Former Rocky Mountain National Park Superintendent Darla Sidles has won an esteemed award.
The Stephen T. Mather Award – named after the first director of the National Park Service (NPS) – is given to those in the NPS who have shown steadfast leadership and persistent dedication to our national parks.
“Throughout her remarkable career, Sidles served as a leader in several national parks, including Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Arches National Park, Big Bend National Park, Zion National Park, Saguaro National Park, Independence National Historical Park, and Denali National Park,” outlined the National Parks Conservation Association in a news release. “She also served several months in Washington, DC as associate to the NPS director.”
In 2016, she became the first woman to serve as superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park.
During her time in the role, she established the Next Generation Ranger Program in partnership with the Friends of Saguaro to employ local young people, with an emphasis on recruiting a regionally diverse group, she helped launch the nation’s first-ever pilot timed-entry permit system and in 2020, navigated the park’s most devastating wildfires in known history.
“I am so honored and humbled to receive this award from NPCA,” said Sidles. “Celebrating the strength, expertise, and teamwork of my NPS colleagues while proactively addressing the challenges and ways to improve our park systems were major focuses throughout my career.”
President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association, Theresa Pierno said the programs that thrived under Darla’s guidance took courage, and are a testament to how the Park Service can radiate relevance and inspiration for the next generation.
“The parks she has overseen have started the important process of becoming more inclusive and welcoming spaces,” Pierno added. “They have provided invaluable professional opportunities for local youth, all while effectively managing the increasing demands on park resources.”
“We can turn to Darla’s achievements for guidance and creativity when we envision the future of park management. It is an honor to recognize Darla’s exemplary park leadership with the Stephen T. Mather Award.”
Sidles retired from the National Park Service in 2023.
