Bruce Bytnar

I retired in January 2008 following working more than 32 years as a National Park Ranger. I started my career as a seasonal interpreter conducting living history programs. Once a permanent employee, I worked as a commissioned law enforcement ranger, naturalist, wildland firefighter, resource manager, search and rescue manager, supervisor, and manager. My last position was as the Ridge District Ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

My interest in supporting and promoting national parks remains a focus even in retirement. One example of these efforts is my volunteer work as an environmental educator at Boxerwood Gardens Nature Center. The program is oriented toward the State of Virginia's standards of learning. My personal objective is to get students interested in the outdoors and eventually national parks.

I have also just completed writing a book based on my experiences working in national parks. I have also included messages about very real threats to our parks and what citizens can do to assist those stewards who have the responsibility to protect our treasures found in national parks. The book is titled "A Park Ranger's Life: True Stories from Thirty Two Years Protecting Our National Parks." It should be available by early November. For more information check my blog at www.aparkrangerslife.blogspot.com.