Sarah Davis will be the 18th chief ranger of the vast 2.2 million acre national park.
The iconic Yellowstone National Park has just appointed its first female chief ranger in its 147-year history! When she takes on her new role in December, Sarah Davis will be the 18th chief ranger of the vast 2.2 million acre park. "Sarah is an outstanding leader with a track record of high performance, strategic thinking, and collaboration," Superintendent Cam Sholly said in a statement announcing Davis' appointment. "We’re lucky to have her join the Yellowstone team."
In her new role as chief of Resource and Visitor Protection, Davis will manage the over 275 employees in "Yellowstone’s Resource and Visitor Protection division who perform law enforcement and emergency medical services, search and rescue, wildland and structural fire, dispatch, fee collection, special use permitting, trails, corrals, and backcountry operations."
A 20-year veteran of the National Park Service, Davis has worked at numerous national parks around the country, including Vicksburg and Guilford Courthouse National Military Parks, the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, the Manassas National Battlefield Park, the Independence National Historic Park, the Assateague Island National Seashore, and the Blue Ridge Parkways. Since 2012, she's been the chief ranger at Natchez Trace Parkway and, for her work in that role, she won the first Southeast Region Excellence Award for professional leadership among chief rangers.
Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the first national park in the United States. Covering an area larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined, the Wyoming park is famous for its many geysers and hot springs, including the Grand Prismatic Spring pictured above. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yellowstone is one of the most popular national parks with over 4 million visitors in 2018. Davis, who is moving to Yellowstone along with her two dogs, Eleanor Roosevelt (nicknamed Ellie) and Ginny, says that "it is an honor and privilege to be selected for this position" and that she's "excited to join the Yellowstone team, and work together to protect our first national park and its visitors, and ensure the health, safety, and wellness of our employees."
Books About Outdoor-Loving Mighty Girls
Finding Wild
Finding Wild
Two friends set out to discover the natural world together in this exquisite picture book. When the girl and boy get off the subway, they set out on a journey through meadows, mountains, and thick forests, finding beauty both obvious and subtle everywhere they look. But when they return home to the city, they make a remarkable discovery: wild cannot be contained, even among skyscrapers and asphalt. This lyrical story encourages everyone — even city dwellers — to see, and revel in, the wild around them.
The Hike
The Hike
Three outdoor-loving friends — Wren, El, and Hattie, along with Bean the dog — are going on a hike. It's their "favorite thing to do," but each of them has different talents to bring to bear: Wren brings her sketchbook, while El shows them how to make leaf baskets, and Hattie, the smallest, is the best at using their map to find her way. On their route, they observe the flora and fauna of the Western woodland, labeled in the illustrations; scientific backmatter, including a glossary, encourages kids to imagine what they might discover in their own backyards. This picture book is a tribute to friendship, exploration, and adventures in the great outdoors.
Moon
Moon
Moon is busy, busy, busy: school, lessons, sports, sleep, repeat. She's almost to busy to wonder what it would be like to slow down. Then, one night, she meets a wolf who takes her into a dark forest to play. There, she and the wolf howl, hide, run, and more. By the end of the night, Moon will discover how to be wild, how to be still... and how to be free. Simple text and evocative illustrations carry an important message for overscheduled kids about the importance of nature and play.
When Grandma Gatewood Took A Hike
When Grandma Gatewood Took A Hike
When 67-year-old Emma Gatewood became the first woman to solo hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in 1955, she also saved the trail for future generations! Her description of the trail's condition prompted a rejuvenation effort, and her success inspired a new generation of people to take on this incredible journey. This picture book biography explores how a mother of eleven set out on a 2,500-mile trek and walked her way into history. For another picture book about Gatewood, check out Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail; adults can check out the excellent biography Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail.
50 Things to Do Before You're 11 3/4
An Outdoor Adventure Handbook
50 Things to Do Before You're 11 3/4
An Outdoor Adventure Handbook
Let's go outside! This pocket-size companion to the National Trust's hugely successful media campaign contains fifty fantastic activities for kids to explore outdoors. From flying a kite to finding frogspawn to swimming in the sea, there's something here for everyone! It also provides space for you to journal your adventures, with notes, photos, doodles, and more. Inspiring and full of fun, this guide is the perfect way to get kids ready to explore the great outdoors.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
11-year-old Calpurnia is curious why the yellow grasshoppers in her yard are so much bigger than the green grasshoppers. But it's Texas in 1899, and girls are supposed to devote their time to proper activities like needlework, not tromping through the grasses studying bugs. Still, Calpurnia recruits her grandfather, an avid naturalist, to help her figure out the mystery. As the pair grows closer, Calpurnia dreams of becoming a scientist, even as it becomes more obvious how difficult that will be for a girl in her time. This book will give tweens new perspective on the challenges that faced female scientists in the past. Calpurnia's story continues in The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate, while readers age 6 to 9 can check out the early chapter book series Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet.
Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children
Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children
Sometimes it seems like kids can learn all they need indoors, but studies show that rough and tumble outdoor play — the kind that's directed by kids rather than by parents or teachers — is critical to develop sensory, motor, and executive functions. In fact, there's even evidence to suggest that a lack of movement contributes to ADHD, sensory processing issues, emotional regulation problems, and aggressiveness with peers. Using the philosophy of her popular TimberNook program, author Angela Hanscom provides ideas and strategies for parents and educators to ensure that kids get the play they need, whether they live in the country or in an urban environment.
Last Child In The Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder
Last Child In The Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder
Today, many kids are reluctant to be separated from comforts like electronic devices and climate control for something as “boring” as outdoor play. Louv argues that a lack of connection with the outdoors — and the lack of exercise and mindfulness that follows — is affecting kids’ development. When parents and educators get kids back outside, the result is improved test scores, better problem solving, and lower incidences of ADD, obesity, depression, and more. Louv offers great ideas for incorporating nature into family life and the academic world, in hopes that no child will ever be the last child in the woods.
National Parks Coloring Book
National Parks Coloring Book
America's national parks are full of beauties and wonders — and you can color them all in this book that includes scenes from 50 of them! Scenes from the Grand Canyon, the Everglades, the great Smoky Mountains, and more, invite artists to color the details and learn more about these spectacular destinations. Captions include intriguing information about each park, including what activities are available for visitors! It's sure to inspire a wishlist of park visits.
Trekking the National Parks: The Board Game
Trekking the National Parks: The Board Game
Grab your walking stick, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare to explore the nation's natural wonders with this board game from Underdog Games! As 2 to 5 players race across the country, they collect trail stones and compete to claim Park Cards, each of which includes an interesting fact and a gorgeous photo of the park. Each game begins with a unique setup, ensuring endless replayability. By the time you've played it a few times, you'll be itching to get out there and explore the real thing!
