Meet Meg Rockwell, a dedicated park ranger at Joshua Tree National Park, a stunning landscape known for its unique Joshua trees, diverse ecosystems, and captivating rock formations. With a passion for the outdoors and a commitment to sharing the wonders of this iconic park, Meg brings her experiences and insights to life.
In this installment of Inside the Parks, we’ll explore Meg’s perspective on park life, her favorite moments, and what she believes every visitor should know before exploring the desert. Join us as we uncover the stories and secrets of Joshua Tree through Meg's eyes.
Q: Could you share your background and what inspired you to become a park ranger?
A: I have a bachelors in sociology and an associate in communications. I wanted a career where I could be active and around nature while having the opportunity to talk to people about the environment, how it impacts us and how we impact the environment. I would volunteer at Joshua Tree during my trips out west to spend time in the busy visitor centre answering questions or roving on trails sharing stories.
Q: What is your must-have item for visitors to bring when exploring your park?
A: Water! If you come to the park in your flip flops you are not going to be walking much anyway, but no matter what, you need water. Visitors can walk, climb rocks, or even just drive through the park and the one thing we tell everyone to have with them is water. The desert dehydrates a person and faster than one realises.
Q: What do you appreciate most about your national park?
A: How quiet it is. Even on the busiest of days, once you are in the park one can find a quiet place to reconnect with nature.
Q: Outside of your own park, what is your favourite NPS site, and what makes it special to you?
A: I do not have another favourite outside the desert of Joshua Tree, but if I am not in the desert, I would rather be amongst the forests of tall pines and giant redwoods, surrounded by the sound of water off in the distance and faint hums of insects, birds, and other creatures.
Q: Can you describe a particularly memorable experience you've had as a park ranger?
A: One very busy day in the visitor centre I had a visitor come in distressed that she had cactus spines in her mouth. It was hard to understand at first, but soon realised what she was saying as she was holding her lip out. I quickly realised she needed more help than I could offer looking for nearly invisible spines and made sure she was able to get to the local hospital. I share this so that other visitors think twice before partaking of eating cactus. First, please do not take or eat anything that is found in the park, especially cactus fruits. Second, there is a way to prepare cactus for consumption and I am not an expert, so proceed with extreme caution.
Q: When do you believe is the best time to visit your park, and what should visitors expect during that season?
A: Anytime between October and April. This also happens to be our busiest time for visitors. Those that choose to come during this time can expect cooler temps, maybe a rain shower, and full parking lots. Visitors tend to spend more time on the trails and adventuring in the park. Have patience and a sense of adventure to seek out the less travelled to get close with Joshua Trees, other desert plants, and our awesome rock formations.
Q: What has been the most remarkable wildlife encounter you've experienced while working with the National Park Service?
A: I was leading one of our ranger strolls in the morning, it was just warming up, and as we started off on the trail, a coyote was lopping up in the near distance. It was tracking something, we watched as it was homing in on what it was looking for, everyone was quiet and taking in this moment. The coyote ran up to a Joshua Tree, stretching up, paws as high as they would reach, nose sniffing the air. It must have lost the scent of what it was looking for but was keenly aware of the audience watching its every move. It quickly lopped off in the direction it came. It was enough to stop the visitors in their movements to take in a moment of a wildlife encounter.
Q: Are there any lesser-known spots or trails in your park that you would recommend to visitors?
A: If visitors are up for walking amongst the Joshua Trees with mountains in the distance but still close enough to feel imposing, then I would recommend the Minerva Hoyt trail. Named for the founder of the park, this trail is 3 miles out and back, but the views are different each way.
Q: What advice would you give to someone visiting your park for the first time?
A: For our first-time visitor, know the desert is a different environment then you may be used to, our resources are limited. You will want to have layers of clothing, the sun can be hot, but the shade can be cool. The winter we get snow and freezing temps, and, in the summer, it gets hot and you won’t be doing much during the middle of the day. Bring water, lots of it! Bring comfortable walking shoes for loose dirt, rocks, and sand. Wear sunscreen, sun exposure is high in the Mojave Desert. Come with an adventure spirit and embrace the quirky.
Q: Are there any local events or programs in the park that visitors should look out for?
A: We have various ranger programs during October through April. Visitors should check our calendar and social media for upcoming events.
Q: What are some of your favourite activities to do in the park during different seasons?
A: During the summer you won’t find many people during the day but at night we are in a dark sky park. The temperatures are still warm, but the nights feel great under the stars. Come fall it’s time to start hiking again and enjoying a cool night’s sunset. It’s also the time to watch out for tortoises and tarantulas. In winter we hope for snow! Come spring it’s similar to fall with the addition of spring flowers and blooms.
Q: What keeps you passionate about your work as a park ranger?
A: Everyday conversations with visitors. Even if it is one conversation out of hundreds there is a connection to be made through education, storytelling, and sharing experiences.
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