outdoors • The Mission of Latino Outdoors • Why Parks should specifically address Latinos • Why there are not more Latino Park Rangers and what we can do about it

Resources

Latino OutdoorsBay Area National ParksParks Forward

 

Direct download: PL08_Latinos_and_Parks.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 11:24am PDT

You may find this episode uncomfortable. I am fine with that. John Griffith will call you out.

Our parks are not just for white guys in fleece jackets. You would have that impression though if you visited most of our national our state parks. Park Rangers are not a diverse group. Neither are park visitors, for the most part.

If the answer is to hire diverse employees for only office jobs and think that's a good enough effort for your diversity goals, message of parks will eventually go extinct.

That is the message John Griffith preaches to stakeholders of national and state parks.

John is a supervisor with the California Conservation Corps, who has become best known for his hip-hop dancing.

The attention John has received for his dancing has allowed him a new platform to spread his message of conservation and diversity.

What We Talk About

• The importance of exploring outdoors • How urban youth respond to the outdoors • Diversity in Parks • Why outreach to minority groups does not work • Finding ways to connect with diverse demographic groups • Making recreation appealing vs. protecting the park • How people build relationships with nature • How dancing has allowed John to connect with Urban Youth • The sacred role of a Park Ranger

Resources

John Griffith's Youtube ChannelCalifornia Conservation CorpsThe Corps NetworkOutdoor AfroLast Child in the Woods by Richard Louv • Totem Magic: Going Mad by John Griffith • Music by Jason Harrod

Here is the video of John dancing that got all of the attention;

The Boss Dances Like a BOSS! John Griffith Dancing to Travis Porter (click to watch on YouTube

Once I saw this video I knew I had to talk to John;

 John Griffith Dancing to Bird Machine by DJ Snake (click to watch on YouTube)

Direct download: PL07_Diversity_in_Parks.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 6:23am PDT

Jack Hartt is Park Manager of Deception Pass State Park. Deception Pass is considered to be the flagship park of Washington State, and many consider Jack to be the flagship Ranger. He has inspired or trained many Rangers who went on to become Park Managers or Assistant Managers. Jack has been manager at Deception Pass State Park, Washington's busiest park, and Riverside State Park, Washington's largest park.

What We Talk About

• Managing relationships • Focusing on developing the right people • The role of a Park Manager • The role of an Assistant Park Manager • The role of a leader without a formal title • Finding a mentor • The "Park-Like" concept • Introducing a new Manager to a park

Resources

Rocky Mountain National ParkRiverside State ParkDeception Pass State Park It's Your Ship by Michael Abrashoff • Eleven Rings and The Last Season by Phil Jackson • Interpreting our Heritage by Freeman Tilden • Environmental Interpretation by Sam Ham

Books by Jack Hartt

A Day in the Park With Ranger JackTwo Hands and a ShovelA Walk Around the BlockProper Size Me

Direct download: PL06_Developing_Leaders_with_Jack_Hartt.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Bill Overby, Commander of the Parks Law Enforcement Academy

Bill Overby is Commander of the Parks Law Enforcement Academy at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, WA. He was a Park Ranger with Washington State Parks for 32 years, including 20 years as manager of Deception Pass State Park. Commander Overby recommends you don't  let the park define you, even as you give your all to your career.

What We Talk About

• How are cadets are not prepared when they arrive at the academy • How to tell if cadets will stand out in the academy • The importance of writing well • Traits of Rangers who become leaders • Biggest challenge of being a Park Manager • How to handle a promotion when you now supervise your peers • Recruitment and retention of employees • The importance of appearance • Balancing your career and family life

Resources

Deception Pass State ParkParks Law Enforcement Academy at Skagit Valley College • Music by Jason Harrod

Direct download: PL05_Dont_Let_the_Park_Define_You.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Scott Barlow and Mark Sieverkropp from Happen To Your Career

Scott Barlow is a Human Resources Manager with a company in Washington State. He is also a career coach and founder of Happen To Your Career.  Mark Sieverkropp is an author, entrepreneur, consultant, and speaker. Together at Happen To Your Career, they help connect people with the work they love.

Talking with Scott and Mark gives us an outside-of-parks perspective on getting noticed and advancing your career.

What We Talk About

• Why Parks are important • How you can direct your own career • The value of building relationships with people you don't work with directly • How to get noticed when going for a promotion • Having a purposeful career • How to get noticed when going for a promotion • Having a more purposeful career • Growing outside your career • Using projects to create success • How to Choose Yourself

Resources

Happen To Your CareerMark SieverkroppSun Lakes State ParkMatt McWilliamsJody MaberryProject Success by Mark Sieverkropp • The National Park: America's Best Idea by Ken Burns • Happen To Your Career PodcastScott on TwitterMark on Twitter

Two of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase I get a small commission.

 

Direct download: PL04_Get_Noticed.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 9:10am PDT

Eric Watilo, Region Manager with Washington State Parks

Eric Watilo is a Region Manager with Washington State Parks.

After fifteen years in the field as a Park Manager and Park Manager, Eric has spent the past sixteen years in a Region Headquarters. As a Region Manager, Eric works directly with many Park Managers. He is familiar with the issues most Park Managers struggle with. Eric discusses the value of experience and how to build a strong team.

In This Episode We Talk About;

• Filling a position with the right person • The issues Park Managers struggle with the most • How to effectively communicate with your team • The role of technology in Parks • How can a Park show value for the cost a visitor pays • Building relationships among Park staff • What should never change about parks

Resources

• Music by Jason HarrodWashington State ParksGinkgo Wanapum State ParkSurvey MonkeyRed GreenJody Maberry

 

Handyman Corner - Camping (click to watch on YouTube)

Direct download: PL03_The_Value_of_Experience.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

Rex Derr is the former director of Washington State Parks.

Rex says his career in Parks was glorious and feels parks are the soul of a community. Rex was the architect and main cheerleader of Washington State Park's Centennial 2013 plan. This plan built excitement and prepared Washington State Parks to celebrate the park system's 100th birthday.

What We Talk About

• What Parks add to a community • Washington State Park's Centennial Plan; how it was created and how parks and citizens were involved. • Creating a story or plan to unite your team • The greatest asset of any public service entity

Resources

Washington State Parks

Washington State Parks Centennial 2013-A plan for your parks (click to watch on YouTube)

Direct download: PL02_Parks_are_the_Soul_of_a_Community.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 3:16am PDT

Chris Guidotti is the manager of Riverside State Park in Spokane, WA.

Ranger Guidotti has lead his park and staff to find new ways to create revenue and recreation opportunities for visitors, despite increasing budget pressure to do more with less. He explains some of the ways a new manager can find the pulse of a park and move the entire team towards a vision.

In This Episode, We Talk About

• Feeling the Pulse of a Park • Connecting the Park and local community • Using volunteers and working with Friends Groups • Keys to building relationships with your staff • Transferring a vision to staff • Advice for up and coming leaders • Encouraging initiative • Hiring for future needs

Resources

Riverside State ParkRiverside State Park FoundationWashington State Parks Discover Pass • Music by Jason Harrod

 

Direct download: PL01_Feeling_the_Pulse_of_a_Park.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this introductory episode of the podcast, I explain what Park Leaders is about.

What is Park Leaders?

Park Leaders is a place to connect the wisdom of those who did with the passion of those who will.

We are going to talk to as many leaders in Parks as possible. Their wisdom can be passed on to the next generation of up and coming Park Leaders. This will be an opportunity for you to chose yourself, declare yourself as a leader, and begin making a difference.

What I talk about.

• My path of becoming a Park Ranger • Highlight of my time as a Ranger. • Lowlights of my time as a Ranger. • Why I started Park Leaders. • What you can expect from Park Leaders.

Resources Mentioned

• Jason HarrodScott Barlow and Happen to Your CareerJared Easley and Starve the DoubtsJody MaberryWashington State ParksRiverside State ParkFort Flagler State Park

Direct download: PL00_-_What_is_Park_Leaders.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

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