Week 9: Interpretation

 This week, I'm shadowing Ranger Sam for an insider's view into the heart of National Parks, interpretation. Through interpretive programs, an average day out becomes a memorable journey. Interesting exhibits add a new dimension to your trip, guided tours paint a vivid picture of the past, and interactive displays bring the park's stories to life. These elements enrich a visit and create a lasting connection with the park. In short, interpretation is about more than information—engagement, education, preservation, and personal connection. Interpretation elevates the visitor experience, turning an ordinary park visit into an extraordinary journey.

Ranger Sam and Tom informed me about various techniques interp rangers deploy when presenting programs. For example, adjusting to environmental factors is critical to programs. An interp ranger that sticks to the scheduled program will not acknowledge anomalies, while an experienced interp ranger will acknowledge abnormal events and attempt to weave them into their program. Ranger Tom experienced such a dilemma during his program. He developed a new interpretive program for twelve (12) kids. The kids were split into two groups: Swedes and Dutch. Each group had to decide where to settle in the Brandywine Valley. One of the participants became disruptive because they wanted to avoid working in groups. So, Ranger Tom added a third group to appease the juvenile. Soon after, the kid became more disruptive, and Ranger Sam had to step in. But Ranger Tom handled the situation like a pro.

The next day, Ranger Tom and Lexi showed me various projects interpretation was working on and multiple spots along the trails I had yet to come across. During the tour, Lexi told me about the different volunteer organizations that work with FRST. In addition, she and Ranger Tom answered my outstanding questions at the time.

 My last day at FRST felt like the last day of a beautiful course in college. I went into HQ prepared to say my goodbyes and continue the journey. My presence at FRST was not a big deal. I was just another intern leaving, making room for the next. This day, Friday was filled with many meetings. Earlier in the day, I saw the FRST staff passing around a card and signing it. The card was for another intern, Mario, who is also leaving. The suspense of when they would give Mario the card was prevalent during the meetings. Then, Sonja and Sam escaped and came back with Pizza and cake. While everyone scattered, I was given a card. I was in absolute shock and did not know how to respond. My brain couldn't compute this action.

As I read the heartfelt scriptures, I realized the arduous journey to FRST was worth it. Thanks for having me, FRST!

Week 8: Resource Management

 The ability to figuratively wear different hats is talked about a lot. I noticed that the LE rangers at INDE did not perform duties from other divisions. I mainly saw them do Law Enforcement duties. Reciting the park's history is Interp, but that is familiarizing yourself with the environment. Anywho, the division I shadowed this week was Resource Protection. My supervisor was the Natural Resource manager, Sonja. She is a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) specialist, a compliance officer, a contract writer, a natural resource manager, and a Biologist. In a previous post, I mentioned that Alan proposed a project for Barnyard Stables. The project would need to go to Sonja because she is the NEPA specialist. She reviews the project and identifies whether or not it will harm the park's resources. 

The next day, I shadowed Sonja while she visited Spotted Lanturfly plots with Heather from US Forest Service. We did not find any Lanternflies, but there was a lot of plant life. Sonja and Heather examined the plant life and looked for invasive and native plants. From their venture, I learned Posoin Ivy is not invasive to FRST... unfortunately. Also, Sonja taught me how to spot Sasifraz by its' mitten-like leaves. 

Week 7: Facilities Management

 This week I shadowed Alan, Everette, and Toby for facilities management. My week with them was the highlight of my internship. 

For the first day, Alan (Chief of Facilities Management) wanted Everette and me to trim tree branches along the trails. Everette utilized a pole saw to cut branches. Then we threw the debris to the side to clear the trail. Sometime later, Alan met with Everette and I so we could take a break. While trimming trees, Alan discovered that an oak tree had fallen. The tree was huge! I could push it, but all I did was hurt my pride. Moving the tree requires planning, so we returned the next day to clear the path.

The next day, facilities management had a strategic internal meeting about the fallen oak tree at a Diner. In short, we spoke about the plan for removing the oak tree. Toby would operate the machine, Alan and Everette would use chainsaws, and I would be a spotter. After the meeting, we went back to the park headquarters. Before leaving HQ, Alan went over various safety procedures. He assigned me as the safety officer. He went over who to call in case of an emergency, How to provide emergency services, our coordinates, And the location of available first aid kits. We then geared up and traveled to the fallen tree. We completed the tree removal in a few hours. The heat made it feel like we were outside for days. Ultimately, Alan permitted me to pick up a log using the claw machine. I thought using the machine would be complicated, but it was not. If given more time, I could master using the machine. Once I master this, I will be one step closer to operating Mechs.

Later in the week, Alan wanted Toby and me to take measurements for a Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) project. After we took measurements, Alan entered the information into PEPC. PEPC facilitates transparent and informed decision-making in various projects and policy developments. An aspect of PEPC is interdisciplinary review. Someone from another discipline, such as Architecture or Resource management, will review a PEPC project for any issues a proposed project may have on the park's resources. The entire process could take a while to complete, so Alan emphasized the importance of being concise when proposing projects.