World Ranger Day 2026: Highlighting Arabia’s Rangers!

World Ranger Day is July 31 and commemorates Park Rangers all over the world! This year, we have a larger team working here in the Heritage Area with some new faces, so we decided to highlight them in mini-profiles!

Ever wonder who keeps the parks clean and the trails maintained? (Hint: there’s no nature fairy performing clean-ups in the middle of the night.) The answer would be our lovely Rangers! And if you’ve ever wondered what exactly a Ranger does, you’re in luck because it’s World Ranger Day 2026!

Celebrated on the anniversary of the creation of the International Ranger Federation (July 31, 1992), World Ranger Day commemorates all Rangers and the work they do to protect the planet and its natural and cultural resources, as well as any rangers killed or injured on the job. The signed International Ranger Federation agreement between the US and the UK created a global forum for Park Rangers, promoting informational and technological exchanges across borders and oceans. 

The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area and its partners, the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve (DAMNP) and Panola Mountain State Park (PMSP), have fantastic Rangers whose specialties range from history to hiking to foraging and fungus identification! Learn about them in this celebratory Field Note, in which we profile 12 of our favorite Rangers, finding out what a day in their life is like.

Robby Astrove

Preserve Manager, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

How long have you worked as a Ranger and why did you become one?
“15 years. Because I wanted to get paid to hike! That is a great part of the job! Seriously, the why is about servant leadership, creating impact, and enjoying an active life outside connected to the planet. It’s a great privilege and responsibility to steward and protect the land, be an ambassador and support diverse audiences, and step into my best self as a public servant for everyone, all walks of life—for all life.”

Favorite nature memory growing up?
“My uncle took me to see the sunrise at the beach a few times and created such a life lasting memory. I think this experience created a strong practice and sunrise culture for me as I love to see the sunrise and wake up early for it with excitement and ease. It’s also nice to be on the clock when sunrise happens.”

Favorite trail or site in the NHA, or a trail or site in the NHA that you would encourage or hope people will visit?
“Yes, I would like to lift up Everett Park which is a City of Stonecrest park in the NHA. The headliner here is the South River and there’s a beautiful short 10 minute riverside trail to follow that starts at the parking area and takes you down to an impressive cascade and drop in the river (Albert Shoals). I know many of us would drive north into the mountains for a place like this and yet it’s right here in DeKalb County. River birch, native azaleas, high bush blueberry, and dwarf papaw scatter the bottomland forest and a watchful eye will always catch a turtle on a rock or log in the river. Don’t forget to pause and look. There’s also trails in the upland areas with newer outdoor seating, slate trails, and good winter views of the river. Great birding spot too and free parking for the win!”

Any advice for aspiring Rangers?
“Keep doing what you love and place yourself in the community and places that you want to be in! This isn’t just the advice for inspiring Rangers, It’s the advice I give myself and my current Ranger staff: Wherever you want to go, use your 2 feet and get there! It’s also really good for leaving and moving on when things no longer serve us… use your 2 feet and walk away.”

 

Whitney Ball

Ranger & Administrative Assistant, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

How long have you worked as a Ranger and why did you become one?
“I have been with DeKalb County Parks for 3 years. I love plants and animals. I was a biology major in school until I was talked into changing that. My heart was still in nature, [al]though I didn’t see a way back then to make a career of it. So now many years later, I have the business background and experience to help support the nature side I love. Also having run my own apothecary herbal clinic, I enjoy teaching about the plants in nature and their uses. The education side is what I truly love. Not everyone grew up running around barefoot catching snakes as a kid.

Favorite nature memory growing up?My “Dress Full Of Nature.” I was the only girl in my generation of cousins. So for the first few years of life, I wore a lot of very frilly dresses. But… I was still outside playing with my brother and cousins, climbing trees and building ramps for our bikes… I also loved to collect flowers and pretty rocks and such. So… I would use my dress as a carrying basket for all of the things I found. And would come home to show my family what all I had found and carried home in what I dubbed my Dress Full of Nature.”

Favorite trail or site in the NHA, or a trail or site in the NHA that you would encourage or hope people will visit?
“I love the non trail of Fisheye over to Peak 2. It is one of the more heavily quarried areas, and I love the fact that nature is ‘taking it back.'”

Any advice for aspiring Rangers?
“Get involved however you can before even trying to get a job in the field. Go volunteer at lots of different parks. Go to meetings. Get to know the community. That is how you will thrive in the field.”

 

Karsten Bobb

Arabia Ranger, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

How long have you worked as a Ranger and why did you become one?
“I’ve been a Ranger since the beginning of this summer! I’ve always loved parks and spending time outside, so becoming a Ranger seemed like a natural fit. I love leaning into my curiosity to discover something new to me and relish getting to share what I’ve found with others. This is an essential part of being a Park Ranger. I was connected with Arabia Mountain through a course at Emory and wanted to get to know the special place and the community more. When a spot opened up after I graduated, I was excited to join the team. To me, parks are environmental libraries: biodiversity archives with layers of history and spaces that welcome all to connect with nature, each other, and the resources they need to succeed. It’s been very fulfilling to contribute to community building in this way.“

Favorite nature memory growing up?
“Choosing a favorite nature memory feels near impossible. I’ve been so fortunate to have spent time in many incredible natural spaces. I’m very thankful that my family took me on many hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures growing up. The last couple years, I’ve had some wonderful experiences through college, such as learning to forage with Atlanta community members, bushwhacking up mountains in Colorado at my field station one summer, and camping across Namibia on my study abroad. Close (safe) encounters with wildlife, especially species who are new to me is often my favorite. I love the connection and learning that comes with it.“

Favorite trail or site in the NHA, or a trail or site in the NHA that you would encourage or hope people will visit?
“Probably the most magical experience I’ve had at Arabia Mountain so far was doing a sunset hike on Bradley Peak. It was just after a thunderstorm, so the rock was alive with streaming water, the surrounding trees were adorned with mist, and the frogs were croaking at full volume. The bright pink of the sky was reflected in the solution pits, creating an otherworldly experience as a Chuck-will’s-widow sang and bats flapped overhead. I highly recommend going on a sunset hike or a guided night hike. (Please do remember the park closes at dark.) But truly, any trail in the park can be magical if you slow down enough to find it.“

Any advice for aspiring Rangers?
“To aspiring Rangers, I’d say: stay curious. Ask questions, observe the world around you, and be open to learning from anyone and everyone—we all have something unique to share.“

 

Eliza Crofts
Arabia Ranger, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

How long have you worked as a Ranger and why did you become one?
“I started as a Ranger this July! I’ve been working in nature-based education for 10 years, and I love helping folks connect to the ecosystem! Earlier this year I became the resident naturalist and educator at Waybird Farm & Forest, which neighbors the Arabia Alliance office. I’ve been wanting to learn more about this land and build relationships with the local community, and being a Ranger is a wonderful opportunity to work towards those goals!”

Favorite nature memory growing up?
“I loved nature journaling when I was a kid! I spent hours drawing and writing about my observations: fungi, plants, birds, insects, and any other little creature that caught my interest. I was super inspired by Beatrix Potter, who was an avid naturalist and mycologist in addition to being a children’s book illustrator. As an adult, I’ve been trying to reconnect to that childhood wonder and get back into nature journaling!”

Favorite trail or site in the NHA, or a trail or site in the NHA that you would encourage or hope people will visit?
“I love hiking the Meadow Loop Trail at Vaughters’ Farm, especially in the early morning or during golden hour in the evening. The meadow is so peaceful and it’s a great place to watch deer grazing. I also enjoy taking the trails that branch off the meadow loop into the surrounding forest.“

Any advice for aspiring Rangers?
“Most of the Rangers I know started off as hikers, volunteers, and regular visitors at their parks! I would recommend attending programs at your favorite parks and nature centers, building relationships with the people there, and learning about ways to get involved. Last year, I participated in the Georgia Beloved Naturalist program. It helped me learn about local ecology, develop new skills, form connections with a community of naturalists, and be inspired by other folks’ knowledge and passions!“

 

Veronica Healy
Interpretive Ranger, Panola Mountain State Park

How long have you worked as a Ranger and why did you become one?
“4 1/2 years. I never really thought I would become a Park Ranger. In many ways I feel like I was very lucky that I am in the career that I’m in, and even luckier that I get to work at the #1 park I wanted to work at, Panola Mountain State Park. Growing up, my family spent a lot of time outdoors. We lived very close to Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Trails, and we would walk them as a family pretty regularly. I’ve always enjoyed teaching people, but never wanted to become a formal educator, so being a Park Ranger really meshed together many things I love and enjoy: hiking, history, naturing, and getting to connect folks with these things.”

Favorite nature memory growing up?
“My family is from Seattle and I have many fond memories swimming and kayaking in Lake Sammamish with my aunts. We often visited in the summer, and I looked forward to doing cannonballs off the floating dock.”

Favorite trail or site in the NHA, or a trail or site in the NHA that you would encourage or hope people will visit?
“I’m going to be a bit biased and say that my favorite site in the NHA is Panola Mountain. It is such a treat to visit the summit and see all of the beautiful mosses and lichens, as we are a National Natural Landmark because we are the best example of a monadnock ecosystem in the southeast. But, I would also encourage people to go across the South River and visit Lyon Farm. I am very proud of DeKalb County and the NHA for the work that they have put in to restore the homestead and share the stories of the people who have lived there. There is a lot of rich history to the site, and I really encourage people to take the time to come out and do a tour there as the site is a very integral piece to the Heritage Area.”

Any advice for aspiring Rangers?
“From a more practical standpoint, having a degree would give you a big advantage to getting a career as a Park Ranger, as well as starting in part-time and seasonal roles to gain experience. I know many Rangers in Georgia State Parks that started as a seasonal or part-time worker and are now Assistant Managers or Managers. But, my biggest piece of advance would be to stay curious. You don’t need to know every tree and plant to be a Ranger. I certainly didn’t when I started at Panola! I’ve learned so much from my co-workers and others in the field, and that’s from staying curious and asking questions. At a park, there’s always something cool to learn about!”

 

Jasmine Fuller

Arabia Ranger, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

How long have you worked as a Ranger and why did you become one?
“I began working as a Ranger this summer. I became a Ranger because of my interest and curiosity about nature, hiking, and stewardship. “

Favorite nature memory growing up?
“My favorite nature memory growing up would have to be riding my bike in my yard as a kid. The yard was full of trees and hills but I would love to weave around the trees and ride down the hills.“

Favorite trail or site in the NHA, or a trail or site in the NHA that you would encourage or hope people will visit?
“My favorite trails that I would encourage others to visit are the Retreat Loop and Woodland Trails.“

Any advice for aspiring Rangers?
“I work in veterinary medicine and would have never imagined becoming a Ranger. I started as just a hiker, turned volunteer, turned Ranger. The community has been very welcoming and encouraging.“

 

Aleksandr (Sasha) Johnson
Project Coordinator, Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, Arabia Ranger, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

How long have you worked as a Ranger and why did you become one?
“I’ve been a Ranger for 1 year and working for the Arabia Alliance for almost 4. The Nature Preserve needed the help and I would gladly work on the weekend for some extra cash (as a poor Gen Z). I have experience clearing trails and cleaning trash from volunteering at various parks during high school and was down to bring that with me here. I care deeply about our planet and like to ensure others give our environment the respect it deserves (and if they don’t, I’ll do it for them).”

Favorite nature memory growing up?
“My family was very active outside, and my dad would frequently take my mom and me on his boat across Alaska’s Kachemak Bay, where I lived as a young child. The forests, mountains and glaciers are etched into my mind and remain some of my deepest childhood memories. I credit my parents’ involvement in the outdoors as the foundation of many of my values today.”

Favorite trail or site in the NHA, or a trail or site in the NHA that you would encourage or hope people will visit?
“As someone interested in unique plants and ecosystems, any of the rock outcrop areas, including Arabia Mountain itself, are probably my favorite. I enjoy seeing endemics like diamorpha and the Porter’s sunflowers in their respective seasons, and it’s always great seeing frogs and salamanders in their ponds. I would encourage visitors to venture to the outcrop behind the Nature Center, which is almost like a flat Arabia Mountain, and wander the expanses of rock to see what you can find!”

Any advice for aspiring Rangers?
“Spend time outside! Whether you’re a lifelong outdoors person or just starting out, it’s never too late to become one. Become familiar with your natural surroundings and get comfortable with being in them. Anyone can work outside if they want. I have a bachelor’s degree in Communication, and through my interests in nature and experience writing and working on social media, I found a connection between the two that has allowed me to be in an outdoor position despite a lack of formal education in the natural subjects.”

 

Doffice Johnson

Ranger, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

How long have you worked as a Ranger and why did you become one?
“1.9 years. I have always worked with kids coaching basketball inside. Being a Ranger was another way of coaching kids outside.“

Favorite nature memory growing up?
“Camping on a fishing trip and cooking the fish that we caught on an open fire that night.“

Favorite trail or site in the NHA, or a trail or site in the NHA that you would encourage or hope people will visit?
“The Forest Trail.“

Any advice for aspiring Rangers?
“Please learn how to serve before you can lead.“

 

Darling Ngoh

Mycologist, Hikes of Georgia, Arabia Ranger, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

How long have you worked as a Ranger and why did you become one?
“3 years. To support nature conservation and education efforts while having a positive impact on the community.“

Favorite nature memory growing up?
“Spending time with my uncle in the jungles and foraging in the Congo basin.“

Favorite trail or site in the NHA, or a trail or site in the NHA that you would encourage or hope people will visit?
“Laurel Creek and Boomerang Trails are my favorite and would always recommend.“

Any advice for aspiring Rangers?
“This is the most fulfilling role if one has the passion, willingness to work and connect, and the patience to grow in an environmental context that constantly evolves.“

 

Rachel Roberts

Naturalist & Ranger, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

How long have you worked as a Ranger and why did you become one?
“I have been working officially as a Ranger for two and a half years with DeKalb County and the Arabia Alliance. As a former teacher, I love working with kids and seeing them excited and curious. I believe that helping create authentic and positive experiences in nature helps them connect and care about the world around them. I am also passionate about helping families connect with each other, away from technology, as well as with the natural world together to create stronger familial bonds.”

Favorite nature memory growing up?
“My favorite nature memory is spending time with my grandfather on the lake with my cousins. He would take us out on the canoe or motor boat to hit his favorite fishing spots (aka “honey pots”). He taught me how to bait a hook, fillet a fish, and fry it up for breakfast! He never lost patience and showed endless excitement every time we caught something.”

Favorite trail or site in the NHA, or a trail or site in the NHA that you would encourage or hope people will visit?
“Hands down my favorite hike is the trail to Arabia Peak and around the Mountain View Lake Loop. You get to see all the wonderful highlights of the park: forest, granite outcrop, lake, grasslands/prairie, and edge habitat. And a bonus on a sunrise hike when sitting on the peak, feeling the wind against your face, and hearing the bird calls surrounding you.”

Any advice for aspiring Rangers?
“Never stop being curious and asking questions. The search for knowledge should be a never-ending quest, and it’s part of our job to inspire the same sense of wonder in the people we interact with.”

 

Roving Ranger, Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance

How long have you worked as a Ranger and why did you become one?
“I have been the Roving Ranger for the Arabia Mountain NHA for over 3-1/2 years. As a long-time park volunteer in DeKalb County, I wanted to be more involved in park service and that is why I became a Ranger.”

Favorite nature memory growing up?
“Growing up in South Atlanta, I  spent many hours rambling in the woods near our house. Exploring and playing along the creek that ran through the property sparked and nurtured my passion for nature.”

Favorite trail or site in the NHA, or a trail or site in the NHA that you would encourage or hope people will visit?
“This creek is a tributary of the South River and, today, one of my favorite spots in the NHA is Albert Shoals, which borders Everett Park. This stretch of the South River would be my recommendation for folks to visit. Of course, the peak of Arabia Mountain is pretty sweet also.”

Any advice for aspiring Rangers?
“My advice to my fellow Rangers is to simply pause for a few moments while out in the field and let Nature reveal itself to you. Stopping to observe is a great perk of the job! I hope everyone reading this fulfills their hopes and ambitions. We are part of a special group. Enjoy yourself out there.”

 

Marquez Stephens
Arabia Ranger, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

How long have you worked as a Ranger and why did you become one?
“3.5 years including 1.5 years as a volunteer but 2 years officially. I became a Ranger because my love of nature led me to explore Arabia Mountain NHA and subsequently I began volunteering as a Ranger. Then the opportunity was presented for me to become an official Ranger, which allows me to be a steward, explorer, enthusiast, wanderer, advocate ambassador, student, and educator all at the same time.”

Favorite nature memory growing up?
“My favorite nature memory was being able to enjoy an of abundance wildlife and consume honeysuckle right in my own back yard.”

Favorite trail or site in the NHA, or a trail or site in the NHA that you would encourage or hope people will visit?
“Favorite Trail would be Cascade Loop, which is a short trail but full of life. It has an abundance of one of my favorites to see admire and enjoy in nature, which is flowing water provided by the creek that lines the trail making it a very peaceful trail.”

Any advice for aspiring Rangers?
“Advice for aspiring Rangers is to always be curious, maintain a childlike innocent love of nature and being outdoors and stay a lifelong student of nature.”