From Bear Dens to the Oval Office: True stories from my 38 years managing national parks

by Sheridan Steele

From Bear Dens to the Oval Office recounts numerous true stories collected from over 38 years managing America's national Parks. These amusing stories cover unusual incidents involving park visitors, wildlife encounters, search and rescue incidents, visits by many important people and dignitaries including various Secretary s of the Interior, U.S. Senators, President Obama and family, Pope John Paul II, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, First Lady Laura Bush, and others. Some stories recount actual events related to educational activities (sometimes called "living history" portrayals) at Fort Scott and other parks. Other stories relate to funny visitor experiences including unusual questions asked of staff, youth engaging with nature, significant land conservation initiatives, and a trip to Italy to visit Dolomiti National Park, a "sister park" to Acadia. Managing national parks involves protecting the park's natural and historic elements (resources), providing visitor services such as education, orientation, and emergency assistance, enforcement of park regulations and pertinent laws, and administration which includes supervision of employees and volunteers. The book relates various stories that involve all of these subject areas, many of which will be enjoyed by people of all ages. Moving around the country over the 38 year career, always presented new challenges and interesting situations. Living in small towns but occupying a highly visible position in town also resulted in some amusing anecdotes. Working in the service to American and their cherished national parks, was an honor and privilege. I found working with the many dedicated professionals in the NPS and along side numerous volunteers, donors, and partner groups with a common purpose to be truly inspiring. It was a very rewarding career that produced many great memories that I love to share with others.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2020

Reviews

[David Grissom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you been to a national park and enjoyed the beauty and nature, animals and ease of getting around to all the sites with in the park? With this book you will learn about the humor from question's asked, the resourcefulness of the park administration, the dedication to the public and to the preservation of the natural beauty of the parks. For 38 years Sheridan Steele has worked in the parks as Deputy Superintendent and as Superintendent of four different parks. With each park you will learn how he would evaluate and then work to achieve goals for that park. The final park that Ranger Steele worked at as Superintendent was Acadia National Park in Maine. In this chapter you will learn about the support that the different groups of people give to all the parks, how there generosity often gets done in half the time a project that supports the park, enlarge, or complete a project that will enhance the parks services. Thru out you will meet many people some famous and many volunteers who without there help the parks would not be what they are today. I hope this book will encourage some young and older people to look at a future with the parks. either as a ranger or as a volunteer, as Smoky the bear might say "THE PARKS NEED YOU"
Enough said you need to read this book to see for yourself how our parks have developed and where they will go in the future....

[Kate Connors · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it gave such an insider’s perspective to working in the National Park Service. I mostly bought the book for the Acadia section, since I spend a lot of time in Maine and I love that park. I was super interested to learn that the Obamas visited Acadia while in office, Laura Bush visited here to hike with friends and Jenna Bush was proposed to on Cadillac mountain. I loved hearing his stories about people getting rescued in the parks and his experience going into a bear’s den during hibernation to research cubs. Definitely a good read if you love learning about National Parks!

[Debby Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Sheridan Steele’s 38 year career in the National Park Service. A must read for anyone who enjoys our National Parks. A “backstage” boots on the ground viewpoint from someone who really cares about our national treasures and works hard to provide the best experience for us all.

[Robert Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

So enjoyable.

Traveled in vans and motorhomes since the late 1970’s. Visited Cuyahoga, Yellowstone, Great Smokies, Acadia & more. We loved the national parks and state parks. Thanks for the book.

[Marieta Grissom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable quick read! I always enjoy reading the Ranger stories from our National Parks, especially ones I have visited. In this case, Mr. Steele worked his way up to Superintendent. His perspective for hosting high level visitors, i.e., Presidential family members, was also interesting.