Oh Ranger

The national parks have been called "the best idea America ever had." The idea, put simply, is to preserve and protect places and resources unimpaired for future generations. In an ever-changing world, this vision of preservation and visitor enjoyment has grown in importance and scale. Curiosity about working in a national park and supporting this idea drew me out of the classroom and into the field. What was intended as a summer job leading interpretive walks and talks for visitors has turned into much more.

Whether exposing visitors to the wonders of their first tidepool, uncovering the secrets of our forests, or hiking with a group to the summit of a nearby mountain, each day provides a fresh look at Acadia's resources and the essential role that our interpretive efforts can play in a national park experience. It was my curiosity that initially lured me to the parks, but the experiences and rewards have kept me here.

A national park is more than a pretty place. National parks protect resources and provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy. They offer opportunities to view wildlife, spend a day on a trail, relive history, attend a ranger-led program, or simply sit somewhere beautiful and take it all in. The choice is yours. The parks are places for exploration, introspection, and discovery. These experiences are accompanied by the satisfaction of knowing that with continued support—your support—these places will provide future generations with similar opportunities.