"Parks are about relationships. With your team, your communities, your partners. That's what sustains leadership over time."

Notable Moments

00:01:03 – Lisa shares her unconventional path into parks leadership

00:05:38 – Why relationships are the key to long-term success as a director

00:09:03 – The value of national peer networks for park leaders

00:13:18 – How visitor behavior has changed since the pandemic

00:15:12 – Adapting parks without losing their purpose

00:24:02 – Leading through budget shortfalls with transparency

00:29:18 – What Oregon State Parks does better than anyone else

00:30:33 – Advice for emerging park leaders

In this episode, Jody Maberry talks with Lisa Sumption, Director of Oregon State Parks, about long-term leadership, teamwork, and navigating change in modern park systems. Strong park systems aren't built on policies alone. They're built on trust, teamwork, and relationships that last. Leadership rooted in people, not ego, makes all the difference.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"When people see fire only as destruction, we miss the opportunity to understand it and to prepare for what's coming next."

Notable Moments

[00:01:19] Using photography to educate the public

[00:02:50] Recognizing public land employees as serving the country

[00:07:23] First experience photographing wildfire at night

[00:10:29] Importance of wildfire training for media

[00:16:14] Benefits of documenting fires from inside incidents

[00:29:56] Why media access on public land matters

[00:39:23] How wildfire scale has changed over a decade

[00:44:56] Advice for making an impact as a park leader

As wildfires grow in scale and impact, understanding becomes a form of preparedness. In parks and conservation this sometimes means letting people see what's really happening, even when it's uncomfortable. Stuart Palley has spent more than a decade documenting wildfires across public and urban lands. Our conversation explores how media can educate the public when done responsibly, the importance of safety training for photographers, and why transparency on public land fires matters.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Connect with Stuart Palley

Order Into the Inferno: A Photographer's Journey Through California's Mega Fires

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"Sometimes one experience is all it takes to awaken a new passion."

Notable Moments

[00:02] Chris shares his outdoor roots in New Zealand and Australia

[00:02:19] How Impact Destinations blends travel and philanthropy

[00:03:32] Rhino relocation as a once-in-a-lifetime conservation experience

[00:04:29] Identifying endangered species and forming partnerships

[00:06:34] The start of Hands Up Holidays and early volunteer work

[00:09:44] Why Chris shifted from volunteering to philanthropy

[00:11:37] Conservation efforts in Costa Rica and Chile

[00:16:52] A traveler inspired to support multiple conservation projects

[00:18:41] Advice for people who want to make an impact

Christopher Hill shares how Impact Destinations connects travelers with wildlife conservation projects through philanthropy. He explains how this model supports experts on the ground while giving travelers rare behind-the-scenes experiences such as rhino relocation, orangutan rescue, shark conservation, and more. He also discusses how these experiences often spark long-term commitment to conservation and offers advice for people who want to make an impact.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Connect with Christopher

https://impactdestinations.com/

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"The more we can let people know, the better it is for the wolves, the better it is for our conservation efforts."

Notable Moments

[00:02:29] How Monica discovered the Wolf Conservation Center [00:03:30] Understanding endangered wolf subspecies and conservation efforts [00:04:18] Role of pup-nanny caretakers [00:05:50] Rare wolf sightings and population challenges [00:08:14] How public education connects people to conservation [00:12:55] The miracle wolf pup, Trumpet, and her powerful genetic story [00:15:41] Turning a single idea into a multi-book series [00:19:25] Taking action instead of stopping at curiosity [00:21:39] Ways anyone can support conservation efforts

Author and Wolf Conservation Center volunteer Monica Stahlman joins the show to share the remarkable real-life story behind Trumpet, the miracle Mexican gray wolf pup. Monica discusses her path from volunteer to children's book author, the critical work of wolf recovery programs, and the many ways people can support conservation from wherever they are.

Connect with Monica Stahlman

https://brileybaxterbooks.com/author-leokadia-george/

Wold Conservation Center

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"When you create a thriving ecosystem you'll have people that are motivated to go and do good work, move your organization forward, and make an impact on the people and resources that you serve." Notable Moments

03:20 – How a riverfront festival connected thousands to conservation.

04:38 – Leadership through the lens of ecology explained.

07:32 – What workshops reveal when taken outdoors.

09:12 – The podcast's evolution from Outdoor Executive Dad to Parks and Restoration.

16:25 – Highlights from the "Next Level Leadership" episode.

18:30 – The mindset shift from hustle to balance.

20:25 – Moving from "it's about you" to "it's about your team."

21:26 – Topics coming soon to Parks and Restoration.

24:34 – Why more park leadership podcasts help the entire industry.

25:15 – Where to find Chris Lee and his work.

Jody reconnects with Chris Lee, Executive Director of Des Moines County Conservation and co-host of the Parks and Restoration podcast. They explore the evolution of Chris's show, the role of ecological concepts in leadership, and the importance of collaboration in conservation work. The conversation highlights major mindset shifts for leaders, the value of co-hosting, and upcoming themes Chris plans to explore as he approaches episode 100.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Connect with Chris Lee

Chrisleeventures.com

Parks and Restoration Podcast

Parks and Restoration Episode 78

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"Disruptive innovation in parks rarely starts big. It's often the small changes that reshape how people connect with the outdoors."

Episode Highlights

00:42 How a small cooler forever changed camping and visitation.

05:23 – RVs and modern camping units disrupt campgrounds built in the 1930s.

09:13 – Digital platforms can drive unexpected visitor surges.

10:52 –Reshaping reservation systems and campsite use.

14:44 – Why leaders must act, not react when disruptive innovations emerge.

15:50 – QR codes, drones, and geocaching are examples of disruptive tech in action.

21:37 – Monitoring trends to keep parks relevant.

25:34 – Shifting demographics and expectations require adaptation, not resistance.

27:35 – Small steps of change often matter more than sweeping cultural shifts.

Disruptive innovations don't always arive with fanfare. In fact, they tend to be more subtle. In parks its the seemingly small coolers, gadgets, or trends that change everything. This conversation explores how small shifts reshape recreation, why leaders must act rather than react, and how to spot the next disruption before it takes hold.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"Fear often comes from not knowing. Once you take time to learn, fear can turn into respect."

Notable Moments

[00:02:22] Doug shares his curiosity-driven adventures in Mexico and Russia.

[00:05:00] The challenge of endless progress on a finite planet.

[00:07:18] Why wilderness is essential for grizzlies and for us.

[00:09:34] Tracking wildlife movement near highway corridors.

[00:18:55] The lasting influence of The Monkey Wrench Gang.

[00:28:02] How our treatment of bears reflects how we see ourselves.

[00:29:08] A family's shift from fear of grizzlies to awe and respect.

[00:31:10] The need for united action to defend wilderness and parks.

Conservationist and author Doug Peacock returns to share stories from a lifetime spent in wilderness. From grizzlies in Yellowstone to tigers in Russia, Doug reflects on the threats facing wild places and the fight to protect them. He offers hard truths, hopeful lessons, and a reminder that humility is at the heart of conservation.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

More from Doug Peacock

Books by Doug Peacock

Order the book Was It Worth It? A Wilderness Warrior's Long Trail Home

Order the book Grizzly Years

Order the book The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey, 25th anniversary edition with introduction by Doug Peacock

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"Sometimes steady leadership, or keeping the park on course, is the most important thing we can offer."

Notable Moments

[00:01:00] Jon's work with the Parks Institute at UC Berkeley

[00:02:20] International consulting and training park managers abroad

[00:04:15] Encouragement for park leaders during uncertain times

[00:08:30] Lessons from history and why tough times lead to renewal

[00:13:28] The balance between risk-taking and steady leadership

[00:17:40] Revisiting the idea of a standalone National Park Service

[00:21:54] Jon's vision for the future of national parks

[00:28:53] Reforming concessions and improving visitor experience

[00:30:39] Lessons from international park systems

[00:33:27] The role of parks in healing and uniting a divided nation

Former National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis joins Jody Maberry to share insights on the challenges and future of national parks. They discuss lessons from history, the importance of steady leadership, and how partnerships, Indigenous relationships, and global perspectives shape the path ahead. Jon offers encouragement to current park leaders navigating uncertain times while painting a vision of resilience and renewal for the future.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"Every contact we have is an opportunity to build or destroy a relationship."

Notable Moments

[00:02:00] – Why law enforcement consistently ranks among the most debated topics in parks

[00:06:20] – Chip's background, love for the outdoors, and how nature shaped his perspective

[00:08:16] – The assumption that all rangers are law enforcement officers

[00:11:00] – How uniforms and appearance influence public perception of park rangers

[00:18:55] – The importance of branding, presence, and professionalism

[00:22:35] – Lessons from SWAT about shifting how officers show up in communities

[00:27:29] – The risks rangers face when authority is assumed but not backed by training or tools

[00:33:11] – Why connection and trust must remain the primary role of law enforcement in any setting

[00:37:54] – The reminder that passion and authenticity cannot be faked in public service

[00:43:56] – Chip's insight: there are no perfect solutions, only trade-offs

[00:45:35] – Leadership as the key to finding common ground and balancing priorities

Law enforcement in parks sparks some of the strongest debates in conservation leadership. In this episode, Jody Maberry and Phil Gaines welcome retired Kansas City Police Major Chip Huth to unpack the complexities of blending ranger identity with law enforcement responsibility. Chip shares how presence, professionalism, and human connection outweigh authority, and why leadership must embrace trade-offs rather than chase perfect solutions.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"You take care of the people, and they will take care of the park."

Notable Moments

[00:01:26] Introduction to the four types of park managers

[00:02:04] Deep dive into People First management

[00:14:24] Park First leadership and its focus on stewardship

[00:26:56] Process Driven management: pros, cons, and structure

[00:36:14] Personality Driven management and its unpredictable nature

[00:45:14] Phil's insight: success is found in a hybrid model

In this episode, Jody Maberry and Phil Gaines explore the four primary types of park managers: People First, Park First, Process Driven, and Personality Driven. They reflect on the advantages and cautions of each style while sharing personal stories and leadership lessons. They emphasize the importance of authenticity and the value of blending leadership approaches to best serve parks, staff, and visitors.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/