GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK and PRESERVE — On a stunning recent fall afternoon, Park Ranger Patrick Myers conducted a nature walk with park visitors along the Mountville Nature Trail. Myers spoke of the human history of Native Americans, Spanish settlers, Buffalo Soldiers, Japanese-Americans, and World War II soldiers who all used the surrounding areas. 

The 12 people on the walk were representative of the diversity of national park visitors who had come from Colorado, Texas, Wisconsin, and Israel. 

Myers also discussed the human uses of many of the plants along the trail including salicylic acid on the bark of aspen trees (asprin) which numbs pain and reduces swelling. 

According to the park service, “Park Rangers have a visible and tangible desire to protect and promote our national parks and our natural and cultural history. Park Rangers excel at fostering curiosity and providing educational opportunities for all park visitors.” 

The park offers many free ranger-led activities (entrance fee required) and the schedule through Oct. 19 can be found on the park website at www. Nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit.