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

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

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.f

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 Conne

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

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.facebo

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

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

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/

Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss what it means to be a well-rounded ranger.  As Phil explains, the expectations for rangers have evolved considerably in recent decades. During the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, the idea was a ranger should know how to build homes and service plumbing and electrical units; however, nowadays, rangers carry more generalist roles. For instance, while rangers can act as technicians, it would be better for them to hire contractors and specialists to ensure every facet of park management operates effectively. In this way, rangers can focus on their strengths while focusing more on their strengths and delegating opportunities.  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 the funnier side of visitor reviews. While some low-star reviews are unwarranted, as Jody and Phil explain, they can also provide a unique perspective. Sometimes, a new visitor question or a trite online review can reflect ignorance, even humor; however, the key is considering the context.  For instance, when a tourist says an outrageous comment, rather than write it off, appraise their viewpoint, take it for what it is, and focus on offering a quality experience. In this way, you can accurately process the feedback regardless of presentation.  Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Today on the ‘Park Leaders Show’, Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss the value of interpretive services. As Phil notes, many parks are applying budget cuts to interpretive services and discontinuing in-person programming due to COVID-19; however, while the physical returns have dwindled, the online returns have been surprisingly high. While interactive platforming is a helpful tool, as Phil explains, if a park wants to maintain its interpretive services, it must justify them through analytics validating their impact and champion them through product development and resource management. In any situation, for interpretive services to have legislative support, a park must be able to demonstrate communal impact and how that impact can yield financial returns to sustain future programs. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On today’s episode of the ‘Park Leaders Show’, Cam Sholly, Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, joins the show to discuss prioritizing park responsibilities. Of these umbrella priorities, Cam explains five in particular: workforce development, strengthening ecosystems and cultural resources, resource accessibility and park experience, investing in infrastructures, and building coalitions and partnerships. In all endeavors, Cam emphasizes the importance of adaptability, positivity, and teamwork not only in managing priorities but people along the way. Connect: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

Today Reggie Williams, ex-NFL linebacker, former Disney executive, and social reformer, returns to discuss how inclusion should look in state parks. When we talk about popular tourist attractions, we often think inclusion is exclusive to participants after they’ve engaged. Popular among park leaders is the idea once the gates open, their staff should be ready to serve those who enter. While this notion is partially true, as Reggie and I explain, inclusive is a two-way exchange that starts with pre-entry outreach and equality. In order to include, parks must not only integrate tourist suggestions into their marketing but express a commitment to serve ahead of confirmed interest. As Reggie concludes, a park best serves its customers by prioritizing their voice. If a park team actively seeks to hear what potential customers are saying, no question they will leave a greater impact in their community. Resources: Resilient by Nature: Reflections from a Life of Winning On and Off the Football Field by Reggie William

Today, on the ‘Park Leaders Show’, Phil Gaines returns to discuss new takes on the park visitor experience.   Per recent travels, Phil unpacks some lessons learned having toured local parks as a visitor. One principle he stresses is good leaders view the park experience through the eyes of the visitor. To facilitate a positive environment, a park ranger would best serve tourists working through their lens as opposed to a checklist. Likewise, the ranger would allow staff to contribute feedback on how systems can improve.   Additionally, Phil suggests a litmus test in the sense every park ranger should invite their families and friends to visit their parks. The goal, he says, is to mature perspective before revising processes and programs. If park rangers can learn through their loved ones, the takeaways are more likely to be applied to the customer’s advantage.   Connect with Jody: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Phil Gains is back with me and today’s episode is the first in a series on interviewing to be a park ranger. This topic was suggested five years ago by Cassidy, a new ranger, and it is a loaded topic. We are unpacking Cassidy’s experience, as well as sharing our own experience as leaders in the Parks system. We explore seven topics today; information that will be valuable no matter where you are on your journey as a park’s employee. We dig into the importance of being adaptable, having a degree or a military background, and how every day is an interview, to name a few. Every day is an opportunity to be preparing yourself for the future. How you dress, conduct yourself and invest in learning and understanding a potential position will make a difference and set you apart from others who think a 45-minute interview is the lynchpin of their future. Connect with Jody: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ Questions for future episodes? Email: jody@parkleaders.com Twitter

Today guest favorite, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss the park ranger’s role in customer service. When a tourist visits a national park, seeing a park ranger can be the equivalent of finding Mickey Mouse at Disney World. Especially for newcomers, there’s often a sense of awe built into the experience whenever a park ranger shows up. As such, Phil encourages park leaders not only to be mindful of their daily priorities but to see themselves as part of the story visitors share. After all, for the customer, their stay is their time to soak in the best sights and sounds nature has to offer. Why not ensure they receive the best service as part of the attraction they came to see?

Dan Bortner, the recently promoted Director of Indiana Department of Natural Resources, joins me today.   With 15 years as a State Parks Director, Dan has transitioned into overseeing not only all of Indiana’s State Parks but the regulatory aspects beyond land holdings as well. At every level of leadership within parks, being surrounded by the best talent you can afford can make or break the culture. Forming the right team, regardless of “qualifications,” will build a sustainable infrastructure.   In the current environment, as the rest of the world closed down, people rediscovered the joy of outdoor spaces, and all they have to offer. The impact that state parks have on mental health and the economy has come to the forefront. As Park Leaders, understanding the role that State Parks play in the big picture is paramount. Having a desire and intentionally working toward leaving a legacy is what long-term conservation is all about. Leaving our parks better than we found them is essential to us as leaders. Walkin

Phil Gains, my semi-regular co-host, is with me once again; and today, we are tackling a listener’s question.   Special thanks to Sean Bonage for submitting this episode’s question. Sean asks, “What do you think are some of the most critical topics that you think need addressing that could help inspire a graduate student in their effort to better public land experiences for park visitors?”   As we answer Sean’s question, we consider the importance of not relying on the traditional use of public lands. How do we stay relevant when everything around us is changing? Taking the current climate into consideration, more than ever, we need to be listening to our stakeholders, our citizens, and expanding our understanding of our visitors. We also explore advocacy and access to parks and the necessity of educating many first-time visitors in the arena of conservation and personal responsibility.   Diversity of recreation and overall inclusion is challenging us as park leaders to redefine how parks are used and how we