Nick hails from Williamsport, PA where as a child he loved being outside. His family would go to Hills Creek State Park, in Pennsylvania which might be what laid the foundation for his future career in parks.

After college, Nick was offered a position with Vermont State Parks, where he met his now wife, Leila (who also worked for the parks). They have a one-and-a half-year old daughter, Chloe, who has already been camping in Elmore State Park! When he's not spending time with his family or in his backyard gardening (and eating his delicious crops while he works), you can find him in the state parks.

Nick started out working as an Assistant Ranger in Maidstone State Park and admits, because it was his first experience in a Vermont State Park, it remains a favorite. But, if he had to choose his absolute favorite park, it would have to be Brighton State Park. His reason being, "There's so much to do in and around Brighton. Between the great canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and cool history, you're never bored and I love how remote it is. The sounds of the loons on Island Pond make you feel like you're the only person in the Northeast Kingdom."

Nick shared more of his experiences below:
 

Nick and his little one, Chloe, enjoying a day in the parks

What's your favorite thing about your job?
I love many things about my job, but most, I would say is watching people having fun in the parks. I really enjoy the fact that I get to help provide families and friends with the opportunities to make great memories.

With over thirteen years in the parks, what memories of yours stand out as unforgettable?
An unbelieveable one was when I was living in Mt. Ascutney over the winter. I was away from the park for the day, but left the gate (going up the summit road) open for maintenance staff on snowmobiles. The road is closed, as many steep Vermont mountain roads are in the winter, so I wouldn't have even expected anyone to attempt driving up in a car, but I was wrong. I came back to a couple who had made it a whole mile up the road before getting utterly stuck. They were lucky to have not been hurt! We called a truck to get them out, which wasn't inexpensive for them.

Another really nice memory was when I switched parks as a ranger over the years (going from Maidstone to Woodford to Ascutney to Bomoseen), I had families follow me! I've made some great connections which is another thing that I love about my job.
 

A partridge

It's hunting season. Do you hunt and if so any secrets?
I do duck and partridge hunting usually in the Northeast Kingdom. Maidstone State Park has some great land for bird hunting, which is where I like to go. As for secrets, I eat everything that I get while hunting, so I have a secret recipe that makes any bird taste delicious. It involves using apple and bacon as stuffing, but I can't tell you the rest, because it's a secret.

Finally, you've traveled a lot, have you found any state parks to rival Vermont's and if you could improve one thing about VT State Parks what would it be?
I would add more playgrounds, but actually, that is something that is in the works! As far as how I like other states' parks, they don't compare in my opinion. Vermont's are the best!

Thanks Nick!