Urban Exploring: Collecting Data for the Parks & Trails Study
Written by Wilder Researcher Kyla Goux (they/them)
Fresh out of college and walking into the summer with skeptical optimism about what the job market had in store for a new grad in 2021, I wanted to find something that got me outside.
So much of my schooling was over Zoom, and I was ready to bask in the sunshine and have trees be my daily view. Figuring I could put parts of my research classes to good use, I thought finding a data collection job would be a great starting point for me to help decide if research would be a good career trajectory. Also sounded kind of fun. Meeting with folks all around the Twin Cities metro, helping parks and trails gather vital information for their future success, and getting to spend most of my summer actually outside in nature? Sign me up!
My Experience
I was first hired at Wilder Research as a part-time data collection specialist for the Met Council’s Parks and Trails Study in 2021. I spoke with hundreds of park guests who shared stories with me—like cherished memories of raising their families among the wooded trails and park playgrounds, or their best anecdotes for staying cool during hot Minnesota summers. Exploring parks and trails across the seven-county metro led me to work with people who have now become lifelong friends. And it helped me find amazing new slivers of the Cities that I still visit every summer.
With my days surrounded by trees and waterways around the Twin Cities metro, I look back on this summer fondly. Nearly 475 hours that summer were spent exploring and gathering important data to keep our regional parks and trails informed about visitor experiences. This study also helps inform how to divide funding to the ten park agencies that run the parks and trails we know and love.
My interviewing skills grew tremendously working as an interviewer that summer. I loved hearing about the public’s personal stories with their local parks and trails. They helped me appreciate how fortunate we are to have great green spaces throughout the Twin Cities, and that we need to do what we can to protect and adapt them for future generations.
Also, as it turns out, I liked doing research! So, when I was offered a permanent position after the Parks and Trails Study, I decided to stay at Wilder and pursue a career in the social sciences. Now, I am helping to lead this year’s 2026 Parks & Trails study! It feels very full circle to come and help guide our next batch of interviewers.
Kyla ready for interviews during the 2021 Parks & Trails Study
This could be you!
Think this sounds like something you’d enjoy? I have great news! Wilder is hiring 25-30 interviewers this summer for the 2026 Parks and Trails Study. The study runs from May through early September, has pay of $21/hour (higher for non-English interviews!), and you can anticipate working 20-40 hours a week. This also includes a paid training week!
Wilder recognizes that the current environment is different from previous studies. In 2021, my fellow interviewers and I had to navigate COVID-19 protocols. As we all continue to navigate Operation Metro Surge and its aftermath, Wilder is committed to provide ongoing training and support to keep interviewers safe and collect the best data possible.
Kyla Goux (they/them) is a disabled, queer research associate who is passionate about food and environmental justice topics. They believe that communities know themselves best and they hope to use research and evaluation to evaluate voices and needs, particularly through qualitative and creative lenses. Kyla joined Wilder in 2021.
