On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss ways leaders can focus on professional growth during this pandemic era.

While personal growth centers on passion, experience, and knowledge base, as Phil explains, the key to professional growth boils down to legacy. Despite competition being a commercial necessity, to mature professionally, one must consider what making a difference looks like. For some, upward mobility is essential to this reality; for others, simply maximizing an opportunity is enough to advance their goals.

Regardless of setting and surroundings, dare to question how you can leave things better than you found them. By doing this, you will ultimately progress down the road of professional development.

Resources:

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

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.com/theparkleaders/

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.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

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.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

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

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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/

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:

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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:

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Doug Peacock joins the show to discuss his latest project, Save The Yellowstone Grizzly.

A long-time naturalist, Doug founded STYG in 2016 to advocate safety and recovery of grizzlies south of Canada. As he explains, the removal of grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park should be a national priority following the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s March 2016 delisting announcement. With the agency’s dismissal of climate change and relocation urgency, Doug hopes the nonprofit will score legal victories as they seek to preserve the welfare of grizzly bears in Yellowstone and similar national parks.

Connect:

www.parkleaders.com

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On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, David Van Cleve, joins the show to discuss locational stability in a park ranger career.

As David shares in his book, ‘A Greatness of Spirit: Tales of Extraordinary Rangers at the Heart of California's State Park System’, few rangers stay the course within one state park; however, for those who do, they carry unique perspectives worth exploring.

For instance, as regional managers and supervisors, rangers who stay in one park throughout their tenure have the opportunity to impact thousands of students within the same community. Through educational influence, these rangers can model high standards of excellence and promote cultural heritage for their park systems.

Resources:

A Greatness of Spirit: https://www.amazon.com/Greatness-Spirit-Extraordinary-Rangers-Californias-ebook/dp/B07HJHP2PQ

Connect:

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Francis joins Jody and Phil Gaines to discuss working with support groups.

A retired superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Francis explains how friends groups can help maintain accountability among park rangers and leaders. For instance, through networking, advocacy, and project development, friends groups can call on experienced members to speak for resources and park mission whether it involves testifying before Congress or writing letters to editors.

As Francis elaborates, the goal of friends groups is to resolve local and political issues, manage state and federal projects, and cultivate relationships. If a national park wants to prioritize this endeavor, park managers must not only understand nonprofit requirements but understand the budgets and social value behind their projects.

Connect:

www.parkleaders.com

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Ben Novak, the lead scientist of the biotechnology nonprofit Revive & Restore, joins the show to discuss his historic breakthrough.

A conservation activist, Ben shares the story of Elizabeth Ann, a black-footed ferret, recently cloned as part of a project with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Revive & Restore, and the San Diego Zoo. With a passion for saving endangered species, Ben plans to reintroduce similar species to their habitats through artificial insemination as a genetic rescue model.

Having spearheading this scientific milestone, Ben hopes the pandemic can be a wake-up call for the next generation to take risks with their goals. Like him in his early career, emerging leaders may encounter negative feedback in their quest for positive change; however, this doesn’t mean they should give up. Instead, Ben charges young people to stay the course as fresh ideas, like the bioethics of cloning and preservation, become more culturally accepted.

Connect:

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

In this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Matt Holloway, a former ranger at Glacier National park, and his 11-year-old daughter, Harper, joins the show to discuss their epic hiking adventure.

After hiking 160 miles of the Pacific Northwest Trail Reroute in 19 days, Matt and Harper share their motivations and takeaways from the experience. While part of their inspiration was to deter hunter activism, the primary objective was to raise conservation awareness for grizzly bears. By hiking the trail, Matt and Harper hope their ground truth observations can help park rangers consider rerouting the trail in a way that will preserve grizzly bear habitation.

 Connect:

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting park visitation and user groups.

While the pandemic has reduced the number of new visitors in national parks, there are still some encouraging trends for park rangers. For instance, while bottom-line attendance may be down, certain demographics like women, youth, and seniors are making more frequent trips to parks.

As Phil explains, though more time is needed to monitor these trends, such patterns are worth statistical analysis as new markets often lead to new activities. Additionally, when you consider disruptive innovations and social media, the stage is set for new crazes to emerge. Like mountain biking, geocaching, and Instagram hotspots the past decade, there will be new rages at some point; hence, why rangers should not be discouraged about temporary retention and focus more on the voice of their audience.

Resources:

One of Us: https://www.amazon.com/One-Us-Biologists-Among-Bears/dp/1525548514

Connect:

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Phil Gaines, the semi-regular guest host, returns to discuss annual performance reviews.

While some employers view annual reviews as obligations, the truth is these evaluations are critical to an organization's success. As Phil explains, the best annual performance reviews involve checkmarks throughout the year to maintain consistency. To evaluate performance correctly, supervisors should gauge progress on monthly to quarterly intervals using surveys or 1:1 meetings. Furthermore, annual performance reviews should not only distinguish performance issues versus disciplinary issues but promote open dialogue dedicated to vocational growth.  

However you approach performance evaluation, remember to distribute feedback and encourage learning opportunities regularly. In this way, you will motivate your team members to accomplish their goals with maximum efficiency.

Connect:

www.parkleaders.com

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Barrie Gilbert, a bear biologist and author of ‘One of Us: A Biologist’s Walk Among Bears’, joins the show to discuss his research and resources.   

Having survived a near-fatal attack by a bear in 1977 In Yellowstone Park, Gilbert has devoted his career to wildlife discovery. For over four decades, Gilbert’s scientific inquiries have inspired a new generation to study bear behavior and habitation preservation. Ultimately, his work has changed the narrative concerning the perception of grizzlies in national parks.

As for his book, “One of Us” examines the integrity of hunting as well as the years Gilbert spent in Yosemite studying black bears. To him, if the public concept of bears is to improve, we must replace the Louis and Clark mindset for one seeking to enhance their environment. Only then can we promote safe practices regarding the man and bear relationship.

Resources:

One of Us: https://www.amazon.com/One-Us-Biologists-Among-Bears/dp/1525548514

Connect:

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

In this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss how parks can maximize their winter seasons.  

For most parks, tourism is high in the summer, low in the winter. As visitation decreases during the cold months, the opportunities for special projects increase. The question is: How do parks best utilize their downtime to avoid lost time? 

As Phil explains, while winter work projects vary upon location and climate, the bottom lines are the same. If a park ranger wants to prepare for the spring, they must promote rest for staff, document processes, focus on planning, and fix infrastructures critical to volume. 

Connect:

www.parkleaders.com

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Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss strong park culture. 

While some say culture is how you do things, the truth is discovering culture goes much deeper. For instance, when a new park ranger obtains a new role, they instantly inherit a culture. In some cases, the culture may be unhealthy; in others, it may be rich in tradition. 

Whatever the situation, knowing the formal structure and informal influencers is critical to quality management. As Phil explains, though rangers may serve as the primary authority, all staff members can leave an impact on a park and its programs. Accordingly, if rangers commit themselves to know their personnel and the people they influence, the more they’ll discover the ‘why’ of their culture.  

Connect:

www.parkleaders.com

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Rick Bass, an acclaimed author, and native of Yak Valley discuss challenges affecting national parks and the importance of sharing experiences.

From climate change to conservation conflicts, Rick explains why we should pass stories of environmental struggles to future generations. In his mind, the obligation to preserve history and raise awareness are community values and expressions of courage. If one seeks to inspire influence, one must be willing not only to lend a voice but share the whole story.

As Rick continues, one of the ways he has done this is through his book, Traveling Feast. In the book, Rick focuses his premise on connecting generations through benevolence – the idea of sharing what you love at the core of generosity. The more life seems to converge, the more opportunities we have to expound upon the hope that we know.

Resources:

The Traveling Feast by Rick Bass 

Connect:

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/