Our Mission:

Park Rangers are ambassadors for Austin's park system that promote responsible recreation, cultivate stewardship, and conserve parks' cultural and natural resources for the benefit of our entire community.

Operations

Public Programs

Rangers provide Public Programs to connect people to nature, give them a unique outdoor experience, and build a community of park stewards. Through our public programs we show folks how to responsibly recreate and more importantly, why. Some of our public programs include Climbing, Caving, Guided Hikes and Volunteer Cleanups.

We offer rock climbing a few times a year at the Barton Creek Greenbelt. We bring all the gear and let folks hone their skills or try it for the first time. We demonstrate safe techniques that folks can replicate in their own practice. Prioritizing methods that conserve the park is what makes our climbing program unique.

Austin’s parks are full of natural beauty, history, and wonders that our Guided Hikes give an insight into. We chose parks and preserves from all over town and discuss endangered species, Leave No Trace, and the people who helped shape our connection to Austin’s Parks. Insightful hikes, kid friendly activities and wild spaces are sure to please folks of all ages.

We collaborate with Austin Parks Foundation, Scouts of America, and other groups to offer many cleanups each year. Nothing gets folks thinking about their impact like picking up trash. And, the grabbers are really fun to use while chatting with friends outside. This is stewardship in action.

Check out our calendar or our Facebook Page to get connected to our amazing Public Programs

 

 

Cadets

The Park Ranger Cadet and Internship Program was first created to address the lack of racial diversity in the park ranger profession—both nationally and within the City of Austin’s Park Ranger team. According to the National Park Service, approximately 85% of park rangers across the country are white. Our goal is to empower young, diverse, local students to become advocates for environmental stewardship and future leaders in green careers. A workforce that reflects Austin’s vibrant and diverse community helps ensure that our work is accessible, inclusive, and inspiring to all.

In partnership with Akins High School, the Park Ranger Cadet Program is a school-year-long practicum that combines environmental education, outdoor recreation, and career exploration. Students learn about the natural history of Central Texas and engage in some of Austin’s unique outdoor recreation activities including kayaking, rock climbing, caving, and fishing. Cadets also job shadow Park Rangers during patrols to gain insight into public service and park management. Throughout the year, cadets also meet with guest speakers and attend networking events to explore a wide range of green careers from forestry and land management to river conservation and outdoor education.

At the end of the academic year, four students are selected as Park Ranger Interns to work alongside Park Rangers throughout the summer. These internships provide an opportunity to further develop leadership, communication, and environmental education skills in a real-world setting.

Through this program, the City of Austin Park Rangers not only serve our community today, but we invest in future leaders who will help tackle the environmental challenges of tomorrow. By mentoring and supporting the next generation, we’re creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for Austin’s parks.

 

Bark Rangers

Don’t just play ball with your furry best friend. Get on the ball and help Austin Parks and waterways stay clean! The City of Austin Bark Rangers Program is a fun way for you and your dog to learn about responsible recreation in Austin's Parks and then share this mission with other residents and their pets.

Bark Ranger Program goals align with the Park Ranger’s mission to promote responsible recreation, cultivate stewardship and conserve natural resources. These goals are met by:

1. Reducing the amount of pet waste/bagged pet waste left on trails and in parks;
2. Reducing the number of off-leash dogs in on-leash parks (Map of Off-leash dog parks);
3. Reducing pet/pet owner injuries and deaths due to improper safety measures; and
4. Empowering pet owners to be Austin parks’ pet stewards.

Bark Ranger workshops are online and in-person where you learn about environmental concepts including Leave No Trace, Outdoor Safety for Pets, and Park Stewardship for Pet Owners. Bark Ranger graduates earn a Bark Ranger badge, bandana and a certificate with your dog’s name.

Bark Ranger graduates also are eligible to join the Bark Ranger Volunteer Service Unit to pick up litter or educate others about responsible dog ownership. Rack up volunteer hours to earn additional swag for you and your dog in two ways: 1) by picking up litter on your own; or 2) attending an organized Bark Ranger volunteer event. Rewards include reusable litter bags, hats, dog vests and neck buffs.

Keep up to date with Bark Ranger events by following the City of Austin Park Ranger Facebook page.

Temporary Rangers

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Outreach

Park Rangers implement multiple outreach initiatives to unite folks with the outdoors, encourage responsible recreation, and promote stewardship of Austin’s many natural and cultural resources. Austin has nearly 400 parks and around 21,000 acres of parkland. Our 20 field rangers are committed to connecting to all Austinites by providing Leave No Trace and Bark Ranger outreach programs to spread the word on ways we can help keep our parks pristine. You can also join us for workdays in the parks throughout the year by checking our Facebook events.

Park Rangers are dedicated to connecting with future outdoor leaders. By collaborating with Austin Independent School District, we attend career days at schools to help students learn what it means to be a Park Ranger. Interested in becoming a Junior Ranger? Our Junior Ranger Activity Book is designed to connect children, families, and “big” kids to the natural spaces around Austin. For more information on our outreach programs, please check out our “Public Programs” tab.

 

 

 

Ranger Programs

Virtual Hikes!

Join Ranger Jimmy on a Virtual Hike of Great Hills Trail in northwest Austin.

Wild Ones Online

Our exploratory outdoor program for preschoolers is now available online! Each episode has a different nature theme. Make sure to watch all three parts to learn, read, and create. Stay wild!

Bark Rangers

The goal of the Bark Rangers is to promote responsible use and enjoyment of City parks by citizens and their pets. Core environmental concepts are introduced including Leave No Trace Principles, outdoor safety for pets, and park stewardship for pet owners. The Bark Ranger Digital Workshop is now live! Watch the entire 30 minute video and answer the four questions at the end to become a Bark Ranger. For more information visit the Bark Ranger page.