The U.S. National Park Service likes to drive home the notion of resources, often in the context of natural and finite. Rangers, those who work in the parks, provide a lot of services for the visiting public from nature programs to park protection. The greatest resource of the National Park Service could very well be the ability for the Rangers to be good storytellers.
Having visited quite a few National Parks, I can say there are two ways in which parks become memorable and remarkable: parks with natural beauty and parks with stories to tell. The Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone are parks on visual overload filled with natural beauty. You remember these parks because they are unlike any other places you have ever seen. Acadia National Park has that same natural beauty, but my recent visit was heightened by a few storytellers (thanks Kim and Kirk).
Kim paused beside a tree that had fell during one of Acadia’s famous winter storms. The tree, however, was still growing. Remarkable in its on right, the more amazing part was the root structure was able to support the tree in soil that was literally inches deep. Kim, who had lived in Anchorage, then told us a story of creating a garden for his wife. Since the Anchorage soil is mostly hard clay, Kim had to haul in hundreds of pounds of top soil to spread over the clay so that any plants could take root. The grass in the front yard had eventually taken hold and the focus turned to the garden. Seeds were planted and eventually lush green carrot tops sprouted above ground. Looking forward to perfectly slender and long carrots, Kim’s wife pulled the carrots from the ground. The carrots were 3 inch nubs that perfectly matched the 3 inches of top soil. Now I will always be able to relate the importance of soil to plant growth.
Acadia National Park was ranked as the 4th best place to view the night’s sky. Most of the population, who now live in or around cities, cannot see all of the stars because of light pollution. Ranger Kirk pointed out various constellations, satellites, stars, and the International Space Station. Kirk was a great storyteller. He knew and shared the stories behind Cassiopeia, Persius, etc. Most would consider star gazers to be a bit geeky, but even star gazers give stars and constellations names that have stories. The Teapot, Draco the Dragon, Cygnus the Swan, and Leo the Lion are just a few. (If you happen to be in Acadia next week, you can take in the 2nd Annual Night Sky Festival)
What stories does your business or products tell? These will be remembered long after price and selection.
