My Park Story

10 Episodes

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Geoff LeBaron, National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count Director

2023-12-2017:12

The annual Christmas Bird Count is a holiday tradition for many. Geoff LeBaron, of the National Audubon Society, discusses its enduring appeal as well as how people can get involved in their communities.

Frances Jelks-Brown whose father, Osibee Jelks, was an umpire with the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball

2023-12-1318:44

Frances Jelks-Brown shares stories of her father, Osibee Jelks, who was among the first African American umpires in Major League Baseball. Among the places he worked was Hinchliffe Stadium, a Negro League stadium located within Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.

Officer Shelby Barbay, Law Enforcement Ranger at Grand Teton National Park

2023-11-2910:49

After leaving the army, Shelby Barbay had many career options. Hear why she chose the National Park Service, and how her mentors have inspired her to be a better ranger and to pass on that mentorship to others.

Dr. Leona Tate, NPS Grants Recipient and Civil Rights Leader

2023-11-1520:59

In 1960, when Leona Tate was only six years old, she became a civil rights leader in her community as she and two other Black girls desegregated New Orleans’ McDonogh Public School. Decades later, Dr. Tate reopened the closed McDonogh school building using National Park Service grants totaling in $1.5 million dollars in funding. The building, now known as the TEP Center, operates as a community and education center as well as affordable housing for seniors.

Kelli Jones, Indigenous Park Ranger at Grand Canyon National Park

2023-11-0320:51

In this episode, host Dave Barak speaks with Kelli Jones, Indigenous Park Ranger at Grand Canyon National Park and how her Native background has brought more depth to her role as a National Park Service ranger.

Jennifer Smith, “Hometown” Superintendent of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

2023-10-1811:23

In this episode, host Dave Barak speaks with the Superintendent of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Jennifer Smith and how her passion for her hometown of New Bedford inspired her to lead its national park.

Hannah Murray, Youth Volunteer at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

2023-10-0410:27

In this episode host, Dave Barak chats with Hannah Murray, a 6-year-old volunteer at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, who is joined by her mother Elizabeth. They discuss why Hannah loves volunteering at a national park and why others should consider volunteering at their closest national park.

Steve Mock, Search and Rescue Volunteer in Denali National Park & Preserve

2023-09-0616:08

In this episode host, Dave Barak, speaks with the volunteer and President of the Board of Denali Rescue Volunteers, Steve Mock. They discuss how Steve got involved in search and rescue in Denali, what it’s like spending weeks on the side of a mountain, how others can volunteer with the park service, and more!

Brad Sailer, Visitor Travels to 63 National Parks with Service Dog

2023-08-2517:42

In this episode, host Dave Barak speaks with Brad Sailer who visited 63 national parks with his service dog, Ranger. They discuss where Brad and Ranger traveled, what it was like traveling with a service dog to national parks, their favorite parts of the trip, and more!

Matt Turner, NPS Social Media Lead

2023-08-2210:35

In this episode, host Dave Barak speaks with the National Park Service Social Media Lead Matt Turner. They discuss Matt's history with the park service, where his humor comes from, the ins and outs of writing a viral tweet, and more!

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