From Bear Dens to the Oval Office recounts numerous true stories collected from over 38 years managing America’s national Parks. These amusing stories cover unusual incidents involving park visitors, wildlife encounters, search and rescue incidents, visits by many important people and dignitaries including various Secretary s of the Interior, U.S. Senators, President Obama and family, Pope John Paul II, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, First Lady Laura Bush, and others. Some stories recount actual events related to educational activities (sometimes called living history portrayals) at Fort Scott and other parks. Other stories relate to funny visitor experiences including unusual questions asked of staff, youth engaging with nature, significant land conservation initiatives, and a trip to Italy to visit Dolomiti National Park, a sister park to Acadia. Managing national parks involves protecting the park’s natural and historic elements (resources), providing visitor services such as education, orientation, and emergency assistance, enforcement of park regulations and pertinent laws, and administration which includes supervision of employees and volunteers. The book relates various stories that involve all of these subject areas, many of which will be enjoyed by people of all ages. Moving around the country over the 38 year career, always presented new challenges and interesting situations. Living in small towns but occupying a highly visible position in town also resulted in some amusing anecdotes. Working in the service to American and their cherished national parks, was an honor and privilege. I found working with the many dedicated professionals in the NPS and along side numerous volunteers, donors, and partner groups with a common purpose to be truly inspiring. It was a very rewarding career that produced many great memories that I love to share with others.
