Celebrating National Park Rangers: Guardians of Nature and Narratives by Dacia Jones

In the vast, boundless expanses of our national parks, there exist guardians and storytellers, the weavers of history, and the keepers of the natural world: the National Park Rangers. We have had the immense privilege and joy of working with them over the past few years, witnessing their unwavering dedication and infectious passion for the stories that the parks hold and for the myriad life forms they protect. We are writing this post to celebrate these wonderful individuals, who have welcomed us into their worlds and worked alongside us to create enriching opportunities for educators and students all around the country.

With over 140 park sites visited and filmed at, we have forged meaningful relationships with over 200 park rangers. They embody the spirit of service and are committed to interpreting the myriad stories that often go unheard. They not only share the tales of the landscapes they guard but are also champions of ecological preservation and environmental education. They represent the epitome of goodness and kindness in humanity, and their eagerness to engage and inspire has made a tremendous impact on students and educators alike.

Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” The Park Rangers we’ve had the pleasure to work with are living embodiments of this quote, showing how deep dedication to one’s work and land can ripple out to effect powerful, positive changes in the world.

Our connection with many of these rangers goes far beyond professional camaraderie. They have become our close friends, sharing with us their family trials and celebrations, brainstorming with us at midnight for new programs, and visiting with us outside the park confines. The relationships we've nurtured are ones of mutual respect, shared goals, and genuine affection.

Seeing these rangers in action, both in their parks and in classrooms around the country, is a sight to behold. Their knowledge is vast, their passion is infectious, and their stories are enlightening. They bring to life the histories, ecologies, and cultures of the parks they serve, sparking curiosity and wonder in the minds of those who are fortunate enough to hear them.

This post is a small tribute to elevate and celebrate the wonderful human beings who are helping us change the world one student, one educator, and one national park at a time. We feel blessed to be a part of this journey with them, working hand in hand to create a more knowledgeable, thoughtful, and compassionate world. We are grateful for their unwavering support and friendship, and we eagerly look forward to continuing our journey together, exploring more stories and uncovering the hidden gems of our beautiful lands.

In a world burgeoning with challenges and strife, the National Park Rangers stand as beacons of hope and knowledge, their stories echoing the whispers of the trees and the songs of the rivers. They show us the resilience of nature and the importance of preserving our shared heritage. We salute their commitment and thank them for being the wonderful, inspiring individuals they are.

Our journey with the National Park Rangers has been transformative, and we are immensely thankful for their dedication to sharing the untold stories of their parks. They are not just the guardians of our natural treasures, but also the architects of a future where every individual is imbued with a love and respect for our planet and its myriad stories. To all the National Park Rangers we have worked with, thank you for being the good in the world and for helping us change it, one story at a time. We can't wait to continue the adventure with you.