Park Ranger Charlie Johanson

Charlie Johanson grew up in Greenville, South Carolina and always loved to play in the woods. From a young age, he knew he wanted to be a park ranger. Johanson obtained a degree in Forestry from Clemson University and used his degree to land his first job with the South Carolina State Park Service at Paris Mountain State Park. From there he moved to Hickory Knob State Resort Park and most recently to Little Pee Dee State Park as a Park Ranger II.

As a park ranger, Johanson’s workdays are varied. He does everything from patrolling and keeping the park safe to managing money and reports. Johanson tackles many maintenance projects as well. We asked Johanson to share his funniest on-the-job experience with us and he did not disappoint. He said: “One summer at Paris Mountain, we had a large group of LARPers (Live Action Role Playing) stay over. All weekend the park was full of wizards, pirates, vampires and every other thing you could think of.” Not your typical park visitors! Of the three parks he’s worked, Paris Mountain is his favorite. Johanson says: “It is just such a beautiful place and you meet so many interesting people.” We can’t say we disagree with this Greenville native! 

We asked Johanson to sum up his job in one phrase- “Every day is just another adventure.” Well said, Ranger Johanson. Thank you for everything you do!