Our Blog

Journey to the Riverway: From the Gulf Coast to the St. Croix

05/21/202605/21/2026

Topic: Staff, Volunteer

Hello everyone! If we haven’t met yet, I’m Ryan Engelgau, the Community Volunteer
Ambassador (CVA) for the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. I have the privilege of
helping manage our incredible co-managed Riverway Volunteer program.

How I Got Here

If we’ve chatted before, you might have caught a “y’all” or a bit of southern twang in my voice. It’s a dead giveaway that I’m not originally from Wisconsin. However, after some time up here, I’ve successfully added some “bud” and “ope” to my vernacular.

When people see my Florida plate or ID, the first question is always: “What brings a Floridian all the way up here?” (Usually followed by, “Especially in the winter, why leave the beaches and sunshine!”)

It all started with a passion for public lands. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a Ranger. Originally, I pictured myself in law enforcement, wildland firefighting, or natural resource management—but somehow, I fell in love with interpretation and education.

During college, I worked a series of labor-intensive jobs to pay for school. Balancing full-time classes with that kind of physical work was a grind. My brother, Daniel (who is also with the National Park Service now), suggested I apply to the Pensacola Historic Trust where he was working. He told me it was a simple desk job—selling tickets and studying between customers.

I applied, but at the end of the interview, they asked if I wanted to do more than just sit at a desk. They wanted to know if I’d help with the living history village, education programs, and tours. Even though I was an Environmental Science major who hated history at the time, I said yes. To this day, I’m not sure why I did, but I’m glad I did. Something clicked in a way that textbooks never could. I realized I was good at it, and I knew right then that Interpretation was my future.

The Seasonal Life

Once I graduated, I started my seasonal career with the National Park Service at Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Daniel had also started an internship there to begin the process of landing a permanent job. My first season was a little different than most; at the time, they hired me through the CARES act (we all just called it a Covid hire) which meant the park could have me on for up to two years. However, because of the CARES Act hiring my time there wouldn’t be counted towards getting “time in grade” for a permanent job, which would eventually lead to my decision to become a CVA. I was at Gulf Islands for a year, enjoying every moment, but I knew I needed to start working toward a permanent position.

Daniel finished his internship and earned his Public Land Corps (PLC) certification, which provides a special hiring authority. He landed his first permanent job and spent the whole time telling me to go the same route he did. Well, I was hardheaded and not ready to follow in his footsteps just yet—we were both very competitive!

Instead, I packed my bags, said goodbye to Gulf Islands, and went to Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina. Realizing I was getting older and didn’t want to do the seasonal shuffle for too long, I finally listened to my brother and applied to be a CVA at St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
I actually got the offer for the position while I was at the top of the Bodie Island Lighthouse and accepted right then and there. I ended my season early and headed north toward the promise of getting my PLC and eventually a permanent career doing education and interpretation.

Floridan Up North

I started in September 2024, and it was already 40 degrees that day. I was not prepared for that level of cold so early on! Having never visited the Midwest, I really only expected cow farms and cheese.

While the Midwest has plenty of both, it is also incredibly beautiful. I have now visited every National Park site in the Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Dakotas. I’ve come to really enjoy the nature here, even when it’s bitter cold and I’m wishing for Florida weather.

As I enter my final three months here after almost two years, I’m grateful for the opportunity, the work I’ve done, the memories, and the people I’ve met. Even though I’m still searching for that coveted permanent position, I don’t have a single regret for the course I’ve taken.

Thank you to all the amazing people I’ve worked with, volunteers and staff alike—and everyone I have met along the way. Thank you St. Croix.

All the best,
Ryan Engelgau

St. Croix’s Community Volunteer Ambassador