Our National Parks are in danger, plain and simple. After mass layoffs in February, the National Park Service is now facing staffing issues that are going to have a direct impact on everything from park cleanliness and camping availability to visitor safety and emergency response times.

Because of this news, I thought it was important to draw attention to the amazing programs that the NPS provides to the public by revisiting my conversation with Ranger Connie from 2023. Connie Lau is a former high school teacher who made a huge career pivot by stepping out of the classroom and into the great outdoors as a park ranger at Yosemite.

After hearing about Connie’s role as a ranger, I think you’ll have an even greater appreciation of this type of work (I know I did!), and maybe even be inspired to make a big career pivot yourself!

Learn more about the current layoffs:
‘Be prepared to self-rescue’: Yosemite might be dangerous and dirty this summer - The San Francisco Standard

5 ways you can help national parks: 5 simple ways to help national parks right now


Credits:

• Editing by Midnight Sun Podcasting
• Cover art by Kinsey H. Designs
• Intro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle