54 - Protecting Our Parks: Ranger Connie's Journey Revisited

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