Don't forget this Friday for 1st Friday program at 7pm

CPL's First Friday goes deep

Ruidoso News Report 4:33 p.m. MT April 4, 2017

(Photo: Courtesy from Thompson's website: parkrangerdoug.com.)

At Capitan Public Library's First Friday program on April 7, Doug Thompson relates some of his many stories of being a park ranger for the past 33 years.

He will discuss his book, “Underground Ranger: Adventures in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Other Remarkable Places,” published by University of New Mexico Press.

In Underground Ranger, Thompson  passes along the essence of what he learned on his job at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, much of the time spent underground.

“My six years at Carlsbad Caverns were so extraordinary and exciting that I knew from the very beginning I’d have to write about my experiences.” Thompson said. “As an interpretive ranger who handled guided tours and other programs, I had to learn the story of the caves, from the chemistry of gypsum to the history of cave exploration and the hunting behavior of bats."

Thompson came to Carlsbad Caverns National Park from being the site manager at Gila Cliff  Dwellings National Monument.  But he enjoyed interpretation and felt instead the calling to be a front-line ranger working directly with visitors.  This change in his park ranger career landed him at Carlsbad Caverns.

He will also share with the audience his related adventures exploring the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert while at Carlsbad Caverns.

“I love deserts, all of New Mexico and Arizona,” Thompson said.

Author Doug Thompson will discuss his book, “Underground Ranger: Adventures in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Other Remarkable Places,” published by University of New Mexico Press. (Photo: Courtesy)

After Carlsbad, Thompson worked as a front-line interpreter at Big Bend National Park.  He retired after 33 years in the park service to Capitan.  He remains an active caver and hiker. Check out his website for more details at parkrangerdoug.com.

Refreshments will be served after the presentation.

For more information call Capitan Public Library at 575-354-3035.  The library is located at 101 E. 2nd Street, Capitan, NM.  Library hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday and is closed Sunday and Monday. Visit online at capitanlibrary.org or capitanlibrary.blogspot.com.