86-Year-Old Volunteer George Simmons Stays Enthusiastic About National Parks

WHITE GRASS, Wyo. (AP) - It's easy to lose track of the date at the tiny cabin that serves as the White Grass Ranger Station in Grand Teton National Park.

No wonder, then, that George Simmons (called "Black George" by those who know him) turned 86 this year without even noticing until a visitor wished him a belated birthday.

Simmons is the park's oldest volunteer, and he's spent the summer season in the one-room ranger station cabin for 15 years.

Though he may occasionally lose track, others measure time by Simmons himself. He arrives at the cabin as soon as the snow is melted and the ground has firmed up, and he leaves when the snow returns and begins settle.