Natchez Trace Parkway Recognizes Long-Time Seasonal Employees

RIDGELAND, MS: The Natchez Trace Parkway recognized the contributions of long-time seasonal employees to the operation of the Parkway. Seasonal employees join the National Park Service’s workforce during the busiest time of the year to augment the efforts of permanent employees. Depending upon the Parkway’s budget, they can work up to 1,039 hours each year.

“Our seasonal employees are often said to be the backbone of the National Park Service workforce,” stated Superintendent Mary Risser. “They come on board during the busiest time of the year and heavily contribute to getting essential tasks done. Here, on the Parkway, most seasonal employees work for maintenance and are responsible for mowing, weed-eating, and keeping the Parkway in the amazing condition that our visitors get to enjoy on a daily basis.”

Throughout the National Park Service, seasonal employees also present campfire talks, lead hikes, conduct backcountry and river patrols, fight wildland fire, provide for search and rescue operations, monitor threatened and endangered species, etc. Most work during the summer months. A few seasonal employees are able to pick up work in parks whose primary busy season is in the winter.

“The Natchez Trace Parkway is very fortunate to have a cadre of seasonal employees who have been returning for many years,” continued Risser. “Some, such as Charlie Robinson who works out of the Port Gibson office, have worked on the Parkway for nine seasons – some in the North District have worked on the Parkway even longer. It’s a privilege to present our seasonals with plaques to recognize their service.”

Following is a list of employees who have received awards:

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About the National Park Service.  More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 398 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.