Matt Carroll did not follow a typical path to becoming a Superintendent with the National Park Service. 

During a full career with the Air Force, Matt picked up all the skills he would need to be a Park Superintendent; management, budgets, leadership, operations and more. He also volunteered with the National Park Service for many years before he retired from the Air Force. 

Typically, by the time a ranger becomes a superintendent, he or she has been immersed in the culture of the park service for years. Matt came in from the outside to the role of Superintendent of Greenbelt Park and Baltimore-Washington Parkway. 

Shortly after joining the Greenbelt Parkway, Matt developed a list of 2016 Superintendent Priorities. Matt posted the priorities at Park Headquarters so park staff, volunteers, and visitors could see them. 

Here are the 2016 Superintendent Priorities for the Greenbelt Park and Baltimore-Washington Parkway;

1. Improve Visitor Experience, Customer Support & Partnerships
2. Institute Sound Business Practices
3. Foster a Culture of Safety in Daily Operations
4. Ensure Good Stewardship of Park Resources and Facilities
5. Develop and Support a Professional Workforce

Sam Ovett and Jenna Hanger are living a life that will make you jealous. It makes me jealous. Sam and Jenna are Traveling Trainers for Leave No Trace. They travel the western United States teaching the principals of Leave No Trace to students, communities, volunteers, and government agencies.

As Traveling Trainers, they visit some of our most beautiful places and spend over 250 nights per year camping. Spending so much time together worked out well for Sam and Jenna. They are engaged to be married and plan on launching their own business later this year.

One interesting aspect of being a traveling trainer is the Leave No Trace Hot Spot program. This unique program focuses on areas that have been negatively impacted by recreational use. Traveling Trainers work with the community and stakeholders of a Hot Spot to help recover and protect the area for future generations.

You can follow Sam & Jenna on Instagram  to keep up to date on their adventures.

Brandon Kramer joins the Park Leaders Show to talk about the new documentary film, City of Trees. 

City of Trees follows Washington Parks and People as the organization uses a grant to plant trees in parks Washington DC.  The story plays out with struggle and triumph as the organization as you get to know people who are hired to plant trees.

During the film, you will learn about a community, learn about the men who are hired to plant trees, and learn about the organization trying to make it all work. 

Click here for opportunities to see the National Broadcast of City of Trees. PBS will be broadcasting City of Trees on April 19th. 

Many park agencies face budget struggles. Michigan State Parks faced the issues head-on by exploring new ways to add value to what parks offer.

Ron Olson, Chief of Michigan State Parks, joins the Park Leaders Show to explain the innovative ideas Michigan explored and implemented to survive budget cuts and offer more to park visitors. 

In this episode, Mr. Olson will explain the programs and services Michigan State Parks offered to guests to enhance recreational opportunities and increase funding. 

Here is an article from 2009 that outlines some of the challenges Michigan State Parks faced when Ron Olson become Chief.