Park Ranger and Interpreter

Park Ranger and Interpreter in GTNP

Officially in  ranger uniform I have begun the work of a Teacher Ranger.  It is by all means intensive work.  The job has tremendous scope - everything from interpretive tours to learning hiking trails, studying wildlife and plants, protecting the Park, inducting new Junior Rangers, and taking weather readings and reporting them to NOAA.

The bigger picture is that I am here to learn and educate others about and to be a steward of our National Park System and Grand Tetons.

NPS Employees - GTNP

Observing Justin Deliver his Map Chat

Today I identified flowers including red Skyrocket Gilia and Indian Paintbrush in the sagebrush flats as I hiked the trail head to PhelpsLlake.  Also saw a moose seeking cool shelter from these hot days here in the West.

 The trail head begins at the green Lawrence S. Rockefeller Preserve.  Laurence S. Rockefeller and family, including John D. Rockefeller Jr.,  found refuge here in Jackson Hole and believed in the power of nature to restore and sustain the human spirit.  It was at this center he envisioned a place where visitors could experience a connection to the extraordinary beauty of Phelps Lake and the Teton Range.  A site to behold.

What They Gave
Lawrence S. Rockefeller and Mary Rockefeller
at JY Ranch, Grand Tetons

Road Trip!

After a four-day cross-country trek with my brother, I arrived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on June 19th with a jeep full of outdoor gear and enough parkas and boots to last me through the winter season - well past my intended summer season in Grand Teton National Park.  I am ready for everything..... so I think.

I am finishing day 3 working as a National Park Ranger, part of the Teacher Ranger Teacher program, and am amazed at the surroundings, people, and opportunities before me.  The Park is spectacular in view, in history, and in wildlife with views of the Grand Teton, Mt. Owen, Middle Teton, Nez Perce and Teewinot in front of me as I write this. 

Officially, this is my curriculum development time - at the computer beginning to dive into stories of the Park - telling stories of Maine to my fellow rangers as well.  The exchange and educational value begins.

We are all in uniform, reflecting on each of our reasons for being here, mindful of the Park Ranger from Mt. Ranier National Park, also from Maine, who lost his life yesterday in the line of duty, protecting our National Parks and all who pass through them.

Pictures will come.

Badlands NP en route to the Tetons

My brother - Dr. Jim -
camping with his freeze-dried dinner