For the second in our Big Bend National Park series, Danielle chats with Courtney Lyons-Garcia, executive director of Big Bend Conservancy, a major advocate for the park. From scenic drives to family-friendly hikes, and fossil experiences Courtney shares practical tips and activities suited to every kind of traveller Discussion includes the following: [00:02] Introduction: HelloRanger [02:22] Guardians of Big Bend National Park: Courtney Lyons Garcia and Big Bend Conservancy (https://bigbendfriends.org/) [03:15] Getting acquainted with Big Bend: An overview of the park and its conservancy [05:35] Getting to the park: Interstate travel, suggestions for East and West Coast visitors [09:03] Stocking up: Advice on retail options and supporting special dietary needs [10:53] Best times of year to visit Big Bend [13:21] Seasonal explorations [16:28] An itinerary overview [17:51] Perfect pairs: Suggestions for combining Big Bend with other areas of interest Big Bend State Park, Balmorhea State Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, White Sands National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Del Rio, Fort Davis [19:34} Do, see & learn - River District: Rio Grande Village Visitors Center, Nature Walk, Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry, Boquillas Village, Mexico, Ernst Tinaja Primitive Roadside Campsite, Hot Springs Historic Trail (https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/river_hikes.htm) [23:05] Do, see & learn - Dinosaurs & Desert District: Fossil Discovery Exhibit, Grapevine Hills Trail (https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/desert_hikes.htm) [26:27] Do. See. Learn - Mountain District: Window Trail, South Rim Trail, Emory Peak Trail/The Pinnacles,