The Ask a Park Ranger Series Introduces Readers to the People Who Make RCA’s Work Possible
Have you ever wondered how a park ranger prepares for duty? Or what kind of tools are carried out in the field? Or what their favorite MSHCP protected species are? If the answer is yes, then the new Ask a Park Ranger series from The Vista is for you! Discover a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of park rangers, the stewards of RCA’s reserve lands.
From remote backcountry patrols to close encounters with wildlife, rangers will share stories that highlight the beauty and complexity of their work, offering insights into RCA’s conservation efforts, public engagement, and the sensitive habits they protect.
In this first installment, rangers share their personal motivations for becoming park rangers and what drives them to do the work that they do to protect sensitive habitats in western Riverside County. Today, we spoke with Riverside County Parks Rangers Jonathan, Ray, and Ryan to find out what inspired them to become park rangers.
The Vista: What inspired you to become a park ranger?
Jonathan: I’ve always been most at peace in nature and the outdoors. Growing up in southern California, I saw many of the outdoor spaces I enjoyed spending time in being bulldozed to make way for shopping centers, houses, and other development. Once I started college, I quickly decided that I wanted to work in a field where I could utilize my passion for the natural world to help protect it.
Ray: My inspiration came from other park rangers and seeing their work in the field or how they interacted with the public. Being a park ranger allows me to make a difference for the environment while gaining valuable experience, knowledge, and career opportunities.
Ray: My inspiration came from other park rangers and seeing their work in the field or how they interacted with the public. Being a park ranger allows me to make a difference for the environment while gaining valuable experience, knowledge, and career opportunities.
Ryan: My appreciation for nature and realizing the importance of protecting wildlife habitat for future generations inspired me to become a park ranger. I wanted a career that allowed me to combine passion with purpose – being a park ranger does just that. I get to explore trails and gain knowledge of local wildlife while protecting open spaces in the region.
Stay tuned for the next installment of the Ask a Park Ranger series to learn more about team members in the field.