For the Love of Parks

Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, setting a precedent for land conservation by the U.S. government for public benefit and ecological protection. In 1880, Harry Yount, often considered the first park ranger, was hired to protect the park’s wildlife, marking the beginning of a profession dedicated to preserving these lands. Today, as visitation rises and staffing declines, park rangers continue to work tirelessly—often underpaid and overextended—to maintain these spaces for the enjoyment of all, driven not by financial gain but by a deep commitment to conservation.

For the Love of Parks is a love letter to parks and conservation lands from the professionals who keep them safe, clean, and accessible. Through their voices alone, past and present park rangers will describe the beauty of these places, the importance of their protection, and the paths that led them to this work.

This is not journalism. It is a thank you. A poetic tribute in a time of uncertainty. All participants will remain nameless and anonymous, their words carrying the weight of a lifetime spent in service to the land.