Park Leaders Show

Big Bend National Park is one of the most remote parks in the lower 48 states. Allen Etheridge, Chief Ranger at Big Bend, shares the experience of working at such a remote park.

Allen explains the lifestyle of living and working in a remote park. A remote park fosters a tight group who work together and play together. It becomes even more important to involve everyone on the team socially and in work.

Ranger Etheridge also discusses the role of a Chief Ranger. He provides purpose, motivation, and direction to the staff at Big Bend. A Chief Ranger needs to know, understand, and explain the message of the superintendent, as well as bring forth issues of the staff to the superintendent.

We also discuss interviewing and what to look for as you talk to job candidates.

Reading a wide variety of leadership books is important for anyone in a leadership position. Entreleadership by Dave Ramsey is one book Allen Etheridge recommends.

Direct download: PL64_Allen_Etheridge.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

LaJuan Tucker received an introduction to conservation with the Texas Conservation Corps. She started as a crew member and eventually became a staff member.

LaJuan worked directly with young people of color who were interested in college or careers related to conservation. In this interview, LaJuan explains the common questions and concerns young people have about careers in conservation.

LaJuan parlayed her experience with the Conservation Corps to become a park ranger with the city of Austin, Texas. LaJuan credits her time with the Texas Conservation Corps as the catalyst to her becoming a park ranger. Had she not been exposed to conservation, she would not have become a ranger.

With the Austin Parks, LaJuan works on impactful projects such as Wildlife Austin. Austin is doing critical work to protect the Monarch Butterfly.

LaJuan Tucker is a model of the impact and headstart the Conservation Corps and Corps Network can give to young people.

Direct download: PL63_LaJuan_Tucker.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 7:00am PDT

County Parks play a vital role in the grand scheme of parks. A County Park system usually manages parks that range from urban to wilderness. County Parks are often a stepping stone between City Parks and a family making the leap to recreating in State or National Parks.

Mary Ann Bonnell Jefferson County Open Space
Mary Ann Bonnell, Visitor Services Supervisor with Jefferson County Open Space

Mary Ann Bonnell has experience in City Parks, State Parks, and non-profit organizations. Mary Ann is proud of her role with Jefferson County Open Space and the quality of life County Parks offer in her Colorado home.

In this episode of the Park Leaders Show, we examine the role of County Parks. Mary Ann also discusses urban wildlife and wildlife education. Through education, urban wildlife can connect people to the bigger natural world.

Direct download: PL62_Mary_Ann_Bonnell.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

Park Leaders Show
This week is a short episode to provide updates on what is going on with Park Leaders.

Thank you for the great feedback about the episode with Betty Soskin. It was a delight to interview her, and I am pleased you liked it as well. If you haven't listened to that episode yet, you don't want to miss it.

I have some upcoming trips. Perhaps we can meet up? I will be in Dallas in early August, and Asheville, NC in October. If you live nearby, and would like me to visit your park, get in touch. Or, if you would like to set up a speaking engagement, it would be fantastic to give a presentation about parks for you.

The People of Parks Project is going away soon. If you have not had a chance to lend your voice, you can do so here.

Would you like to be a contributor for Park Leaders? I have two opportunities for you. First, I am going to start including articles on the website. If you would like to contribute an article about parks, get in touch. I could use your help. Second, I want to include stories from Park Rangers other than myself on the Park Leaders Show. If you have a story you would like to share, reach out. Let's get your story on the show.

Have you checked out Creating Disney Magic yet? Creating Disney Magic is a show I do with Lee Cockerell. It is a weekly show about leadership, management, and customer service. There is plenty of value packed into the 15-minute episodes.

Direct download: PL61__Park_Leaders_Updates.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

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