Outdoor Allies: Miguel Marquez

Photo credit: Don Edwards

Ever wondered how you can do more for public lands but you aren’t sure where to start? Outdoor Alliance’s Outdoor Allies series explores how other outdoor adventurers got their start in advocacy work and their advice for how you can harness your passion for the outdoors into advocacy for the land and water you love. Miguel A. Marquez is the Urban Refuge Ranger for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, where he builds future stewards of our public lands.

Tell us about your relationship with the outdoors – what do you like to do outside?

I enjoy hiking, camping, photography, mountain biking and birding. I am also a beginner angler and like to learn more about fly-fishing.  I did not grow up in a mountain lake town or surrounded by vast open space wilderness. Growing up, my family did not go fly-fishing, camping, or go on cross-country road trips to National Parks.  I grew up in Oakland California, an urban sea with pockets of green space. My earliest relationships with the outdoors was at Redwood park where my parents would take my brothers and I to play catch, celebrate birthdays, and have weekend carne asadas. Redwood park is where we would go to get away from the stress, sirens, and noise of East Oakland. I was able to run free, explore, get lost on trails, and discover sights and sounds I’ve never heard before. I’ll never forget while being lost on the trials looking back and seeing a great horned owl float, land in a tree, and look back at us. Some of my most memorable experiences were growing up spending countless weekends in the park, seeing the seasons change, leaves fall, poison oak turn red, and finding critters in the creek. This sparked my love for the outdoors. Today I enjoy going back to these places with my brothers, nephews and friends. I try to get on my bike to exercise, explore, and get outdoors. As a beginner angler, I’ve been exploring my own backyard and exploring fishing in and around the Bay. The outdoors is a place for me to rest, think, and relax.

You’ve worked for a number of land management agencies, including the National Park Service, and most recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. What got you into this work?

I got into this career partly due to my college field of study and love for the outdoors, but an internship with the National Park Service in Washington DC is what introduced me to the work and opened the door to the start of my career. Having been stuck in a retail manager job for about 6 years after college, I decided to pack my car and strap my mountain bike to the roof and drive across country to Washington DC for an entry level Park Guide position with the National Park Service.  My first NPS unit, National Capital Parks-East in Washington DC, is where I spent 5 years as a Park Guide learning the ropes and mastering my craft in the field of Interpretation. My first Superintendent was such an inspiration and a role model to me as he was of Puerto Rican decent. I moved into a Supervisory role at Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, and then found my way back to the San Francisco Bay as an Interpretive Specialist for the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. I’ve learned that if you plan and set goals, work hard to accomplish the Mission, and keep a good working network with colleagues, you will reach your goals. 

As a Ranger with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, what are some of the main Projects you’re working on?

As the Urban Refuge Ranger with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, I am excited to reach and connect with new audiences surrounding the Refuge. I’m tasked with developing and delivering Interpretive programs and providing recreational opportunities to families within the surrounding communities of the Refuge. A project I am currently working on is planning and building a “Roving Refuge” - La Troca, where we would bring the Wildlife Refuge to the community!

“I also wish people understood and learned that Indigenous people cared for and connected with nature and the outdoors long before the arrival of Europeans. Spending time in nature helps you love and fight for nature. ”

 What do you wish more people knew about advocacy and the outdoors?

I’d like for people to explore and connect with nature and find a slice of peace close to home. I wish more people would understand the importance of protecting green space for physical and mental health. I also wish people understood and learned that Indigenous people cared for and connected with nature and the outdoors long before the arrival of Europeans. Spending time in nature helps you love and fight for nature.

What do you hope the future of public lands and the outdoors looks like?

I hope to see a workforce and leaders that look and represent the communities of our Nation.

Lightning round:

An advocacy hero of yours

Jose Gonzalez and Teresa Baker

On your reading list

I’ve recently been referencing my college text book, “National Audubon Society Field Guide to California” but something I’m in the middle of reading is “Total Money Makeover” and “The Art of Happiness” because Health is Wealth.

Current favorite piece of gear

I’d say my newest is an Otterbox cooler that I won at a We Got Us Campout, But, my Favorite piece of gear is my Stanley Thermos! It’s easy to carry and take with me and it also showcases many of my friends’ stickers and things I support. It represents me and my outdoor community.