By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
DAVIS – Edward ‘Ted’ Hodson has been named the Park Ranger for Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. He said he was named to the position Aug. 8.
Hodson said he came to Canaan Valley via the National Park Service.
“I was a ranger in Southeast Utah at a small little monument called Natural Bridges National Monument,” he said. “I was looking to move up and of all the interviews, I felt I connected to Ron Hollis the most.”
Hodson said it was a jump from the Park Service to Fish and Wildlife.
“I have transitioned very well and it is absolutely gorgeous out here,” Hodson said. “I am a hiker, a fisherman and a backpacker. I am also a nature photographer. It is nice out here.”
Hodson said the place he came from in Utah is one of the three darkest spots in the continental United States.
“I did a lot of astronomy out there,” he said. “I am hoping to get an astronomy program kicked off here in the spring. This is one of the last dark spots on the East Coast.”
Hodson said he is looking forward to working in this area.
“This area has the largest concentration of public lands east of the Mississippi,” Hodson said. “I am really looking forward to getting out and exploring all of the greater Appalachian Area from Georgia all of the way up. I live in Thomas and I am absolutely in love with that little town. It is gorgeous and the people there are absolutely delightful and friendly.”
Hodson said this is the most East location he has ever lived.
“I am looking forward to exploring the greater area as well,” he said. “I cannot wait to get to D.C. and spend a week or two going through the Smithsonian. I want to visit Pittsburgh and find the hidden spots only the locals know about.”
He said he hopes to hike part of the Appalachian Trail next spring.
Hodson said he wants to encourage anyone wanting to volunteer at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge to contact him through the website, on Facebook or by calling him directly.
“Part of my job is facilitating volunteers and the public here at the Refuge,” he said. “It excites me to see other people get excited about something I am in love with. I know I have only been here two months, but I am in love with Canaan Valley. It is absolutely jaw dropping.”
“On Nov. 10, we are doing an open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge to give people the opportunity to meet not only me, but the crew that works with us,” he said. “People can see what we have done over the past few years and what our plans for the future are.”
Hodson can be reached by email at Edward_hodson@fws.gov or by calling 304-866-3858.
