Lisa Eckert didn’t know she would become a park ranger during her childhood in Madison, Wisconsin, but she did know she wanted to work outdoors. Some of her fondest childhood memories include walking across frozen lakes in the winter and skipping across fields of wildflowers in the spring, carrying her cello and picking violets on the way to her music lessons. Her family didn’t camp or hike or visit national parks, but she grew up inspired by the Land Ethic of conservationist Aldo Leopold, whose aura infiltrated the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus where she later attended school.  Although imbued with a love of the outdoors, Lisa first majored in French and then Education, before graduating with a degree in Biological Aspects of Conservation.   It was a summer spent in Yellowstone after her freshman year at college that inspired her to switch to biological science, even though she had not felt encouraged in math or science during high school.

Before traveling to Yellowstone, where Lisa worked as a waitress for a park concessionaire, Lisa had never traveled west of the Mississippi River. She had always wanted to travel west, and when she arrived, she was awestruck by a landscape that was vastly different from that of her native Wisconsin. It filled her with questions such as “Why are the trees different here?” and “How did the mountains form?” Lisa went back to college with a mission, changed her major, and set about to learn geology and biology, the sciences of the land.

Lisa’s adventures in the west not only opened up the world for herself, but also for her family. In subsequent summers spent at Yellowstone, where she started her National Park Service career, her family visited her, and she took them hiking and camping. Her sister and brother followed in her footsteps and both found summer jobs in Yellowstone.

Lisa says her primary characteristics are her sense of curiosity and her sense of adventure, and that the theme of her life has been to “seize every opportunity, both personally and professionally.” She says she has always been ready to “try something new and go to new places.” Her career in the National Park Service has been a perfect fit for her sense of adventure, as she has worked in twelve different national parks in locations as varied as Denali in Alaska to Grand Canyon, as well as New York City and Washington, D.C. Although she has happy memories of every place she has worked, she has a special spot in her heart for Denali National Park and Preserve because of its sense of space and place. “Everything there is so big and so empty that you feel tiny and humble. It’s a good place to get a proper perspective of the world.”

She also feels a particular affinity for the red rock canyon country of the west, including Colorado National Monument, where she worked as a seasonal Park Service employee during the 1980s and early 90s. She has many stories about her time here, such as researching and portraying Beatrice Farnham and talking about John Otto for the Monument’s “Living History” presentations. She also presented a program on how animals see at night, which she developed after she worked as a patrol ranger on the night shift and she would see animals’ eyes illuminated in her car headlights. These incidents made her curious about the nocturnal wildlife in the Monument.

When Lisa isn’t working, she loves to travel, both in the United States and internationally. In December 2008 and January 2009, she took a 17-day trek to Nepal, where she hiked to the base camp at Mt. Everest. She has also traveled to East Africa twice, where she rented a jeep, met the locals, and took photographic safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, and the Seychelles. She has also traveled abroad for her job, including her participation in a detail opportunity in Croatia where she taught returning war refugees ‘ranger skills’ including ‘interpretive skills’ which was all then translated to the group by a language interpreter.

The job of park superintendent carries a great deal of responsibility and accountability. The superintendent is ultimately responsible for the park budget, all park-related incidents including visitor and resource protection. But Lisa comes well-prepared for the job. About half of Lisa’s 30-year career with the National Park Service has been in superintendent positions. She said she became an “accidental superintendent” when she was a division chief and was encouraged to apply to become a park manager in Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in North Dakota. She took a leap of faith, and has been in superintendent positions ever since, such as her preceding position as superintendent at the Horace Albright Training Center in Grand Canyon.

When Lisa found out she got the job of superintendent here, she said “I was so excited. It felt like I was coming home.” Lisa’s first priority at Colorado National Monument is to study the 2005 General Management Plan for the Monument, in order to understand and know the Monument’s resources and goals of the plan. Her other goal is to understand all of the special requests and uses of Rim Rock Drive, and she wants to meet and talk with the citizens of the Grand Valley, of course. Lisa, who derives her energy from the outdoors, is also excited about exploring the red rock canyons, and about exploring the myriad of outdoor opportunities in Colorado.

CNMA members will have a chance to meet Lisa at the CNMA annual meeting at the Fruita Community center on June 5.

Coming next month in the CNMA newsletter: Lisa will reveal how she captured a grizzly bear with only her bare hands and a rope when posted at Yellowstone!

(Washington, D.C.) April 11, 2012  – The National Park Foundation , the official charity of America’s national parks, unveiled today www.nationalparks.org  – a new, comprehensive community destination serving national park fans and supporters.  Built on the principle of delivering relevant, practical and compelling content generated by and for park visitors – the new online hub provides a centralized source for real-time news, information, commentary, photos, videos and more on America’s nearly 400 national parks.  

As the official charitable partner of the National Park Service , the National Park Foundation’s www.nationalparks.org  also serves as the online epicenter to directly support all of America’s national parks and their programs.  From massive conservation projects to small programs that make a big difference, discover the many ways the National Park Foundation is supporting the national parks – and how you can help.  Start by visiting the new Support Parks  area of nationalparks.org .  

Designed and created by STRATMARK , just a few of the unique features of www.nationalparks.org  include:

•  Parks Near You  – Wherever you are, instantaneously discover the national parks nearest you – with nearly 400 parks in the system, you may be surprised to discover one right around the corner.

• What’s Your Favorite Park  – Everyone has a favorite – what’s yours?  Easily select yours and discover news, photos, videos and even the real-time weather at your favorite national park destination.  

• Parks By The People  – With one click learn the latest about your national park destination from other park visitors and supporters.  Photos, videos, tips, news and even up-to-the-minute Facebook and Twitter tidbits direct from the National Park Service – find it all in one place on nationaparks.org   park pages .

•  Share Your Story  – Have an amazing national park photo, story or video?  Let your experience inspire others by sharing it with the world and other national park fans like you!

•  National Park Marketplace  – Now you can shop online and support your national parks at the same time.  Visit the new National Park Marketplace and discover great NPF merchandise and other products that go to support the national parks.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

You are the owner of 84 million acres of the world’s most treasured memorials, landscapes, ecosystems, and historic sites — all protected in America’s nearly 400 national parks.  Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks.  We work hand in hand with the National Park Service to connect you and all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow.  

Join us in supporting your national parks — this is your land. www.nationalparks.org .
 

Spring is the season for rebirth and renewal, and what better place to renew your spirit than our very own Colorado National Monument?  Whether you want to hike a canyon, enjoy a family picnic, or join your friends and neighbors for some of our Walks & Talks programs, you won’t want to miss the spring season at Colorado National Monument.

Each year, as winter recedes into the background, the Colorado National Monument and the Colorado National Monument Association sponsor a series of Walks and Talks programs at the Monument. This year we have an exceptional selection of programs on a variety of topics ranging from astronomy to birding to native plants. You can enjoy a concert by the Grand Junction Centennial Band or attend a poetry writing workshop. More information about these programs can be found on the CNMA’s website at coloradonma.org, on our Facebook page, or by calling 858-3617 ext. 300.

Of course you don’t have to join a scheduled event to enjoy Colorado National Monument. You’re welcome every day! Admission to the monument is $10 per vehicle, but if you visit any time between April 21 and April 29, admission fees will be waived in honor of National Parks Week. The Visitor Center is open each day from 9 AM to 5 PM, and the opening hours will extend to 6 PM in late May. Visitors can enjoy the 12-minute slide programs, wander through the new museum exhibits, and browse in the retail store.  The store offers books, maps, postcards, t-shirts, hats, and other unique items related to the natural history of the area. The Visitor Center is also the place to obtain information about exploring the Monument.  The staff and volunteers are always happy to answer questions about the area and about hiking, camping, and other activities in the Monument.

Hiking a trail is one of the best ways to appreciate the majestic beauty of the Colorado National Monument. There are a variety of short walks and longer backcountry trails, ranging from short, flat trails along the canyon rim, to rigorous treks up and down the canyons.

One of the most popular short hikes is along Otto’s Trail, just a short distance from the Visitor Center.  Otto’s Trail is a gently sloping trail that leads to an overlook with dramatic views of several sandstone monoliths.  The overlook is a great place for taking photographs. Otto’s Trail is one-half mile each way.  Another popular short trail is Canyon Rim Trail. It starts right outside the back door of the Visitor Center and follows the cliff edge for ½ mile above spectacular Wedding Canyon.  If you want to learn about the natural history of the area, then head for the Alcove Nature Trail, just across the road from the Visitor Center.  This is a self-guided nature trail, with stops along the way to point out geologic formations, plants, and animals of the monument.

If you have a few hours to spare, then take the time to explore one of the longer trails. Monument Canyon Trail leads into Monument Canyon, where many of the monument’s spectacular rock monoliths – including Independence Monument, Kissing Couple, and the Coke Ovens tower overhead.   Monument Canyon Trail is six miles in each direction and may be entered from either the top or bottom of the canyon.  Another hike popular with local residents is Serpents Trail. Called the “Crookedest Trail in the World,” historic Serpents Trail has more than 50 switchbacks.  Serpents Trail was one of the original trails designed by John Otto in the early 20^th century, and is popular today with local joggers and walkers.

If you are feeling even more adventurous, try No Thoroughfare or Ute Canyon Trail.  These are long, undeveloped trails through steep-walled canyons and are perfect for anyone wanting to experience the remote backcountry.

If you decide to take a hike, make sure you pack your lunch, wear good hiking shoes, and bring plenty of water. Wherever you go in the Colorado National Monument, come prepared and you will have a great time – in your own backyard. Whether you want to hike a trail, enjoy a picnic lunch, or enjoy a leisurely drive enjoying the scenery, spring is the perfect time to explore Colorado National Monument.

Wilderness Volunteers is a nonprofit group that organizes and promotes volunteer service in partnership with Colorado National Monument. In 2012, Wilderness Volunteers and Colorado National Monument are hosting a trail maintenance volunteer vacation April 29-May 5. For information on volunteering, see Wilderness Volunteers.