This year marked an exciting milestone for Virginia State Parks as the Ranger Conservation Corps welcomed its first cohort. From assisting with hands-on conservation projects to leading inspiring educational programs, RCC interns made a real impact across the Commonwealth. 

As we look back on this inaugural season, we’re highlighting the heart of the program: the interns themselves, their experiences and the projects that helped shape their summer. 

The RCC experience: Intern highlights 

Alanna Bell | Natural Bridge State Park 

For her final RCC project, Alanna created a new interactive sign for the Buck Hill Trail exhibit in Basecamp at Natural Bridge. The space gets a lot of foot traffic, but many of the taxidermy displays had no interpretation, so she designed an ecosystem-focused sign with a removable food web to help visitors explore how everything in nature is connected.  

When it came to her experience, she said, “I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Ranger Conservation Corps. My favorite part is how it takes a more holistic approach to working as an interpretive ranger within Virginia State Parks. It’s a complex system of different agencies and levels that mimic the interconnectedness of nature, just like what my exhibit is communicating! I’m heading into my final year at Virginia Tech majoring in environmental conservation and society, and I’d love to return to the program in 2027.” 

Shay Cire | Hayfields State Park 

Shay’s internship was shaped by a commitment to learning, resilience and a deep appreciation for the impact of park work. She found the most valuable advice was to seek opportunities beyond her specialty, which helped her better understand how different roles support a park’s needs. Some days were tough, but each challenge became a learning experience that strengthened her adaptability. 

She consistently felt her work mattered, especially when visitors shared excitement about something they learned in her programs. Organizing Hayfields State Park’s first Junior Ranger Day Camp reinforced that even modest turnout can create meaningful educational moments.  

Her time with RCC ultimately confirmed her career path in education and interpretation, and now she’s heading to Machicomoco State Park to serve as the new chief ranger of visitor experience. Throughout her two years, mentors like Western Virginia Experience Specialist Erin Pitts played a key role, providing guidance, encouragement and professional insight that helped shape her growth. 

Kendall Redies | Twin Lakes State Park 

Kendall spent his summer exploring every department at Twin Lakes and sharpening his environmental education skills. A standout experience was caring for the park’s animal ambassadors, especially Myrtle the red-eared slider, with whom he formed a fun morning-feeding bond.  

Working with these animals strengthened his interpretation skills and helped him provide support to visitors who were nervous around wildlife. He was grateful to the Twin Lakes staff and returned to NC State with new confidence and hands-on experience.  

Chloe Rorrer | Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park 

Chloe spent her summer learning the ropes of education and interpretation at the Southwest Virginia Museum, diving deep into Appalachian culture and Southwest Virginia history.  

She valued working with passionate rangers who created meaningful hands-on learning opportunities and especially loved the chance to experience Natural Tunnel State Park, joining paddling programs and shadowing other rangers to broaden her skills.  

She also connected with local Master Naturalists and hopes to become one herself. Chloe will continue working at Claytor Lake State Park while attending Radford University and plans to return to RCC next summer. 

Olivia Viskupic | Natural Tunnel State Park 

Olivia jumped into education and interpretation programs at Natural Tunnel, helping lead hikes, cave tours, kayaking trips and night sky activities. She loved how each interpreter brought their own interests to programs and especially enjoyed experiencing a coal train inside the tunnel during her very first Stock Creek Passage program and again during her final one.  

She also connected with local students through outreach programs featuring Popcorn, the ambassador corn snake. Olivia now heads to an internship with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, followed by an educational assistant role at Shenandoah National Park through its Scientists in the Park program. 

RCC by the numbers 

Ranger Conservation Corps Intern Israel Estrada

RCC welcomed a talented and diverse group of interns from colleges and hometowns across multiple states, each bringing their own passions, backgrounds and perspectives to Virginia State Parks. Here’s a recap of this year’s cohort: 

• 19 interns 
• From Bridgewater College, Hollins University, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, James Madison University, Mountain Gateway Community College, Norfolk State University, North Carolina State University, Old Dominion University, Piedmont Virginia Community College, Sweet Briar College, University of Maryland, University of Rhode Island, Virginia Tech and Western Carolina University 
• Served at 13 Virginia State Parks 

Even in its first year, RCC has proven to be a powerful launching pad for the next generation of conservation professionals, giving interns meaningful opportunities to grow while making tangible improvements to Virginia State Parks. 

Looking ahead 

Ranger Conservation Corps Intern Megan McHenry

If year one is any indication, RCC is on track to become one of Virginia State Parks’ most important career pathway programs.  

With interns already moving on to roles within the Virginia State Parks system, other state agencies and beyond, the future of conservation looks bright. 

And with new projects and opportunities already in the works for next season, we’re excited to welcome the next cohort of RCC interns and continue building a stronger future. 

To learn more about RCC and 2027 opportunities, please go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ranger-conservation-corps.