The Ranger Desk

The Ranger Desk

Protect parks. Protect park rangers.

Recent Essays

My white privilege helped me become a park ranger. I feel safe in nature and in national parks when so many others don't.

Where to stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway: North Carolina, featuring ten must-see spots along the parkway's southern half.

I am often asked how I became a park ranger at US national parks. Here's how the greatest adventure of my life began.

Our fears have much to teach us. Instead of pushing them away, learn how to embrace your fear of hiking alone.

All-terrain wheelchairs have arrived in many parks in the US and beyond. But are hiking wheelchairs coming to a park near you?

As a former ranger, I'm often asked how to become a national park ranger. These are my tips for prospective park rangers.

Some people speed along trails; I meander. If I went any faster, I would miss out on so much. Here is why I love hiking slowly.

Time in nature is my favorite way to practice mindfulness. Learn to be fully present with these five ways to be mindful in nature.

A few years ago in a grad class, a fellow student made a statement that floored me: “LGBTQ people can’t work in national parks."

Featured Essay

Ever wonder what the differences are between seasonal and permanent rangers? In this month’s featured essay, former Ranger Stephanie explains the differences and how they impacted her ranger career.

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Popular Essays

Interested in US national parks? What about living a wild life? Get started with these popular essays. 

Want more? Peruse an archive of All Essays

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Woman in front of fall trees

Stephanie McCullough

A former US national park ranger with a master’s degree in environmental education, I created The Ranger Desk to share my passion for national parks and the natural world.