June 23, 2019
Another long work week is over. It’s been that way for a while now. As a naturalist you always know it's summer, even before the calendar has a chance to remind you. And when you run a visitor center, your days are determined by the campers that walk through your doors. And let me tell you, lately there’s been 700-1,200 of them by the time I lock up each evening. Your days are longer than usual, as you stay after to wrap up the loose-ends you didn’t get a chance to complete- because of course, your visitors come first. Your mind is abuzz with a million neat ideas to make this summer the best one yet, for the adventurers that select your destination as their family vacation. Your ranger programs are on a repeat loop in your head; the dozens you’ve already given, and the hundreds more you have yet to give. You replay through visitor interactions; the ones that went swimmingly, and the ones you will continue to learn from-reshaping what professionalism and customer service looks like to a disgruntled individual. Your tool of choice is a non-smear pen and bright highlighter- as you mark up map after map to send folks along their merry way. You provide recommendations, help to alter (or sometimes completely plan) trips, and answer question after question- most of them repeats- politely responding as if it’s the first time you’ve heard them. As a naturalist you teach those that come to your park, but as a naturalist you continue to constantly learn yourself- through the flow of the world around you and through your visitors. Those people that remind and reinforce why you happily do your job each day- because of their smiles, laughs, genuine thankfulness, thoughtful comments and questions, and beautiful "aha" moments- that look you get when you’ve helped them to make a connection- and it really sticks! For me, that’s my favorite part. That meaningful interaction continues to live and grow as it becomes intertwined within their trip. It’s that gem that travels home with them and is shared with those they love. That spark of curiosity ignited by the naturalist- those passionate nature-nerds….which I’m proud to be among. My job title may be different on paper (Parks Interpretive Specialist), and guests may call me a variety of things (park ranger, park lady, security person, hey-you) but at my core- this is what I am. A simple naturalist helping to shape the stewards of our planet, instill a sense of interest and respect into our future generations, and doing my darndest to give people a reason to care!
After long days like this- it can be hard to find time for yourself- but it’s important to do so. To stay sane!
So, this evening we took a little stroll in the fading sun of summer’s day. The light was brilliant. The rays were illuminating through the trees in long tendrils of gold. They were unstoppable- pushing past the tallest branches and thickest trunks. The light danced on the surface of everything it hit; the clusters of grass glowed- the edges dulled against the brightness. The moss interwoven along the bark took on a warm hue. The shades of green all around were enriched and brought to life with the addition of vibrancy. I simply stood- captivated, impressed by the dance before my eyes. The gentle rustle of the breeze through the leaves, the sway of the stalks at my feet- their smallest comrades tickling my toes through the mesh of my sandals. Taking in a large breath the smells of the forest fade through me, and I close my eyes to enjoy the moment. With a stronger gust my hair blows all about in a swirl of chaos, wisps caressing my cheeks while others yank up and sideways as if trying to break free. Around my face they wrap- so I gently fall to the ground, alongside the grass to find respite. Down here the breeze is gentle, and I notice the clover growing in clusters. I’ve always loved these, as a kid I used to pluck off the flower-head and eat them, often times petal by petal. It wasn’t that it tasted great or anything, I think I was mostly impressed that they were edible, and I could eat them without getting sick-or in trouble. This may explain my intrigue to forage as an adult- easily excited by nature’s ability to nourish. Pup seems to be enjoying himself- sniffing, sniffing at the wind. Standing erect- my tiny guardian keeping watch all about. His ears moving- as if by their own accord- to the sound of bees busily pollinating and birds flying low over the field. We don’t have much time before night graces us with her presence, but we’ve enjoyed the moments we’ve had. I have to remind myself sometimes- it’s not about the longest hike or the most diverse collection of flora/fauna I can catalog- some days it’s just about finding a brief opportunity to notice nature as a whole and embrace the calm. Today is one of those days...
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