Week 6: Admin

 Happy 4th, everyone,

This week I was shadowing Superintendent Joshua Boles for Admin. My first day was July 4th, so I knew things would be crazy in the park.

Superintendent Boles took me on a guided tour around the park. This allowed me to witness the Superintendent's deep knowledge of the park's history, structures, and geography. As we hiked along trails, the Superintendent pointed out notable features and discussed ongoing conservation efforts to preserve the park's ecosystem and history.


Back at the park headquarters, I observed the Superintendent's administrative duties. He was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, managing staff, and coordinating with other agencies and organizations involved in conservation and environmental protection. It was impressive to witness the Superintendent's ability to balance the administrative tasks while maintaining a genuine connection to the park and its mission.


While shadowing, I learned about the Superintendent's involvement in long-term planning and policy development. They worked closely with park rangers, environmental scientists, and local communities to develop strategies for sustainable tourism, wildlife management, and education programs. I was impressed by their ability to foster collaborative partnerships and engage stakeholders in the decision-making process.

Shadowing a superintendent at a small national park gave me a profound understanding of the immense responsibility of preserving natural treasures. The experience deepened my appreciation for the delicate balance between conservation efforts, public access, and education. It also inspired me to explore avenues where I can contribute to the protection and sustainable management of our natural heritage, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and appreciate these precious landscapes. Before shadowing Superintendent Boles, I needed clarification on why my internship was split between INDE and FRST. Now that I have spent a week here, I know why. Both parks may be considered 'urban parks,' but differ vastly. INDE feels like a complete park focused on improving its status quo, while FRST is a developing park with a lot of potential. Superintendent Boles exemplifies the importance of a superintendent and why they are at the top of a National Park's organization chart.  

Superintendent Boles allowed me to delve into park management, conservation efforts, and the unique challenges in preserving natural landscapes. While shadowing, I sincerely appreciated the Superintendent's commitment to environmental stewardship and their role in ensuring the park's sustainability. 

Stay tuned!



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