The other day I had my biggest rove yet: Old Rag. You may be asking, what is Old Rag? Let's say if you are a Virginian, it's almost a right of passage that you must do at some point! It is one of Virginia's most challenging...
I recently had the opportunity to cross-train with one of Shenandoah’s many departments! It allowed me the chance to see what other types of operations are going on in the park. I chose to cross-train with the Backcountry crew because it seemed like a fascinating...
Not only have I had the chance to take in the incredible views from waterfalls or peaks, but I have also gotten to see some fantastic animals. Coming from the largest city in Virginia, I am not used to seeing such a vibrant and thriving...
As I approach my fourth week at Shenandoah, the park has become increasingly busy, and so have my duties! I gave my first ranger program on invasive species in the park (such as the Emerald Ash Borer and Periwinkle). I felt it went great, and...
Hello everyone! I am Glen Kettering, the Natural Resource Interpretation and Visitor Services Assistant at Shenandoah National Park! I am a rising sophomore at the University of Richmond, majoring in Political Science and Environmental Studies. As a native Virginian, I have been to Shenandoah many...
As I began to prepare for the Colorado conference and wrap up my internship, I got some exciting news…Shenandoah National Park wanted to extend my internship until September 3rd! I accepted, of course, and after the conference...
This week I got to present my third program, a guided hike through our big meadow area. I haven’t done a hiking program yet, so this was a different experience. The program lasts about an hour and...
Now that I feel comfortable working the desk and answering questions, I can also help with our Junior Ranger program. The program involves a booklet that visitors can complete to get their little Shenandoah Junior Ranger badge....
Shenandoah is the largest park near Washington DC, meaning we get a lot of visitors and travelers coming through. On the weekends and holidays it gets extremely busy at our visitor center, and many of the trails...
Now that I’m on a more normal schedule and have most of my programs written out, I’ve had more free time to be able to explore the park. I’ve been trying to hike the most popular hikes...
As the weeks progress, I am gaining more confidence working the front desk and assisting visitors. I now know how to run the cash register, direct visitors toward campgrounds/lodges, and answer simple questions about the park and...
Though I’ve lived in community housing before, it’s always a bit nerve-wracking walking into a new home and greeting people you haven’t met but will be living with for the whole summer. I was placed in a...
Here in Shenandoah, all the interns are treated the same as the full-time rangers. This means we have access to the same resources and have the same duties and authority! Interns are even required to develop and...
My name is Reena Ramos and I’m excited to be working as a park intern for the summer! This last week has been a whirlwind; I arrived back from a class abroad and immediately drove from my...