SPRINGDALE, Utah — At a dinner table filled with laughter, tears, and shared stories, more than a hundred Zion National Park rangers and community members gathered Thursday night — their first reunion since the federal government shutdown began on October 1.
The event, called “Standing with Our Rangers,” was organized by the nonprofit Zion Forever Project to provide both practical and emotional support for the furloughed staff. For many, the evening was a much-needed moment of connection and hope.
“We saw so much emotion on people’s faces,” said Natalie Britt, CEO of Zion Forever. “The gratitude that filled the room was almost a spiritual experience.”
Coming Together in a Time of Need
With nearly two-thirds of National Park Service employees nationwide furloughed, Zion’s rangers have been living through weeks without paychecks. As the shutdown drags into its second month — now one of the longest in U.S. history — financial stress has mounted.
“When you hit a month without pay, that’s two payrolls missed,” Britt said. “Folks are really starting to feel it.”
In response, local businesses, town leaders, and nonprofits in Springdale and Rockville stepped up. The Zion Canyon Brew Pub, a favorite spot among rangers, cooked a hot meal of pasta and bread for the dinner. Sol Foods donated grocery vouchers. Zion Animal Lovers offered free pet care, while local gas stations handed out fuel cards.
Even individual residents pitched in — some dropping off paper goods and cleaning supplies at the event.
“These businesses exist because Zion is here,” Britt said. “And when the park needs them, they always show up. It’s a beautiful relationship of support.”
A Moment of Connection
For Jolene Pace, owner of Zion Canyon Brew Pub, the gathering went far beyond food.
“It was emotional to see everyone together,” she said. “You could feel the stress and concern, but also a sense of relief and belonging.”
Many rangers live nearby, their families intertwined with those of Springdale residents. “Our kids go to school together, we see each other at games and church,” Britt said. “So this wasn’t just about helping — it was about healing.”
Expanding Support Beyond the Table
Zion Forever Project plans to continue helping furloughed employees as the shutdown persists. Along with providing meals and essentials, the nonprofit is expanding its mental health and wellness initiatives.
Last year, Zion Forever launched a Wellness Fund that covers counseling for park staff through the Springdale Clinic. That effort recently received a boost from the Sun-Blaney family, who created the Isabel’s Light Employee Wellness Fund in memory of their daughter, a devoted park visitor.
Britt said she expects the need for mental health support to rise as the shutdown continues and the holidays approach. “This is an incredibly stressful time,” she said. “We’re not just dealing with lost income — we’re dealing with uncertainty and isolation.”
How to Help
Community members who want to contribute can donate directly through the Zion Forever Project website, where they can also leave messages of encouragement for park staff.
“Rangers have told us how meaningful it is to read those notes,” said Pace. “It reminds them that people care and that their work still matters.”
As the shutdown continues, Springdale’s show of solidarity has become more than a gesture of kindness — it’s a reflection of the deep bond between Zion National Park and the community that thrives around it.
