Biscayne National Park is a world apart—just a short distance from Miami, yet mostly underwater, teeming with vibrant coral reefs, sprawling seagrass beds, and a rich maritime heritage. From hurricanes to habitat restoration, managing a marine park presents unique challenges, and few know that better than Sarah Hopson, the superintendent of Biscayne National Park.

In this episode, Sarah shares what it takes to steward a park where 95% of the landscape is water. We dive into coral reef restoration projects, seagrass protection, and the hundreds of research permits that fuel scientific discoveries in the park. Sarah also discusses the hidden impacts of hurricanes on natural ecosystems, the role of volunteers in keeping Biscayne beautiful, and why she believes there’s a park—and a job—for everyone in the National Park Service.

We also explore what to do on a perfect day in Biscayne, from snorkeling the Maritime Heritage Trail to spotting butterflies on Elliott Key. Plus, Sarah reflects on the legacy of park stewardship and the ever-evolving role of the National Park Service in preserving both our places of glory and our places of brokenness.

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Who Runs This Park is produced by Maddie Pellman with music by Danielle Bees.