364 ‘Ranger of the Lost Art:’ Chasing Down Art from the U.S. National Parks (Ranger Doug Leen, National park poster expert)

Every now and then you run across something that captures your imagination while giving you a connection to an outdoor experience you loved. That’s exactly how I felt the first time I came across one of the National Park posters designed by amateur parks historian Ranger Doug Leen and his team of artists and creators. The colors, design and connection to the past reminded me of all of the work and drama that went into protecting the lands I had come to love -- and why doing so is important.

Many other collectors and park enthusiasts feel just as I do about the prints -- and the mystery and chase around creating them. In this episode Ranger Doug, so-called ‘Ranger of the Lost Art,’ tells the story of chasing down the historic park prints, creating new ones in their style and why these connect visitors to the national parks they love.

Listen now.

Connect with this episode:

All about Ranger Doug’s art

Buy the Ranger of the Lost Art table top book

Follow Ranger Doug on Facebook

Join the Humans Outside Challenge

Follow Humans Outside on Instagram

Follow Humans Outside on Facebook

Some of the good stuff:

[2:10] Talking to Doug Leen from here

[3:44] Ranger Doug’s outdoor story

[5:53] A career that took him all sorts of place

[7:48] How he became ‘Ranger of the Lost Art’

[16:21] What these posters look like

[20:27] Why people like the posters

[22:29] How the posters connect us with the parks

[27:22] How people can support this work

[30:17] Doug’s favorite outdoor space