America's national parks have never been more popular. Parks visitation hit a record high – with 330 million recreational visits – in 2016, the year of the National Park Service centennial. And while Americans are notably dissatisfied with their federal government, three-quarters hold a favorable opinion of the park service, according to a recent survey. The Smokey Bear hat commands a certain esteem.

Yet the connections people make with parks can be fleeting, and the bonds between parks and the communities that surround them are often less than robust. The Community Volunteer Ambassador program was launched in 2015, as part of the centennial, with a mission to connect people and park... Hosted by for KRTS