My Park Story: Emma Stefanacci

Emma conversing with a goat at Bent's Old Fort.

Emma Stefanacci

I grew up in Denver, Colorado and went to a school that focused on expeditionary learning and adventure. We spent much time outside the classroom both on field trips and class camping trips, many of which took place at national parks. I remember visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and racing to set up our tents before it started hailing too hard. Another time we broke open shale segments at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument to see what was preserved in them. National parks acted as both a formal and informal classroom for much of my childhood.

When I started college in Iowa, I took a pause from my outdoor adventures. Part of it was being busy with school and part was not realizing the access I had. Living in the small town of Grinnell, IA and not having a car, my idea of exploration (a hike through an alpine forest) felt unattainable. But I was busy with class and trying to figure out what to do with my life, so I didn’t actively miss that part of my life.

The Jefferson Memorial in the early morning.

Emma Stefanacci

After I graduated with a degree in Math, a minor in Linguistics, and no idea what I wanted to do, I came upon a communications fellowship at the National Park Service through Conservation Legacy. I had been thinking that science communication might be a way to connect my science/math interests with my linguistics background, and seeing this position seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore that field and rekindle my love of parks and the outdoors.

I have learned so much in this role. While I had visited many national park sites, I now appreciate just how much the NPS does. Besides the 63 “National Parks” there are over 350 other sites that preserve and share our history and growth as a nation and people. I was able to work on projects that highlight the science happening in parks, learn and discuss the National Trails System, and help coordinate this amazing Your Park Story campaign. It has been amazing to read all the stories of how parks impact all of us and feel the connection to others through this shared experience.

My fellowship consisted of a remote work position, and I spent much of it in my home office in Colorado. However, I couldn’t learn so much about the NPS and see all the amazing work happening in parks across the country without getting out to be a part of it all.

In February, I came across a news release from Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site about a new program they were presenting. It was going to be a big event with volunteer reenactors, and I thought “That sounds fun. I should go.” So, I drove down with my mom and grandma, and we had a great time learning about the fort and its role as a post office in the 1860s.

Emma and Owachomo Bridge at Natural Bridges National Monument.

Emma Stefanacci

I was also able to go out and visit Washington D.C. to meet some of my colleagues. While I had been to D.C. briefly before, walking through the National Mall knowing it was part of the NPS gave me a new appreciation for what the space means. It continued to strike me just how cool it is to have our shared history preserved in a way where people can experience it as part of their everyday.

Finally, I took a road trip through southeast Utah and visited some of the incredible parks there. My new favorite park (for now) might be Natural Bridges National Monument. Along with the incredible canyons and natural bridges, it was the first established International Dark Sky Park and has an amazing night sky. I spent one night stargazing where the moon was so bright that I could see my shadow on the trail. I felt so close to the stars above while also feeling so small in the world I was in.

I have learned so much during this fellowship about both the NPS and myself. I can’t wait to visit more parks and continue to connect with history and the world around me.