Earlier this month I passed on the word that Valley Forge National Historical Park had entered the electronic age with the addition of podcasts to its interpretive programs.
Alas, now I must relay that Yellowstone, too, has decided it has to go high-tech to attract visitors; the world's largest collection of geysers evidently isn't enough of a lure.
Or, perhaps, the Park Service is simply trying to reduce overhead by replacing interpretive rangers with interpretive podcasts. I don't know what the answer is, although in heralding the arrival of these podcasts park officials refer to them as "roving rangers," so I'll let you draw your own conclusion.
And, like the Valley Forge podcasts, those from Yellowstone allow you to stay at home and enjoy the park from far, far, away.
The premiere includes 30 videos that span a range of topics. Many more videos are currently in production. Both the park web site and iTunes podcast pages will be updated on a regular basis. Links to additional information for those who want to explore a topic in greater depth will provide opportunities for long-term engagement with the park, its resources, and the people who study this extraordinary place, says the news release trumpeting this interpretive breakthrough.
Ah, but will these canned shows encourage more folks to visit Yellowstone? And how will this impact the ranks of interpretive rangers? I'd really be curious to hear what those rangers out in the field think of this electronic addition.
Yellowstone, Sadly, Goes Electronic
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