Park Leaders Show : Park Ranger | National Park | State Park | Leadership

"Storytelling is the bridge between awe and understanding, whether you're in a theme park or a national park." Notable Moments 01:05 – Bob’s national park road trip that shaped his worldview 05:24 – “Recreation” vs. “Re-creation”: the true power of parks 06:10 – Walt Disney’s advice: walk the park, observe the guests 08:41 – How Disney draws inspiration from national parks 12:19 – Gaps in concessionaire storytelling at national park lodges 14:51 – Bob’s advice for elevating the lodge experience 16:15 – Lessons from Kennedy Space Center concessions 20:39 – Making food and retail part of the park’s story 28:16 – Advice for up-and-coming park leaders 32:14 – Why rangers are just as iconic as Disney cast members  In this inspiring conversation, Bob Weis, former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, joins to explore the intersection of themed and natural parks. In his new book, Dream Chasing, Bob discusses how his childhood road trip to national parks shaped his creative path and what natural park leaders can le

"When you truly love a place, you do whatever it takes to protect it, even if it takes a decade." Notable Moments 00:01:04 Meeting Rodrigo and Jose 00:02:03 Rodrigo shares how a simple question sparked conservation 00:07:15 Jose explains fighting the first hydroelectric project 00:20:54 What happens after the land is protected 00:32:04 The significance of the ancient Alerce tree Jody Maberry recounts his unforgettable trip to Chile’s Cochamó Valley, especially meeting Rodrigo Condeza and Jose Claro. Together, they have spent over a decade fighting to stop hydroelectric dams and irresponsible development in Pucheguin. Their efforts highlight the power of dedication and community-led conservation. Listen to hear about their battles, the unique Alerce trees, historic trails, and the vision for balancing wilderness protection with community livelihood and responsible tourism. Read the blog for more from this episode.  Episode Resources Puelo Patagonia: puelopatagonia.cl Conserva Pucheguin Project: conservapucheg

"The only way you're going to save the world is with a damn good story." Notable Moments 02:13 – Jeff’s origin story: how a zoo letter changed his life 04:47 – Radical collaboration and partnerships across conservation groups 06:31 – Story of Pueblo Patagonia and local leadership in Chile 13:16 – Big change starts with one local champion 17:26 – Why storytelling is essential to conservation success 24:16 – Gabon’s 30x30x30x30 model and protecting rivers, too 26:14 – Partnering with Disney for the Lion Recovery Fund 33:18 – Jody’s zoo and creek story: early sparks of passion 37:52 – Jeff’s advice for new park leaders: seek diverse experiences, tell good stories What if the future of conservation hinged less on policy and more on storytelling? Conservation doesn’t start with land. It starts with people. And it lasts because of the stories we carry forward. In this episode, Jody Maberry talks with Jeff Parrish, Global Managing Director at The Nature Conservancy. Jeff shares how global conservation success starts

“A win in conservation is temporary. You’ll fight for it again. A loss is permanent.” Notable Moments [00:01:03] – Why politics and public land are inseparable [00:04:37] – The impact of the Antiquities Act on land policy [00:06:57] – South Carolina’s bipartisan approach to land conservation [00:10:31] – Western vs. Eastern perceptions of public land ownership [00:15:11] – Economic and social value of protected lands [00:21:13] – The difference between temporary wins and permanent losses [00:26:40] – Why every acre counts, from Yellowstone to your local county park Jody Maberry and Phil Gaines explore the often-overlooked political realities of public land management. They examine how geography, history, and growth shape public land debates differently across regions, especially in the East vs. the West. From the Antiquities Act to state and federal tensions, they reflect on why effective leadership requires understanding policy and public sentiment. Phil shares South Carolina’s strategic approach, and both e

“Parks protect the land, but just as importantly, they protect the stories that shaped our nation.” There are a number of ways parks can contribute to the United States’ 250th anniversary. From South Carolina’s rich revolutionary history to the roles western parks can play, this conversation highlights how parks serve as stewards of history, not just nature. Phil joins to share his involvement with state commissions and the American Battlefield Trust, offering ideas for programming, preservation, and storytelling. Read the blog for more from this episode.  Notable Moments [02:30] Phil’s work with commissions and battlefield preservation [04:02] Lexington and Concord: the shot heard around the world [06:29] Parks' role in preserving and retelling history [09:30] Revolutionary stories from South Carolina [11:30] Creating commissions across the U.S. [13:00] The opportunity for storytelling and youth engagement [17:11] Andrew Jackson’s teenage war story [20:48] Importance of land preservation [21:51] How every st

"I'm going to do something that's connected to the national parks or our or a state park near me so that I can use my knowledge and see the real world impact it has. And that way, I never am stuck in class asking, why is this important? Why on earth do I have to learn this?" Notable Moments 03:02 Parks' Enhanced Virtual Learning Programs 05:30 The Value of Learning About Distant Places 12:39 Bridging Classrooms and Public Lands 17:53 Engaging Park Rangers as Educators 24:08 Enhancing Park Visitor Experience 26:14 Park Principles for Classroom Management Connect with James Order the Book The National Park Classroom www.nationalparkclassroom.com Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ Every park holds stories waiting to be told. James Fester, an educator and former interpreter with California State Parks and the National Park Service, returns to discuss the ever-evolving connection between national parks and education. Read the blog for mo

"We've designed the bathroom to be agnostic to the environment in which it goes. There are certainly other operational considerations the further out you go, but there's really no fundamental limitation as to where we put a throne." Bathrooms in parks are rarely the focus of innovation, but I was eager to dive into this unexplored territory with guests Jessica Heinzelmann and Fletcher Wilson from Throne Labs. Together, they are revolutionizing bathrooms, transforming them from mundane necessities into seamless, data-driven experiences for park visitors. Read the blog for more from this episode about how they are helping rethink park restrooms. Notable Moments 06:21 Rethinking Bathroom Infrastructure 08:04 User-Driven Feedback Systems to Ensure Cleanliness  11:16 Addressing the Needs of Women and Families 15:57 Creating a Quick, Hassle-Free Bathroom Solutions 20:20 Smart Bathrooms Enhance Experience and Opportunities 22:29 Automated Park Lockdown System Connect with ThroneLabs ThroneLabs.com LinkedIn Jessica H

"You have to be ready because change is constant, and you have to be able to adapt and adjust." As the retired director of South Carolina State Parks and a current professor at Clemson University, Phil Gaines has wisdom on navigating administrative changes in park systems that is invaluable. He joined me to break down the often tumultuous times when new administrations take office. Transitions can be tough. Read the blog to hear how more on our conversation about strategic planning and adapting to new leadership in the park system. Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

"Nothing gets done without partners. And in fact, it's way more fun when you get to do it with other people." Philanthropy is a powerful tool that often goes unnoticed in the world of park management. I have the privilege of diving deep into this with Sarah Unz, Vice President of Community Partnerships at the National Park Foundation, and Ryan McClure, Executive Director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation and Board Chair of the Friends Alliance. Read the blog for more on creating world-class experiences and preserving our natural treasures for future generations. Notable Moments 00:00 Reimagining the Arch Experience 03:49 Embracing Environmental Partnerships 08:17 "National Park Friends Alliance Collaboration" 12:58 "Philanthropy's Role in National Parks" 14:30 Urban Parks: Unique Role & Philanthropy 19:13 Historic Courthouse Renovation Art Project 23:32 "Parks Fundraising Campaign Launch" 26:09 Proud National Park Campaign Collaboration Resources Gateway Arch Park Project National Park Foundation Friends A

"They've done studies observing children in a park. They issue the more organized places like a like a soccer field or basketball court, but the kids always end up on the edges where the trees or the brush is just messing around." Childhood adventures in nature can shape a lifetime of curiosity and exploration. That’s why I was thrilled to chat with Chris Anderson, creator of "OutSCIder," an initiative bringing educational videos about national parks into classrooms. Through his work, Chris is ensuring the next generation doesn’t just learn about nature but forms lasting bonds with it. Read the blog for more on how OutSCIder is helping kids find a passion for exploration and conservation. Connect with Chris Anderson https://www.outscider.org/ YouTube Channel OutSCIder Instagram OutSCIder Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

"After 43 years of doing this, some things didn't sound accurate to me. So I started researching this in in order to to put together a program to go out and really explain what the history of these places are and what is fact and what is fiction." When was the last time you thought about the history behind our public lands? It's more intricate than many realize. One person that knows that is a veteran leader in the world of parks, Walt Dabney. Walt joined us fresh from the 47th annual Ranger Rendezvous. This event started back in 1977 and continues to bring park rangers together. His presentation on the history and future of public lands was incredibly compelling. Do yourself a favor and take the time to watch it on YouTube. Walt unpacked the historical context of how America's public lands came to be, from the Louisiana Purchase and Treaty of Paris to the impacts of the Mexican War. He explained how the lens of history is crucial to understanding current debates, particularly the contentious issue of transfe

"Signs don't do much. It's the educational programs where you're actually talking to people that are the most effective in changing behaviors." Notable Moments 00:42 Prescott's volunteer-driven, unique park ranger system. 03:26 Code enforcement change to interpretation. 07:07 Leave No Trace signs to improve local campsites. 11:48 Enhance accessibility and safety to attract families. 15:38 Launching a Junior Ranger program 18:06 Nature Ninos partner is developing a local STEM activity center. 20:53 ADA trails improve park accessibility. Sean Underhill is a park ranger from Prescott, Arizona helping get city-level park programs up and running. He shares insights into their extensive volunteer efforts and a new ranger program that is building a bridge between parks and local communities. The implementation of a city level Junior Ranger program is one great example of the innovative initiatives they are working on. Read the blog for more of the takeaways from my conversation with Sean. Resources www.parkleaders.

"We honor our profession and we're proud of what we do to remember those that we lost." Park Rangers often dedicate their life to the preservation of nature. There is another side of the work that is less known; Uncovering the forgotten stories of those who paid the ultimate price. My conversation with Jeff Ohlfs, retired chief ranger of Joshua Tree National Park, explored the often-overlooked sacrifices of park rangers worldwide. Read more about his work in the blog.  Resources Association of National Park Rangers Park Rangers Association of California www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

"As a helper, as a as a compassionate individual, you can get compassion fatigue, physical fatigue, and emotional fatigue because it is devastating." Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

"By bringing varied backgrounds into conservation careers, we are ensuring our parks represent all of America." Connect with Doug Email Doug Mitchell Glacier National Park Conservancy Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ In Glacier National Park, the journey to reintroduce bison is a great example of the power of perseverance and learning from failure. The collaborative effort between the US Federal Government, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Glacier Park leaders, and the Blackfeet Nation was a key marker in the project’s success. This journey wasn't straightforward thought. Read more about it here on my blog. 

"I've never been there early enough to see the sunrise, but I've been there late enough to see the sunset. And it does have a really pretty sunset." Notable Moments 02:04 Common Questions from Visitors 06:33 Importance of Seasonal Training 08:02 Day in the Life of a Park Employee 10:12 Family adventures with bears.  Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ It's not every day you get to hear from someone about their experience working at the park they group up in. However, that is exactly what my daughter, Gretel, spent her summer doing at Fort Flagler State Park. I couldn't be more grateful to have her joining Phil Gaines and I to share her insights into what makes Fort Flagler so special.  Take a listen or read about it by visiting my blog.

"The small stuff is where you create that memory or you create an impression that never leaves them. Attention to those little details really matter." Attention to details isn't just a small matter; it can transform the experience of park visitors. In the latest episode of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Gaines returns for a conversation about why the small stuff is crucial in parks and conservation. Paying close attention to the seemingly little things can make a monumental difference to visitors. Notable Takeaways: Small Stuff Matters: Whether it's ensuring cobweb-free restrooms or aligned signs, paying attention to small details reflects how well the entire park is managed. This attention can significantly affect visitors' perceptions and experiences. Creating a Culture of Care: Consistent attention to minor details not only maintains cleanliness but also instills a culture of discipline and care among park staff. This can be infectious and elevate the whole team's commitment. Visitor Perspective is Essentia

"We need to inspire people, especially young people, with innovation. That is how we can change the world in a positive way.  Connect with Viktor Glice website Viktor's Website Viktor on Instagram   Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ Viktor Meier is the cofounder and CEO of Glice®, a revolutionary company that has developed synthetic ice for a more sustainable ice skating experience. This conversation sheds light on how Glice® rinks are being used globally, from cold climates in Iceland to the sunny beaches of the Maldives, enabling ice skating in places and times previously thought impossible. Viktor grew up in Switzerland surrounded by nature. His commitment to conserving our environment was deeply influenced by the Chernobyl disaster. His journey from diplomat-in-training to eco-innovator is truly inspiring. Highlights from the episode: Viktor’s Journey: How growing up in Switzerland and witnessing the Chernobyl disaster inspir

"Because he died so early, there was no opportunity for him to really grow into what a lot of people think he was gonna become, which was the next director of the National Park Service and one of the leading conservationists in the nation." Key Moments 04:06 Working in conservation, writing about science and natural history. 07:05 Writing a book in 2019 about George Melendez Wright 12:30 Zoom meetings, presentations, follow-up articles, interviews. 14:36 Early death led to unrealized potential in conservation; legacy left behind. 19:24 Early wildlife conservation efforts overshadowed by infrastructure. 22:27 George Wright's early influence on John Jarvis, the impact on park rangers, and policies that still persist today. 24:34 Preserve animals, protecting habitat, and National Parks. 32:32 Quaker professors value conservation, environment, and community. 35:53 Surprising connections with book while reading. 39:10 Seasonal jobs lead to few permanent positions. 40:04 Yosemite shooting sparks management issues i

"If you look back over the last 100 years of significant events in America's parks, state, national, local, that, you know, on that list of the top 10 or 15 things that's that's changed the way we manage parks is, how we did the pandemic." Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ We just celebrated a major milestone—300 episodes of the Park Leaders Show! This episode felt like a great opportunity for Phil Gains and I to reflect on what has changed in parks over the last decade and look towards the future. It's been an incredible journey of connecting with park managers, leaders, and thought leaders, and we're grateful for every listener who has been part of this adventure. In this episode we talk about the evolution of our beloved parks. Some of biggest shifts came from the unexpected twists the pandemic brought. Here are three more takeaways from our conversation: Rising Visitation & Sustainability: Parks have seen a significant upt