“The flat hat. The green and gray. The gold badge. Most visitors recognize the iconic look of a national park ranger, but the story goes beyond the image.”
Today is World Ranger Day which commemorates Rangers from around the world killed or injured in the line of duty and celebrates the work Rangers do everyday to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage.
In honor of World Ranger Day we would like to boast this social media message from Grand Teton National Park which reminds us that while you might picture National Park Rangers with their iconic flat hat serving as ambassadors for visitors, they in fact do many many jobs including law enforcement officers, fire fighters, maintenance workers, concession specialists, park guides, engineers, scientists, and animal packers.
Grand Teton National Park’s World Ranger Day Statement:
“Some welcome you at entrance stations. Others spend their days high in the Tetons on climbing routes. Others are behind the scenes balancing budgets and keeping park operations running. Their titles and uniform may differ. Their mission remains the same: to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
On World Ranger Day, July 31, we honor not just the individuals who wear the badge (past and present), but the spirit behind it. That spirit lives across the Grand Teton community: in our National Park Service staff, the tribes, non-profit partners, volunteers, local governments, and every visitor who cares for this place.”
We salute all those who serve as Park Ranger around the world and sincerely wish you all a happy World Ranger Day!


