#MyParkStory Staff Duane Newman

Duane gives a program at the D.H. Day Campground.

NPS Photo

Meet Duane Newman, an energetic 73 year-old with an interesting park story.

Duane met his future wife, Sharen, while they were students at Greenville College. They got married in 1972, during Duane's senior year. After graduating, they became public school teachers in the same Indiana school district—Duane taught chemistry, and Sharen taught biology. As they raised their two daughters, they enjoyed spending summers in the area around Lake Ann, Michigan.

Duane has a motto: "You only take with you what you leave behind." He believes the good impression that you make on others and the legacy for others to follow is what is most important. After 37 years, he and his wife retired from teaching and moved to northern Michigan full-time. He enjoyed the free time but missed chatting with people and sharing his knowledge. One day, while talking with a friend, Duane learned about volunteer opportunities at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

In 2010, Duane started volunteering with the Avian Botulism team, also known as the "Bot Squad." That was his first visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes Naitonal Lakeshore. During this time, he learned a lot about the Great Lakes ecosystem and the invasive zebra and quagga mussels. He also explored the different sides of the park.

After volunteering for eight years with the Bot Squad, Duane decided to become an interpretive park ranger. He took on this role with enthusiasm and passion, wearing the green and gray uniform with pride. This new role allowed him to share his love for science and nature with others. He feels it's a rewarding experience because he helps people enjoy the park's beautiful resources.

Whether leading Junior Angler programs, giving evening talks about animal pelts and skulls, or teaching visitors about the sand dunes at the Dune Climb, Duane always has a smile on his face. He is especially happy when children and families come up to ask questions about plants, animals, and the environment. Duane enjoys speaking with them about nature because it helps him connect with the community and encourages others to love the outdoors as much as he does.

"Duane is truly like the Energizer Bunny—he just never stops. He is nearly 40 years older than most of the rangers, yet he accomplishes more in a single day than most of them do combined," says Casey Kilian, a coworker of Duane's. "We often joke that trouble finds Duane. Many of the medical emergency calls tend to occur in his vicinity. All joking aside, if I had a medical emergency or needed to assist someone in distress, I would want Duane by my side."

Duane has served as a mentor to all new staff members over the past four seasons. He possesses an impressive depth of knowledge and can answer nearly any question they have—provided it doesn't involve computer-related issues.

During his fourth season as an interpretive park ranger, Duane accepted the role of managing summer interns. He enjoys coaching the interns and providing encouragement along with professional tips for their career journey. He hopes the interns will embrace his motto, "You only take with you what you leave behind," as they embark on their life's journey.