Current Blog Entry

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Technology and Children
September 19, 2008

I went to the Apple Store on 5th Ave in NYC yesterday and got a real glimpse on how people of all ages are using technology. The store was absolutely crazy with activity.

What I found pretty fascinating the whole time I was there, was witnessing what had to be a 3 year old navigating his way through a computer game. Not only was he using the mouse with skill, he knew what buttons to adjust the volume, move the characters on the screen, and exit the game.

All with ease.

It was obvious this kid was already familiar with using technology for education and entertainment. When children are so saturated with technology, shouldn't kids be in the parks? What can the NPS do to get kids into our parks exploring wilderness, battlefields, or desert and aquatic ecosystems?

Since being at the Web2.0 Expo, I have met conference attendees who have noticed that I work for the NPS. Their first reaction is that of shock, then, it turns to the “how cool” phase. The feedback I have been getting is that the NPS is critical to our society and that we should be embracing technology to reach children, the future stewards of the NPS. I couldn't agree more. In fact, I think we're on the right track.

The NPS has a great program set up on the Web geared toward children, WebRangers! If you haven't seen it, check it out. This interactive Web feature educates children on a variety of topics in the NPS. Yellowstone also has been doing great things on the Web with Windows into Wonderland, as well as a handful of other parks including Glacier.

I've heard the argument that technology and virtual parks will replace the real thing and that people won't come anymore. I disagree. If done right, I believe technology can entice children to want to explore and learn about the real thing. If they fall into the underserved category in which a visit isn't possible, they benefit from learning about parks and understanding their significance.

We have successful programs in place already, but I know we can do better to create experiences for children before and after they visit.

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The Beauty of Dirt (and concrete)
September 17, 2008

I was walking to the Web 2.0 Expo Conference this morning and noticed something that startled me.
I have been in NYC for 3 days now and have been walking the streets noticing all the lights, people, traffic, and particularly, the aroma of the city. But, I came across dirt for the first time since being here and it startled me.

Maybe it is because I’ve already adapted to life in the city? Maybe subconsciously I’m already missing the mountains?

Whatever the reason, it was refreshing for me to see brown dirt. Granted there was a discarded coffee cup laying there in it and the area was small, but it was interesting to see the contrast of an island of dirt surrounded by a sea of concrete.

To me, it reinforced the beauty of nature.

Later, I met up with a colleague from the Statue of Liberty and he was telling me about his experience being away from NYC for 10 days in the Grand Canyon. He said, "After 10 days, give me concrete, people, a horn, anything that reminds me of the city."

To me, that statement reinforced the beauty of culture.

It is  important to remember both.

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Building Community
September 16, 2008

I’m in NYC this week at the Web 2.0 Expo. Because I work on the Web in Glacier and the NPS, my goal while being here is to learn as much as I can about building community online.

What is community?

Think about your neighborhood, school, church, club, etc. What is it that keeps you connected to that community?

How about a Glacier community?

We know there are Glacier fanatics out there and that our Web site keeps those people connected through Web cams, photos, Podcasts, online videos, and other multimedia features.

Those are great, but what else can we do to keep a Glacier community alive, thriving, and connected? I’m coming up with some great ideas.

Stay tuned.

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Glacier's Green Team Blog
September 8, 2008

Stay tuned for a new blog about to hit our Web site...Glacier's Green Team Blog.

The blog will focus on green practices in and outside of Glacier National Park and will be written by members of Glacier's Green Team.