POWERGRAMS

19 PROFILE Yellowstone COMPANY RETIREE SHARES STORY OF QUEST TO HELP IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY IN YELLOWSTONE "Yellowstone is such an incredible place and I've wanted to come back to visit for so many years," said Darby. "This experience is so much better than a visit. Even though I worked 40 hours a week, it didn't feel like work when you walk through breathtaking scenery to go to the office or dining area, seeing elk, bison, fox, mule deer and even a black bear along the way." Yellowstone is part of the South Central Rockies forests ecoregion. Native Americans have lived there for at least 11,000 years, while organized exploration began in the 1860s. Hundreds of structures have been built in the park since 1917 and are protected for their architectural and historical significance. International researchers have examined more than 1,000 archaeological sites in Yellowstone. Darby worked at Alabama Power's Farley Nuclear Plant for 24 years, initially as a radiochemist, next as a control technician for in-plant computer systems and then as a site environmental specialist. He moved to Birmingham in 2010 and finished his career as a nuclear emergency preparedness coordinator. At the nation's largest and oldest national park, Darby oversaw the safety and sustainability programs of the 690-room Canyon Lodge, which has between 200 and 400 employees, depending on the time of year. The facility has a full-scale maintenance department and the largest commercial kitchen in Wyoming. "Yellowstone has a responsibility to set environmental standards," By Michelle Tims

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