If exploring the backwaters of Biscayne National Park appeal to you, consider joining a ranger-led paddle into some of the park's backcountry this winter and spring.

Photographer and writer Steve Perrin was working in the planning office at Acadia when he lived at Brown Mountain gate house (or “gate lodge” as it’s officially called) during the winter of 1995–1996, “a true Maine winter, very cold with lots of snow.” Like other park employees before and after, Perrin was housed in a magnificent piece of history, employee housing whose great beauty belies its commonplace purpose.

Need a reason to become a National Park Service ranger? Some get to live in really cool accommodations, such as the Rangers Club at Yosemite National Park. This video explores the facility and some of its history.

The winter months bring the "dry season" to Everglades National Park, and that means more favorable conditions for hiking, boating and other outdoor activities. The park's winter schedule for guided ranger programs is underway, and they include Slough Slogs, Croc Talks, Nike Missile Tours and a host of other great activities.