Gabe and Marcia Williamson’s journey is one of adventure, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to preserving the wild places they love. Their story begins with a simple yet profound moment—sitting on the dock at Daicey Pond in Baxter State Park, looking across at Katahdin, and dreaming out loud, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live and work here?”
That dream quickly turned into reality. Feeling the call to give back, Gabe and Marcia volunteered at Baxter. It was during a backpacking trip that they decided to get engaged, and within the year, they were married, honeymooned in Baxter, and started their first of eleven seasons as co-rangers at Daicey Pond Campground. Their passion for outdoor stewardship only grew from there, leading them to serve as Traveling Trainers for Leave No Trace for three years, starting back in 2002.
Becoming Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers
Their introduction to Leave No Trace came through a two-day Trainer Course. The experience refined their skills as park rangers and ignited a passion for teaching outdoor ethics. With their background in outdoor education, becoming Traveling Trainers was a natural next step—an opportunity to take their knowledge on the road and inspire others nationwide.
Over three years, Gabe and Marcia taught more than 30 Trainer Courses, each filled with unforgettable moments. From witnessing “light bulb” teaching moments to paddling into the Okefenokee Swamp, their experiences as Traveling Trainers solidified their belief in the power of education, stewardship, and outreach.
Continuing the Leave No Trace Ethic
After their time as Traveling Trainers wrapped up, Gabe and Marcia stayed connected to Leave No Trace. When they moved back to Maine, they spent some time as Leave No Trace State Advocates and returned to their favorite place—Baxter State Park. These days, Marcia works year-round as an Interpretive Specialist and still volunteers at the park, while Gabe is now in his 30th season as a Baxter State Park ranger.
They integrate Leave No Trace into every aspect of their work and personal lives. Since retiring from the park Marcia volunteers regularly, providing Leave No Trace education whenever teachable moments arise. Gabe conducts annual Leave No Trace workshops for park staff and visitor groups, including high school students in the Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program and first-year college orientation groups from Bowdoin and Colby colleges.
Even in everyday moments, Gabe and Marcia find ways to share the Leave No Trace message. As Leave No Trace members, they recently used their Subaru VIP Program benefit to purchase a new vehicle—an experience they turned into an opportunity to thank the dealership staff for Subaru’s long-standing support of Leave No Trace’s Traveling Teams. True to form, they also handed out Leave No Trace reference tags to the staff, transforming a simple car purchase into a moment of meaningful outreach.
A Legacy of Stewardship
Baxter State Park holds a special place in their hearts. As a 210,000-acre wilderness with no paved roads, electricity, or running water, it welcomes 70,000 visitors annually to experience its rugged beauty. As stewards of this landscape, Gabe and Marcia continue to embody Governor Percival Baxter’s vision that the park remains “forever wild.”
Through decades of dedication to Baxter and Leave No Trace, Gabe and Marcia have inspired countless individuals to be responsible stewards of the land. Their story is a testament to the power of education, passion, and the belief that we all have a role in protecting the wild places we cherish for generations to come.
