Discover DEP: the Official Podcast of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection

By NJDEP

What's Discover DEP: the Official Podcast of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection about?

Discover DEP is the official podcast of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. It will focus on the initiatives and efforts by NJDEP to protect the environment in the Garden State.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Discover DEP: the Official Podcast of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection episodes:

05.01.2018
Episode 95-Air Quality Awareness Week with Frank Steitz
This week is the 12th annual Air Quality Awareness Week, and the theme is “Air Quality Where You Are.” DEP and the state of New Jersey have made it a priority to improve air quality and increase air quality awareness....
04.13.2018
Episode 94-Trenton Community Collaborative Initiative with Julie Krause
Trenton was the third city to join DEP’s Community Collaborative Initiative. In this episode, Bob Bostock sits down with Julie Krause, single point of contact for Trenton at DEP, to talk about her work with local government officials, community groups...
04.06.2018
Episode 93-Perth Amboy Community Collaborative Initiative with Bill Lindner
In Discover DEP’s 6th episode, Frank McLaughlin told us about the Community Collaborative initiative and how it got its start in Camden. Now, the CCI has expanded to three additional cities across the state, which will be featured on the...
03.29.2018
Episode 92-National Women's History Month with Deputy Commissioner Debbie Mans
Since the first National Women’s History Month in March 1987, every year we take a moment to recognize, honor and celebrate the achievements of American women. This month recognizes the courage and contributions of women everywhere who are breaking down...
03.29.2018
Episode 92-National Women’s History Month with Deputy Commissioner Debbie Mans
Since the first National Women’s History Month in March 1987, every year we take a moment to recognize, honor and celebrate the achievements of American women. This month recognizes the courage and contributions of women everywhere who are breaking down...
03.23.2018
Episode 91-Trail Tracker with Heather Merring
New Jersey’s state parks are home to about 1,000 miles of official trails and, thanks to the State Park Service, every mile is now available on Trail Tracker. Trail Tracker allows you to track your current location, view trails and...
03.12.2018
Episode 90-Americorps Week
This week (March 11-17) is AmeriCorps Week, which celebrates AmeriCorps members and alumni for their commitment to educating the public about the environment, stewardship, and the impact their work has around the state and nation. In fact, DEP’s own AmeriCorps...
03.06.2018
Episode 89-Highpoint State Park with Rebecca Fitzgerald
With spectacular views of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York, as well as many superb trails, High Point State Park is one you shouldn’t miss. As its name suggests, High Point is nearly at the northern-most point of our state....
02.23.2018
Episode 88-Fluorescent Minerals with Chris Adair
Last year, the lobby in DEP’s main building in Trenton featured a display highlighting the connection between baseball and New Jersey’s geology. Now, this latest display features a new aspect of New Jersey’s geology – fluorescent minerals. Under ultraviolet light,...
02.16.2018
Episode 87-Resource Interpretive Specialists with Diane Hewlett-Lowrie
Resource Interpretive Specialists tell the story of New Jersey’s history, nature and our world, helping people connect to their environment through public programs, hikes, exhibits, recreation, ecotourism and education. Bob Bostock sits down with Diane Hewlett-Lowrie, a Resource Interpretive Specialist...
02.05.2018
Episode 86-Maple Sugaring with Wayne Henderek
Maple sugaring is a tradition in the Northeast that began centuries ago with Native Americans and colonists. Now, organizations around the country have maple sugaring programs to bring this tradition to life for people of all ages to see and...
01.22.2018
Episode 85-Permit Coordination with John Gray
With more than 160 federal and state laws passed over the past 20 years dealing with the environment and permits, things can become enormously complex. The Office of Permit Coordination and Environmental Review was established to coordinate and facilitate the...
01.18.2018
Episode 84-Air Quality, Energy and Sustainability with Assistant Commissioner Paul Baldauf
The mission of Air Quality, Energy & Sustainability (AQES) is to ensure that New Jersey’s air is clean and safe to breathe, evaluate and support the development and implementation of secure and resilient energy systems, and promote sustainable environmental practices....
01.17.2018
Episode 83-Site Remediation and Waste Management with Assistant Commissioner Mark Pedersen
Site Remediation and Waste Management Program (SRWMP) is the DEP’s program area that administers laws and regulations concerning contaminated sites, recycling and disposal of solid wastes in the state. Mark Pedersen, Assistant Commissioner of the Site Remediation and Waste Management...
01.16.2018
Episode 82 - Local Government Assistance with Kerry Kirk Pflugh
The Office of Local Government Assistance plays a crucial role as a liaison between local governments and DEP. This office makes sure that the lines of communication are open between New Jersey’s county and municipal leaders and DEP, and that...
01.12.2018
Episode 81-Commissioner Bob Martin
DEP’s core mission is to protect the air, water, land, and natural and historic resources in the state of New Jersey. At the same time, DEP plays a key role in positively impacting the economic growth of the state. While...
01.11.2018
Episode 80-Deputy Commissioner David Glass
As Deputy Commissioner, Dave Glass serves as second in command for DEP under Commissioner Bob Martin. He is responsible for continuing the agency’s successes in developing and implementing policies that balance strong environmental protection, economic growth, and common sense solutions...
01.10.2018
Episode 79-Get the Lead Out Leronda Aviles and Kristin Hansen
Over the last several decades, DEP has been ensuring that all New Jerseyans have safe water to drink and all the necessary information. Since the presence of lead in drinking water has become a national matter of concern, DEP’s efforts...
01.09.2018
Episode 78-Land Use Management with Ginger Kopkash
Although New Jersey is far from the largest state in the Union, it is the most densely populated, making it a challenge to protect our land. Our 8,729 square miles of land encompass many diverse uses. Land Use Management is...
12.21.2017
Episode 77-Environmental Justice with Riché Outlaw and Joseph Donald
To help address environmental inequities, DEP launched the Environmental Justice Program to ensure fair treatment for people of all races, cultures, and incomes, in the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. The Environmental Justice Program aims...
12.14.2017
Episode 76-Natural and Historic Resources with Rich Boornazian
DEP’s Natural and Historic Resources office is charged with preserving and protecting New Jersey’s natural, ecological and cultural resources, including state parks and forests, wildlife management areas, our fish and wildlife, and state historic sites that are so valued by...
11.30.2017
Episode 75-History and Legends in the Pinelands with Tom Gerber
This episode concludes Discover DEP’s three-part series focusing on the Pine Barrens. In this third and final episode, Bob Bostock sits down with Tom Gerber, Section Forest Fire Warden and long-time DEP employee, to talk about the history and legends...
11.20.2017
Episode 74-Pinelands Fauna with John Heilferty
The Discover DEP team is in the midst of a three-part series focusing on the Pine Barrens. This second episode focuses on the fauna of the Pinelands. Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and bugs are important residents of this area...
11.13.2017
Episode 73 - Pinelands Flora with Bernie Isaacson
The Discover DEP team is embarking on a three-part series focusing on the Pine Barrens. The Pine Barrens is a unique part of New Jersey’s landscape. From pygmy pines to “ghost forests,” the flora of the Pine Barrens has an...
10.30.2017
Episode 72-Engineering and Construction with Dave Rosenblatt
The Engineering & Construction program is responsible for administering shore protection, dam restoration and flood control projects throughout the State of New Jersey. This program has been responsible for managing more than $1.5 billion in federal post-Superstorm Sandy projects. Bob...
10.18.2017
Episode 71-Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms with Victor Poretti and Rob Newby
Cyanobacteria are naturally present in lakes and streams, usually in low numbers. However, under suitable environmental conditions, they can form dense blooms. Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms, or CyanoHABs, can discolor water and potentially harm fish and other aquatic organisms. They...
10.05.2017
Episode 70-High Points in New Jersey with John O'Brien and Jeff Hoffman
Have you ever wondered about why some New Jersey towns have the word “Mount” in their names, such as Mount Holly and Mount Ephraim, when their topography seems so flat? This quirky fact sparked the interest of John O’Brien, cartoonist...
10.05.2017
Episode 70-High Points in New Jersey with John O’Brien and Jeff Hoffman
Have you ever wondered about why some New Jersey towns have the word “Mount” in their names, such as Mount Holly and Mount Ephraim, when their topography seems so flat? This quirky fact sparked the interest of John O’Brien, cartoonist...
09.20.2017
Episode 69-Fish Smart Eat Smart Guide with Gary Buchanan and Bruce Ruppel
The nutritional value of fish is hard to deny – they are full of protein, minerals and vitamins and are a part of a well-balanced diet. However, fish and crabs can harbor contaminants such as mercury, PCBs and dioxin. Scientists...
09.11.2017
Episode 68-Equal Employment Opportunity with Hester Agudosi
DEP’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Public Contract Assistance is committed to maintaining an environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and equal access to the benefits of employment for all employees and to ensure that socially and economically disadvantaged businesses...
09.01.2017
Episode 67-Ellis Island-New Jersey v. New York with Bob Marshall
Nearly 12 million immigrants went through Ellis Island’s immigration inspection station in its 60 years of operation, making it a significant part of the history of the United States. But have you ever wondered if Ellis Island resides within the...
08.25.2017
Episode 66-Environmental Trends and Key Performance Indicators with Dr. Sandra Goodrow and Jennifer Feltis-Cortese
In a data-driven organization such as the DEP, long-term environmental trend reports can help employees understand how their work affects the environment and determine where resources should be directed to achieve DEP priorities and goals. Trend reports also inform the...
08.18.2017
Episode 65-Freshwater Mussels with Jeanette Bowers-Altman
Freshwater mussels inhabit rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. They are vital to their ecosystems, filtering water and cleaning our waterways. Jeanette Bowers-Altman, Principal Zoologist in DEP’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program, sits down with Gladys Giron to discuss this fascinating...
08.11.2017
Episode 64-Fish and Headwaters’ Index of Biotic Integrity with John Vile and Brian Henning
DEP is responsible for monitoring the quality of New Jersey’s water. One way by which this is done is through biological monitoring. The Fish and Headwaters’ Index of Biotic Integrity monitoring programs, also known as FIBI & HIBI, use fish...
08.04.2017
Episode 63-Ticks with Jim Occi, PhD Graduate Student in Entomology at Rutgers University
It’s tick season, and those little buggers are biting with a vengeance this year. For many, ticks and other outdoor pests can put a damper on our favorite outdoor summer activities. It’s important to follow safety precautions to avoid these...
07.21.2017
Episode 62-Island Beach State Park and Liberty State Park with Superintendents Jen Clayton and Rob Rodriguez
Out of New Jersey’s 40 treasured state parks, Island Beach State Park and Liberty State Park are the largest and most-visited. With hundreds of thousands of visitors per year, dedicated state employees work hard to make sure the parks are...
07.14.2017
Episode 61-Division of Fish and Wildlife 125th Anniversary with Director Larry Herrighty
This year, DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is celebrating its 125th Anniversary. The Division has rededicated itself to its long-time mission of conserving wildlife and providing recreation opportunities for generations of hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts. New Jersey is...
06.30.2017
Episode 60-Summer Flounder Fishing with Russ Allen and Al Ivany
Fishing is a popular pastime in New Jersey, and you can’t talk fish without mentioning the summer flounder, also known as fluke. New Jersey is pursuing an agreement regarding 2017 fishing regulations. Currently, New Jersey’s regulations for summer flounder fishing...
06.16.2017
Episode 59-Baseball and New Jersey Geology with Chris Adair and Mike Morvay
Baseball is the National Pastime, but literally every pitch thrown in both the major and minor leagues carries a piece of the Garden State to the plate. That’s because for more than 75 years every baseball put in play has...
06.09.2017
Epsiode 58-Montclair Sate University Social Media Project
This past spring, DEP partnered with Montclair State University’s Marketing Department to create a social media project for the Montclair students. The students were able to analyze 7 of DEP’s Facebook pages, give DEP’s social media administrators feedback, and create...
06.02.2017
Episode 57-Blue Acres with Director Fawn McGee
The Blue Acres Program offers New Jersey residents the opportunity to sell properties that were damaged by Super Storm Sandy, or which lie in areas that are exposed to repetitive flooding damage. DEP works with homeowners in these areas to...
05.26.2017
Episode 56-Historic Preservation Month with Kate Marcopul
May is Historic Preservation Month. This month is particularly exciting for DEP’s Historic Preservation Office (HPO), which works to preserve, protect and promote New Jersey’s historic resources. Kate Marcopul, Administrator of the Historic Preservation Office, sits down with Bob Bostock...
05.19.2017
Episode 55-Compliance and Enforcement with Assistant Commissioner Ray Bukowski
DEP’s overall mission is to protect New Jersey’s air, land, water, and natural and historic resources. In order to do that, we also need to be regulators, enforcing laws and rules. That’s where Compliance & Enforcement comes in. C&E helps...
05.12.2017
Episode 54-The Sinking of the Tamaroa-Artificial Reefs with Peter Clarke
Since 1984, the Bureau of Marine Fisheries has been involved in an intensive program of artificial reef construction and biological monitoring. Artificial reefs in ocean waters along the New Jersey coast provide a habitat for fish, shellfish and crustaceans, fishing...
05.01.2017
Episode 53-Air Quality Awareness Week with Assistant Commissioner Paul Baldauf
DEP is kicking off Air Quality Awareness week, May 1-5, 2017. The purpose of this week is to raise awareness about air pollution, what DEP is doing to reduce the public’s exposure to air pollution, and to encourage everyone to...
04.21.2017
Episode 52-Dam Safety in New Jersey-Joint Podcast with the NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness
New Jersey is home to nearly 1,700 regulated dams. DEP’s Division of Engineering and Construction administers the New Jersey Dam Safety program, which ensures the safety and integrity of dams in New Jersey and protects people and property from the...
04.07.2017
Episode 51-Ringwood Manor with Sue Shutte, Resource Interpretive Specialist
Ringwood Manor is a National Historic Landmark District and a part of Ringwood State Park. It has historical importance spanning from Native American times through the early 20th century. Original historical structures, gardens and landscapes on 582 acres give visitors an...
03.29.2017
Episode 50-Bobcats in New Jersey with Gretchen Fowles
The bobcat is New Jersey’s only species of wild cat, and is listed as endangered in New Jersey. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife works with many partners across the state to make sure bobcats are getting the...
03.24.2017
Episode 49-Women's History Month with Magdalena Padilla
Since the first National Women’s History Month in March 1987, every year we recognize, honor and celebrate the achievements of American women. There has also been a continuous effort to bring and engage women in the STEM and environmental fields....
03.24.2017
Episode 49-Women’s History Month with Magdalena Padilla
Since the first National Women’s History Month in March 1987, every year we recognize, honor and celebrate the achievements of American women. There has also been a continuous effort to bring and engage women in the STEM and environmental fields....

What's Discover DEP: the Official Podcast of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Discover DEP: the Official Podcast of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection episodes:

Episode 95-Air Quality Awareness Week with Frank Steitz

Episode 94-Trenton Community Collaborative Initiative with Julie Krause

Episode 93-Perth Amboy Community Collaborative Initiative with Bill Lindner

Episode 92-National Women's History Month with Deputy Commissioner Debbie Mans

Episode 92-National Women’s History Month with Deputy Commissioner Debbie Mans

Episode 91-Trail Tracker with Heather Merring

Episode 90-Americorps Week

Episode 89-Highpoint State Park with Rebecca Fitzgerald

Episode 88-Fluorescent Minerals with Chris Adair

Episode 87-Resource Interpretive Specialists with Diane Hewlett-Lowrie

Episode 86-Maple Sugaring with Wayne Henderek

Episode 85-Permit Coordination with John Gray

Episode 84-Air Quality, Energy and Sustainability with Assistant Commissioner Paul Baldauf

Episode 83-Site Remediation and Waste Management with Assistant Commissioner Mark Pedersen

Episode 82 - Local Government Assistance with Kerry Kirk Pflugh

Episode 81-Commissioner Bob Martin

Episode 80-Deputy Commissioner David Glass

Episode 79-Get the Lead Out Leronda Aviles and Kristin Hansen

Episode 78-Land Use Management with Ginger Kopkash

Episode 77-Environmental Justice with Riché Outlaw and Joseph Donald

Episode 76-Natural and Historic Resources with Rich Boornazian

Episode 75-History and Legends in the Pinelands with Tom Gerber

Episode 74-Pinelands Fauna with John Heilferty

Episode 73 - Pinelands Flora with Bernie Isaacson

Episode 72-Engineering and Construction with Dave Rosenblatt

Episode 71-Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms with Victor Poretti and Rob Newby

Episode 70-High Points in New Jersey with John O'Brien and Jeff Hoffman

Episode 70-High Points in New Jersey with John O’Brien and Jeff Hoffman

Episode 69-Fish Smart Eat Smart Guide with Gary Buchanan and Bruce Ruppel

Episode 68-Equal Employment Opportunity with Hester Agudosi

Episode 67-Ellis Island-New Jersey v. New York with Bob Marshall

Episode 66-Environmental Trends and Key Performance Indicators with Dr. Sandra Goodrow and Jennifer Feltis-Cortese

Episode 65-Freshwater Mussels with Jeanette Bowers-Altman

Episode 64-Fish and Headwaters’ Index of Biotic Integrity with John Vile and Brian Henning

Episode 63-Ticks with Jim Occi, PhD Graduate Student in Entomology at Rutgers University

Episode 62-Island Beach State Park and Liberty State Park with Superintendents Jen Clayton and Rob Rodriguez

Episode 61-Division of Fish and Wildlife 125th Anniversary with Director Larry Herrighty

Episode 60-Summer Flounder Fishing with Russ Allen and Al Ivany

Episode 59-Baseball and New Jersey Geology with Chris Adair and Mike Morvay

Epsiode 58-Montclair Sate University Social Media Project

Episode 57-Blue Acres with Director Fawn McGee

Episode 56-Historic Preservation Month with Kate Marcopul

Episode 55-Compliance and Enforcement with Assistant Commissioner Ray Bukowski

Episode 54-The Sinking of the Tamaroa-Artificial Reefs with Peter Clarke

Episode 53-Air Quality Awareness Week with Assistant Commissioner Paul Baldauf

Episode 52-Dam Safety in New Jersey-Joint Podcast with the NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness

Episode 51-Ringwood Manor with Sue Shutte, Resource Interpretive Specialist

Episode 50-Bobcats in New Jersey with Gretchen Fowles

Episode 49-Women's History Month with Magdalena Padilla

Episode 49-Women’s History Month with Magdalena Padilla