LIFESTYLE AUTHOR
Jackie Bocanegra
PARK RANGER SPOTLIGHT: LEANN ISHCOMER n Meet the park ranger program manager and hear all about the amazing programming Austin Parks and Rec has to offer to the community.
OCTOBER 2021
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eAnn Ishcomer has been part of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department since 2009. As park ranger program manager, Ishcomer has helped the Austin Parks and Recreation Department create programs that encourage the community to spend more time in nature. “Before I was in my 20s, I didn’t know somebody could make money working outdoors,” Ishcomer says. “The first time I went camping, it was like a light bulb moment for me.” Ishcomer says that “light bulb” camping trip was at Green River Reservoir in Vermont, where she was overcome with the beauty of the state park. Seeing the park rangers working in that natural beauty, helping visitors stay safe and learn about the location, Ishcomer says that was when she knew this was the career for her. After that, Ishcomer applied to be an assistant park ranger and got her first job as a park ranger at Boulder Beach State Park. Then, Ishcomer went on to graduate school at the University of North Texas, earning her masters degree in educational leadership. She says she wanted to further her organizational development and curriculum strategies that could apply to her work with the Park Ranger unit. Fast forward to today, and Ishcomer has been a park ranger for over 12 years, utilizing her passion and her skill set to help citizens find access and connection to nature. As the program park
