What would it be like growing up in the National Parks? Ranger Aaron Kaye’s father was also a Park Ranger, and the National Parks were his backyard. On this episode of Podcasts with Park Rangers, we discuss Aaron’s unique story and the many jobs he’s had in the Park Service.
 
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Related Podcasts & Articles:
 

* Plan Your Trip: The Best Day Hikes at Badlands National Park
* Badlands NP: Paleontology and Visitor Fossil Discovery – Episode 12
* Badlands NP: Bison, Bighorn Sheep and Black Footed Ferret – Episode 13

Topics Covered

* About Ranger Aaron
* Growing Up In The National Parks
* Swiss Army Ranger
* Living In The National Parks
* Bison Roundup
* Aaron’s Love for Badlands National Park and the NPS
* Artist in Residence
* Thanks to Our Listeners – Let’s Connect More!

About Ranger Aaron
Ranger Aaron has a degree in anthropology, with an emphasis in Southwest Archaeology. He used his degree to get a start in the National Park Service at parks like Mesa Verde and Hovenweep. During his time at those locations, he focused on Archaeoastronomy which explores the relationship of archaeological sites to the stars in the sky.
He’s been with the NPS for 27 years, and at Badlands National Park since 1999. He started as an Interpretive Park Ranger, and now works as a Supervisory Park Ranger.
The unique thing about Aaron — he lived his life growing up in the National Parks because his dad was also a Park Ranger. Which in turn, inspired him to become one as well.
Growing Up In The National Parks
Early on in Aaron’s life, his family would move around every 3-5 years so that his father could progress in his career with the Park Service. And, he usually attended traditional public schools. Of course, moving every so often made it difficult to make friends.
Ranger Aaron’s called a wide variety of places home: Cape Cod National Seashore, Hawaii Volcanoes, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Calling the National Parks his backyard for most of his life has fostered a love for the outdoors and outdoor recreation. Additionally, taking a trip to a major city was a big deal, and quite scary in his younger years. Nowadays, he’s grown used to it and can enjoy trips to places like Denver more often.
Nowadays, he still lives in the parks, and his commute is quite short! Usually, only a walk or a bike ride away.
Swiss Army Ranger
Ranger Aaron has always wanted to be a generalist, and do a little bit of everything. In the past, Park Rangers used to be generalists, but over time they’ve become more specialized. Essentially a tool for every task.
The variety of skills Aaron has picked up: Wildland Fire, Search and Rescue, EMT, and Resource Management
He’s especially enjoyed doing Wildland Firework, and it’s a bit of a rush. For several years,