Have you ever visited a National Park in the United States? Maybe you’ve been to several. Or maybe it’s your goal to visit them all. Nearly 300 million visitors accessed National Parks as of the latest available data from 2021. The National Park Service comprises more than 85 million acres of land within the 50 states, District of Columbia, and US territories. Since 1916, the National Park Service was created to assist in conserving the nation’s natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations.
In this episode I talked with Anna Blalock who works at a local National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Anna has a fascinating story to tell about how she got her start with the National Park Service—one that I wouldn’t have expected. And neither did she! Her love for National Parks is so evident in the role she has taken on and the opportunities she has pursued. As you listen to this episode, I invite you to consider what might lead you to take on this same type of adventurous spirit, whether pursuing visiting a new National Park or finding beauty all around you.
Special thanks to Mike Theune (Public Affairs Officer) for coordinating this interview for us!
Volunteer opportunities at Lake Mead National Recreation Area
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Photo courtesy of Anna Blalock