The Warden Life
Original mountain songs and stories by a trio of Banff National Park “singing wardens”
An authentic trio of singing wardens will enchant visitors to Banff National Park this summer with original songs, stories and poetry about the history, traditions and romance of the park’s historic warden service.
“We regale the listener with tales of adventure – and misadventure – based on our experiences in wilderness settings,” says Bradley Bischoff, who has spent a good part of his 30-year career patrolling the backcountry of Banff National Park on horseback.
Bischoff, along with retired Banff park warden Scott Ward and Parks Canada media specialist Ray Schmidt, collaborate in a series of 10 performances this summer at Banff’s Tunnel Mountain Campground, giving visitors an authentic and unique experience.
Their concert, “It’s a Warden’s Life in Music and Poetry,” will also be presented at Waterton Lakes National Park on July 16, at Calgary’s Lougheed House July 23, and at Fort Calgary on August 1.
“I have spent a significant portion of my career riding the backcountry trails of these wild places. It’s what I love and what I write about,” says Bischoff, who is currently on loan from the Warden Service to the External Relations Department for Parks Canada in Banff.
Ward, who served 35 years with Parks Canada, is a recipient of the Governor General’s Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal for his work in public safety, avalanche rescue and his 17 years as the warden service’s primary dog handler.
Ray Schmidt has been the park’s fire information officer and video and social media content specialist.
The trio’s performances coincide with the 100th anniversary this summer of Parks Canada. The world’s first national parks service, it was established May 19, 1911. Centennial activities are planned throughout the national parks all year.
A preview of “It’s a Warden’s Life” can be viewed at www.youtube.com/user/WardenLife