Ranger Sharon (aka Birdchick)'s Farewell

Dear Volunteers for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area,

It’s an understatement to say that pandemics are weird and hard things to live through. Life changed radically for many of us. For me, one of those radical changes was getting a job with Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska as their Public Affairs Officer. There was no way to have an in-person farewell because of the Omicron variant and I just couldn’t take another Zoom meeting as a going away party. I heard from Paula that my departure was a surprise for some of you and I’m sad I didn’t have a chance to say a proper goodbye to you.

You may be wondering what the heck a Public Affairs Officer is and how someone from interpretation ends up in such an official sounding position. My time at the Mississippi River park prepared me well for it. If you fall off a mountain or get mauled by a grizzly bear, I write the press releases and wrangle the media. I also help navigate film crews like the BBC or Good Morning America who want access to the park and scientists. I get to run the social media and do fun things like promote the park sled dogs being the ceremonial first team in the Iditarod. Basically, it’s all the things I love to do that most people would rather not do.

I have truly enjoyed my time at MISS and I sincerely loved working with all of the volunteers. I learned so much from all of you and I have memories that I will carry with me forever. I loved the days we were crazy busy and you all stepped up to the challenge.

Sandy, you made the insanity of the eclipse event at the Mississippi River Visitor Center fun and helped with the Jr Rangers with your secret stash. Elizabeth, you corralled so many people into St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center. I remember running into friends at the lock wall and when I asked what brought them they said, “We were on the Stone Arch Bridge and a woman named Elizabeth yelled at us from below to come down.” Bob, you sent me interesting articles on agriculture that were helpful for an understanding of shipping on the river. Ed, your tour outline could rival Ranger Will’s. Lisa, you were my back up of bird knowledge at the heron programs and the Big Sit! This just scratches the surface of all that people contributed in terms of time and enthusiasm.

As much as I appreciated your time, intelligence, and quick thinking on busy days, I treasured the quiet times when I could hear stories about grandkids, something you learned at a Master Naturalist class, or adventure or observation on a recent trip. Sue, I’ll miss the Gordy stories. Laurie, you may not remember it, but you gave me some good advice to consider for when I eventually retire. Mother Ranger (you know who you are) I’ll miss you telling me about the career advice you gave to seasonals.

I’ll be living in the park itself near headquarters and the dog kennels, so if you visit the park, keep an eye out for a very short blonde walking a sled dog along the park road while using her binoculars. Know that she’s carrying the memories of this park and all that you taught her. 

– Ranger Sharon

You can follow Sharon’s adventures on her BirdChick Instagram account.