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Introductory reference documents are also available to educate OSMP rangers, including the
“Authority of the Resource” article (see Appendix III), and the Interpretation Manual, which is
available from the education work group.

Public discourse remains one of the most satisfying and challenging aspects for rangers. Following
are some common traits of successful rangers:
• Excellent listening and communication skills, including speaking clearly in order to be
readily understood;
• Ability to easily convey concise yet compelling information about the natural history of the
species and ecosystems our park visitors see; and
• Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem
solving and decision making:
➢ Be aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do;
➢ Have a willingness to help and be helpful; and
➢ Have a passion for the job.

Community Outreach, Education, and Interpretation

Community outreach is more than providing formal educational programs, it is an integral part of
patrol, and rangers must make an effort to contact as many users as possible while on patrol.
Although it must be recognized and respected that many visitors come to the OSMP for solitude and
silence, those willing to engage in conversation must be able to interact with rangers.

Rangers’ community outreach activities include formal interpretive presentations, spontaneous
interactions with OSMP visitors, brochure development and distribution, cable TV and media
presentations, and other educational activities. Rangers must strive to represent positively the
OSMP Department’s and City of Boulder’s policies and philosophies in all interactions with the
public. And when presenting formal environmental interpretive programs, rangers should deliver a
quality experience based on their knowledge and a strong commitment to the OSMP system and
its natural resources.

Rangers are responsible for developing some of the department’s year-round series of public hikes,
programs, and other environmental activities. These activities are scheduled through the education
and outreach specialist in charge of community outreach; rangers are also required to conduct
environmental programs throughout the year.

The ranger staff works closely with local school districts and numerous agencies to provide
community outreach to students, civic organizations, and the general public. The educational
specialist in charge of community outreach schedules activities that schools and other
organizations request; however, preparation for the activity and final confirmation with the
organization is the assigned ranger’s responsibility.

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