CUMBERLAND GAP, Tenn. — Sunlight breaks through the morning fog revealing traces of the misty forest. In the distance birds are singing, as a squirrel bounds from the ground and, in an instant, scrambles up the nearest tree. The scene is set. Through the trees a shadowy figure bounds toward the camera, “Wow! Welcome to another wild outdoor adventure!”

So begins another riveting episode of Wild Outdoor Adventures with Ranger Carol Borneman, a weekly show featured on Channel 22 in Middlesboro, Kentucky. Her smile is captivating, her knowledge is spellbinding, her enthusiasm is contagious… and now she is being recognized for her extraordinary efforts to bring the stories of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park to life.

Supervisory Interpretive Ranger Carol Borneman is the recipient of this year’s Freeman Tilden Award for the southeast region of the National Park Service. One of seven regional winners, she traveled to Hartford, Connecticut recently to compete for the national award.

The Freeman Tilden Award is named after Freeman Tilden who was a pioneer in the field of interpretation and education at national parks. He began writing about the national parks in the 1940’s and is often referred to as the “Father of Interpretation” by educators, storytellers, and interpreters throughout the nation. He wrote a number of books and articles focused on teaching visitors about the national parks and is recognized for developing principles that are widely used today. His approach was to do more than provide facts to visitors but to connect with visitors in order to establish meaning. It is in this spirit that the award is given annually to National Park Service staff for excellence in the field of interpretation. It is the most prestigious award given in the field of interpretation and education in the National Park Service. This is the second time in her career that Carol has received this award.

Carol was nominated for the Freeman Tilden Award for the work that she has done with Wild Outdoor Adventures with Ranger Carol Borneman. Carol has worked collaboratively with park staff, members of the community, and staff from other agencies to put together a program which showcases Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and the challenges faced by park staff in order to manage it for the public.

“Carol has done an incredible job of showcasing the park and its diverse resources,” said Superintendent Mark Woods, “she truly has a passion for the work that she does and it definitely comes through on the show.”

“Wild Outdoor Adventures with Carol” began as a collaboration between Carol, Executive Producer Frank Smith and Editor and Show Creator Amy Parker.

“The idea was to give folks a behind the scenes look at what it takes to manage the park and to highlight some of the aspects of the park that might not be known,” says Parker, “Carol is the host but also comes up with the story for each episode. Each episode is truly an adventure into a different part of the park!”

“The show has literally reached people in the community at all levels, young and old alike. You cannot watch the show without being captivated by Carol’s knowledge, dedication and sheer enthusiasm. In the words of Freeman Tilden, ‘What is said without enthusiasm will be heard without interest.’ Carol’s enthusiasm has generated a whole lot of positive interest in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. It is her enthusiasm along with her genuine dedication to educating the public about our national parks that make Carol a shining example and truly deserving of the Freeman Tilden Award,” said Woods.