The park ranger profession is such a unique entity and varies greatly from department to department. The Park Ranger Institute offers quality training and networking opportunities for anyone working in the field of enforcement or interpretation. It’s a profound benefit to have the cost of the institute be such a great value.
Ron Hall, Senior Park Ranger, City of Kirkwood, MO
I was very well pleased with The Park Ranger Institute! The variety of training sessions available was great. The training was informative, pertinent and enjoyable. Also having training sessions in the evening was good. It was apparent that all of the instructors were very knowledgeable of their topics and they made each session enjoyable. I plan on returning and I highly recommend that The Park Ranger Institute be a part of each Park Ranger’s yearly training.
Robert Thomas, Park Ranger, York County, SC
I have attended The Park Ranger Institute a number of times, both as a ranger and as a supervisor. I have found the training at all levels to be invaluable – including environmental education, customer service, park safety and security. One of the best parts of the experience is the networking opportunities with those in our profession. By continuing to attend The Park Ranger Institute, I have a resource for both education and professional support to call on now and in the future.
Sue Davis – CPRP, Watershed Parks Manager, Greensboro, NC
This was my first institute and I was very impressed with the diversity and quality of the training. Being able to network with rangers from all over the country was a big plus to this event.
Next year we hope to send more rangers from our organization and hopefully provide some presentations. I strongly recommend this training.
Chad Eller, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, Wilkesboro, NC
I found The Park Ranger Institute to be an excellent opportunity to learn some best-practice techniques from other likeminded professionals. The topics were relevant and the facilities were ideal.
Since returning, I have been in contact with some of the people that I met at the institute. I found that even though there were many differences between jurisdictions and even our Canadian vs. American legal systems, most of the issues we are dealing with are universal.
I found the institute to be a great learning opportunity and the best value around, I absolutely plan on returning. Darren Grove, Park Ranger Unit Supervisor, City of Edmonton, Canada
What an incredible week!
From learning about blood suckers, weapons training, night interpretation, to defensive tactics you cannot get any more exposure and re-education without going through an academy again.
The price is a steal, so get time off or call in sick because this is a wonderful week of networking and fun.
Karen Morrill,
Oftentimes when you see a brochure describing a conference, people gush on and on about how great it was or how excellent the experience was etc. I always have been a bit skeptical of these flowery and glowing accolades. Having said that, I can honestly say the Park Ranger Institute indeed is the best value for your hard earned training dollar.
You will not find a better training for your staff and certainly won’t find a more economical training alternative. I highly recommend the Institute.
I plan to send all my new hires to this important training. Hugo McPhee, Director of Public Safety, Three Rivers Park District, Minneapolis, MN
I have worked in the park law enforcement field for more than 25 years. From day one I have availed myself to as much training as time and money would allow. I have attended the Ranger Institute 6 times and look forward to each return trip.
You have numerous classes to choose from and your instructors are persons who “live what they teach” the rest of the year. You can’t find a more diverse and talented group of instructors in our field than here at the Ranger Institute.
You also have the opportunity to network with other park professionals from all over the United States and elsewhere. The 2010 Ranger Institute attendees came from 14 states, Canada and Ireland. The experiences you gain from this Institute and its attendees cannot be found anywhere else. his Proverb sums it up: “Keep company with those that make you better”. The Institute does just that and it is good for our warrior spirit.
Lt. James Smallwood, Lake Metro Parks – Ranger Division, Concord, OH
The first time I attended the Park Ranger Institute was two years ago. I came from Duplin, Ireland hoping to make this my profession. Now I work in St. Stephens Green Park in Ireland as a park constable.
My goal is to now become a park ranger in the Phoenix Park. The classes are great and very helpful in the park ranger career and have a great atmosphere around them.
The instructors are great and are easy to understand. I recommend the Institute to everyone, not just in the states but worldwide. This Institute opens many opportunities and introduces you to many new people; I have made many new friends in the states and I cannot wait to get back to the next Institute,
Thank you! Reno Batog, Park Ranger, Duplin, Ireland
I must admit I am impressed with the Institute you put together, It was really refreshing to have so many sessions directed at what park rangers encounter and not just parks and recreation in general. The professionalism of the presenters was only rivaled by that of the attendees. It only strengthens my pride to be part of this profession. You will definitely see me back next year.
James Birdwell Park Ranger Supervisor The Woodlands Township TX
I found The Park Ranger Institute to be an excellent opportunity to learn some best-practice techniques from other likeminded professionals. The topics were relevant and the facilities were ideal. 
