Interpreting the Wonders of Glacier National Park – Flathead Beacon

Diane Sine discovered the wonder of Glacier National Park as a child in the 1970s on summer camping trips with her family. During college, she spent her summers working as a singing waitress and playing cello at the Many Glacier Hotel in the era when staff were hired based on music and drama background. She received an internship as a ranger naturalist the summer after graduating from college and returned to the park every summer during her career as a teacher. Now retired, Sine still finds herself in the wilds of Glacier Park as a longtime seasonal ranger.

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GJ: If you had just one day in Glacier Park, what would you do, whether it’s sightseeing, hiking, riding the Red Buses or participating in a ranger-led program?

Sine: Everyone is different, so there really isn’t one universal experience everyone should have. Just turn off your cell phone — it won’t work most places in the park anyway— breathe deeply of the mountain air, and marvel at the majesty of this place and the fact that our government has valued its citizens enough to protect places like Glacier to be enjoyed by everyone. Of course, if you have a chance to participate in a ranger-led activity, we promise to add even more to your experience.

GJ: Glacier Park has many amazing qualities. What are a few of your favorites? Any that can go unheralded?

Sine: Alpenglow on the mountains in the early morning. Knowing that I’m sharing habitat with wildlife like grizzly bears, wolverines, and lynx even if I don’t see them. The opportunity to get away from roads and buildings and be refreshed by nature. This doesn’t require a long hike; it can be experienced in just a short walk. People know they’ll find natural beauty in Glacier, but a sometimes unheralded part of the park is the historic hotels. The NPS is charged with protecting these historic structures because they give us an opportunity to connect with early visitor experiences and traditions.

Full Flathead Beacon story by Dillon Tabish.

Featured photo from @innerwildchild86

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