Nearly 200 ANPR members and guests met from Dec. 10-14, 2008, to talk about both work and play. The historic La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe hosted the event, made even more festive with holiday trimmings throughout the downtown area.

What ensued during the five days was an atmosphere of hope — both for the organization and for national parks.

A highlight was the unexpected appearance of former Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall, a Santa Fean, at an evening reception. Udall, nearly 89, addressed a rapt audience and provided his perspective of the past and present. Later, he sat and greeted individuals one by one, even autographing a few books.

Another highlight was a big-screen preview of “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.” A six-part series, directed by Ken Burns and written and co-produced by Dayton Duncan, will air on PBS in the fall.

An environmental theme of “Being Green Means More than Wearing Green” anchored the agenda.

• Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, D-Ariz., chair of the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands — Read his full speech here.
• NPS Deputy Director Dan Wenk
• Julie Dunfey, Co-Producer, Florentine Films, with a preview of the Ken Burns' six-part PBS series, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea"
• Shawn Norton, Environmental Leadership Coordinator, Climate Friendly Parks Program, WASO www.nps.gov/climatefriendlyparks/explore
• Ron Tipton, Senior Vice President of Programs, National Parks Conservation Association
• Chris Case, facility manager at Pictured Rocks, with a presentation titled "Sustainable is Attainable and Be Green, Be Safe" www.nps.gov/piro/parkmgmt/environmental-leadership.htm
• Dwight Pitcaithley, retired NPS historian, now a professor at New Mexico State University —The Future of the National Park Service: Managing the Three-Legged Stool"

Breakout sessions included:

• “Across These Endless Skies: The Story and Songs of Stan Jones, The Singing Ranger,” presented by Michael Ward of Saguaro and Jones' great-nephew Keeter Stuart
• The Perception of Commissioned National Park Rangers, presented by Dick Martin and Doug Morris
• The National Parks Second Century Commission Wants Your Ideas, presented by Jerry Rogers and Rick Smith
• World Rangers: Our International Activities, presented by Tony Sisto, Deanne Adams, Meg Weesner and Gordon Miller
• “A Brochure with a Voice” presented by Amy Gilbert of Arlington House > > >

Many more details about the Rendezvous are in Ranger magazine, Winter 2008-09.

La Fonda’s historic location, at the end of the Santa Fe Trail, has welcomed travelers for almost 400 years. ANPR secured a substantial discount rate during the holiday season so members could stay at this distinctive property.