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Entry 134: Finding Connection to Our Lands with Author John Gifford

Every conference has its standout moments. The conversations that linger. The connections that feel both familiar and energizing. The reminders of why we do the work we do. During my time in Tulsa with ORPS, I experienced one of those moments, and it became an unexpected highlight of the entire trip.


I had the chance to reconnect with a colleague whose perspective I deeply value. In the rush of conference schedules, with sessions, panels, hallway chats, and an endless list of names and faces, it can be easy to move quickly from one obligation to the next. But this conversation slowed everything down in the best way. It grounded me. It reminded me that our field advances not only because of research, policy, and practice, but because of relationships.

There is something powerful about talking with someone who understands the complexity of our work. Outdoor recreation, community wellbeing, workforce development, and resource management all intersect in ways that are both challenging and inspiring. Even in a brief exchange, that conversation brought me back to the roots of why I entered this profession in the first place. I have always believed that parks, outdoor spaces, and the people who steward them matter profoundly, and this moment reinforced that belief.


I left feeling encouraged and renewed. I shared a short reflection on both LinkedIn and Facebook, and when the conference video is available, I will post more there as well. But I wanted to offer a longer reflection here because these moments deserve more than a quick caption. They shape the way we teach, lead, and show up in our communities.

One of the topics that came up was a sport fishing book that my colleague recently completed, a project that blends recreation, education, and a deep appreciation for natural resources. I am excited to get a copy if there is an extra available. Books like that are not just reference materials. They are tools for storytelling, teaching, and helping people connect with the landscapes around them. Whether I use it in class discussions or keep it as part of my growing collection, it will be a meaningful addition.

Conferences are always full and sometimes overwhelming. They can also be transformative in ways we do not anticipate. Tulsa was exactly that. I walked away with new ideas, new commitments, and renewed enthusiasm for the partnerships that make our field stronger. Most importantly, I walked away reminded that even brief conversations can make a long week feel lighter, more hopeful, and more connected.

This gathering reinforced something I needed to hear. Our work moves forward because of the people who care deeply about it and because of the moments when we pause long enough to recognize that impact in one another.

For more about his work, please visit John Gifford’s website: https://www.johngifford.net/




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