Nestled in the western hills of Westminster, Standley Lake Regional Park spans over 3,000 acres of open space, water, and winding trails.
The lake itself is surrounded by fields of native grasses, diverse wildlife, and an occasional splash of fish breaking the lake’s crystal surface. In the early hours of the morning, alongside the melodic
chirping of birds, the sound of keys jangling fills the air.
Park Ranger Eric De Land starts his day by unlocking one of several gates so he can drive the Westminster-branded white pickup truck into the park’s winding network of trails.
“Patrols are always a good excuse to truly enjoy this place,” De Land said while looking out over the water at the foothills in the background. “It’s a perk of the job, right? Is the schedule sometimes
weird? Yeah. Is the job physically demanding? Yeah. But, I mean, look at your office.”
Park rangers are deeply involved in the conservation of the park’s natural resources, while ensuring that visitors can safely enjoy the park.
“We’re protecting the park from the people and people from the park,” De Land said. “Standley Lake has an aquatic nuisance species concern, meaning invasive plants and animals could infect the drinking water drastically, impacting the ecosystem.”
To prevent significant damage to water quality and local aquatic ecosystems, park rangers have to take a strict approach to protect Westminster’s drinking water supply.
“Here, nothing can touch the water without being sprayed off first.” De Land said. “Even waders and paddles all have to get sprayed off. It’s done with just very hot water, enough to kill any microorganisms that might exist.”
Beyond conservation, park rangers at Standley Lake also play a vital role in educating the public. Anne Gardetto, the park’s naturalist, spends her day working face-to-face with residents, educating them on the park’s natural resources through fun educational programs.
She leads booths and creates engaging experiences to facilitate a deeper understanding of the park’s natural resources and encourage responsible behavior among visitors. The displays feature a variety of animal hides, owl pellet dissections, and insightful pamphlets for curious patrons.
“We want to do more educational programs as a way to introduce our rangers to visitors,” Gardetto said. “Once you’re connected to nature, you’re more likely to respect it.”
It’s essential that visitors follow certain rules and regulations to maintain safety and preserve the park’s natural resources and beauty. Park rangers are responsible for monitoring activities, ensuring compliance with local laws, and maintaining order in the park. They also act as first responders to help guests in emergencies.
De Land said the park rangers at Standley Lake try their best to engage with park users in a positive way, with an emphasis on education rather than just issuing fines and penalties.
“We want to educate [our visitors] so that they leave knowing why the rules exist”
Eric De Land
It’s the end of the workday, and the sun is setting. The birds are cawing and returning to roost.
De Land is making his rounds and closing some access gates in the park’s day use areas.
Looking back over the landscape, he says each day presents its challenges, but the work of a park ranger at Standley Lake is rewarding.
“Just seeing people get happy about the work that we’ve done on their behalf is definitely rewarding and something you might not think about.”
Whether you’re looking to paddleboard, fish, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings, Standley Lake Regional Park is the perfect destination. For more information on park amenities, educational programs, watercraft rentals, and more, visit the Standley Lake page here.