Equestrian Ranger at Garden of the Gods
from the Colorado Springs Park Parks & Recreation Summer, 1998 Guide...
When Park's employee Stephanie Stover saddles up her horse and rides into the Park each summer day, she never knows what surprises await her. "Every day is different," Stover says. "I have seen all sorts of wildlife in the Park: bear, coyotes, fox, bighorn sheep, deer, turkeys, falcons, eagles ... it's incredible how diverse the plant and animal population is."
Stover once had an encounter with a Park inhabitant that
was too close for comfort. While reaching down to retrieve a map, she was bit by a Prairie Rattlesnake. The resulting
hospital stay and surgery remind her of the potential dangers in the park.
"I see many who do not recognize the possible dangers in a natural area." Whether it's people going out
in one of the frequent afternoon lightning displays, illegal scramblers who put their life at risk by climbing
without proper equipment or novice hikers who go out without water and protection from the sun, she has seen them
all.
Stover is a Colorado Springs native who grew up near Garden of the Gods Park. She volunteered at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site at an early age and worked as a historical Interpreter in her teen years. During her college years at Colorado State University, Stephanie came back and worked summer park jobs. After graduating, she continues in her role as park protector. 'I just can't stay away."
Stover has seen the Park change dramatically over the years. She welcomes directional signs on the trails and restoration of the landscape to its natural state. "The new Visitor Center has been very important and helpful for educating visitors about the fragile nature of the parks' ecosystem."
Stephanie Stover... she cares about the park and about the people who visit it.
Horsey Hand (riding lessons
& training)
at the Academy Riding Stables
from an issue of AAA's "Interchange."
Copied here without their permission, which seems fair,
as they published Steph's photo without her permission. (!)
| Stephanie Stover, front, guides "Legs" up a step as Karla Moore follows on "Chief" on a trail on the south side of Garden of the Gods on Wednesday. The pair were out to exercise the horses and see the changing colors. Fall days with higher than normal temperatures will continue throughout the week. |  |
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