Campus Connection

Alum visits all of Wisconsin’s state parks in one year

UW-La Crosse Alumnus Jonathan Ringdahl visited all of Wisconsin’s 65 state parks, forests and recreation areas in 2012 — a journey recently featured in a Travel Wisconsin video. “I wanted to do something memorable that year — to make it stand out,” says the 2010 psychology graduate. The ambitious goal exhausted his vacation time and bank account, but was well worth it, he says. “To experience the parks and see the diversity across the system is amazing,” explains Ringdahl. “I had no clue about the diversity in rock formations, lakes, rivers, plant life and animal life. It is enthralling to be in these places and come face to face with nature.” Ringdahl accomplished his goal through many extended weekends at parks — visiting from sun up to sun down — sometimes visiting multiple parks in one day. He did something at every park to “make it worthwhile” whether hiking, biking or kayaking. “If I had stopped and taken a picture by the sign and then left — to me that is not visiting the park,” he says. “I needed to get into the park, experience the park and get a feel for its character.” [caption id="attachment_5591" align="alignright" width="300"] Jonathan Ringdahl, ’10, of La Crosse, earned a degree in psychology. After visiting the badger state’s 65 state parks, forests and recreation areas, he’s become an advocate for the park system and the environment.[/caption] Ringdahl learned his love of nature at a young age — exploring the woods on his grandparent’s farm. Perrot State Park, located about 20 miles north of La Crosse in Trempealeau, was the first Wisconsin State Park he visited at age 7. Climbing up Brady’s Bluff and seeing the view of the Mississippi River, bay and bluffs beneath is a hike he’s continued to do into his adulthood. When he took the film crew to the bluff top for the Travel Wisconsin filming, they immediately put down their heavy equipment and pulled out their cell phone cameras to capture the breathtaking view. “You are so high above the landscape that you get a perspective of how majestic it is,” says Ringdahl. Class increased environmental awareness Ringdahl says UWL fostered his appreciation of the outdoors — particularly the class “Introduction to Environmental Studies” with Associate Lecturer Scott Lee. “He raised my awareness about environmental issues and how I can impact the environment in a positive way,” says Ringdahl. “That was a profound experience and one that I retain.” Environmental awareness led to lifestyle changes for Ringdahl such as reducing waste and energy use. It also led to his desire to help educate others about nature conservation — particularly kids. He does this through his day job working with children with autism and also as a certified Wisconsin Master Naturalist — a title he earned studying environmental curriculum for 12 weeks at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve near La Farge. “I wanted this to be more than a personal goal,” he says about his state park excursions. “That’s why I try to weave in understanding for the kids I work with. It’s about something bigger than me.” Completing the state park goal has led to some personal benefits as well, he admits. In addition to being featured on Travel Wisconsin, Ringdahl is now on the board of directors for Wisconsin State Parks. He’s a kayak instructor and a Wisconsin Master Naturalist  — all things that likely wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t embarked on his state park trip goal, he says. “It’s had a positive effect on my life, and what I’ve been able to share with others,” he says. Now Ringdahl has set a new goal — to visit 30 national parks in 2016 as the National Park Service celebrates its centennial year. So far he’s seen five, starting with Badlands National Park — the first national park that he saw as a child. ---- Watch the Travel Wisconsin video Jonathan Ringdahl’s journey was recaptured through a video of him recreating at two state parks in August 2015. The video was released this spring on the Travel Wisconsin website, https://www.facebook.com/travelwisconsin/videos/vb.214660645685/10153572532790686/?type=2&theater.