Last updated: October 10, 2024
Article
My Park Story: Doug Kent
NPS Photo
Doug Kent, also known as "Volunteer Ranger Doug", was born and raised in the local community of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. "The bluff has always been a significant landmark where I live. Everyone that I’ve talked to throughout my life has heard of Scotts Bluff. When I wake up and look out my window I see the monument."
Volunteer Ranger Doug first started volunteering at Scotts Bluff National Monument in 2013. "There was an article in the Scottsbluff Star Herald (the local newspaper) asking for volunteers to clean up Old Oregon Trail Highway in front of the monument. I had been retired for a year and a half at that point. I went to my wife Louise, and asked if she thought I should volunteer. She thought it would be a wonderful idea since I always walked the monument. I work all day Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the busy months. I rove the summit, help with the entrance booth and greet visitors in the visitor center."
NPS/Eric Grunwald
I finished our conversation by asking Doug what advice he had for anyone else who was considering giving back to our national parks. Doug's response was "Volunteer just to see how rewarding it actually is."