A career in mapping parks, initially unintended, evolved from a summer internship with the National Park Service (NPS) where the author's exposure to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) while working on trail maintenance and wildfire mitigation sparked a lifelong interest. This unexpected opportunity led to a deep appreciation for the passionate community within the NPS and its mission to tell stories of America's history through its diverse units, not just the well-known National Parks. The author's work at Petersburg National Battlefield illustrated the potential of GIS in storytelling, as they mapped historic earthworks and digitized battle maps, which inspired a career focused on creating engaging, inclusive visitor experiences that encourage outdoor activity. This commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in outdoor experiences remains a guiding principle in their work, aiming to open up these opportunities to individuals who might otherwise lack the means or experience to explore natural areas.