Hemlocks to Hellbenders

On this episode we’re going to be talking about Ohiopyle State Park. Located in the beautiful Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle State Park is the sort of place you take people you want to impress. 

The park has something for everybody. It’s got waterfalls, It’s got views. It’s got boundless outdoor activities. And it is set in one of the Commonwealth’s most incredible natural landscapes. 

I am joined by park employees Patrick Martin and Barbara Wallace. They talk about what the park has to offer visitors, how best to explore the park and tips to make your visit the best it can be (hint: get gas before you get to Ohiopyle).

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Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

On this episode, we’re going to be talking about the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the serious threat Chronic Wasting Disease poses to our wildlife. 

I am joined on this episode by Todd Pride. Todd is a member of Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Board of Commissioners, founder of Legacy Land & Water Partners and lead coach with the Mid-Atlantic Youth Anglers and Outdoor Partners. Todd has the distinction of being the first African American appointed to the board. 

Todd speaks with us about the purpose and goals of the PA Game Commission and tells us about  Chronic Wasting Disease. This serious illness can have a devastating impact on Pennsylvania’s wildlife – particularly white-tailed deer.

Learn more about CWD by visiting the PA Game Commission website. 

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

On this episode, we’re going to be talking about a Pennsylvania icon that goes by many names. Snot otter, lasagna lizard, devil dog, mud devil, Allegheny alligator. That’s right, this episode is all about the Eastern Hellbender.

I am joined on this episode by Dr. Peter Petokas. Peter is a research associate with the Clean Water Institute at Lycoming College. He breaks down all the important information about this mysterious amphibian, including how it survives, where it lives and what we can do to help restore the Hellbender population in Pennsylvania.

If you'd like to learn more about Peter's work with Hellbenders, visit his website at  www.cryptobranchid.org.

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

In honor of President’s Day, this episode is on James Buchanan – our 15th President of the United States and up until recently the only president from Pennsylvania. 

The first part of the podcast will focus Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park. I speak with DCNR's Beth Garner to learn about what to do, what to see and how best to experience the park.

The second part of the podcast will focus solely on the man long-dubbed “the worst president in history.” We’ll hear from Pat Clarke, director of President James Buchanan's Wheatland. He tells us about his life as a legislator, diplomat, president and gentleman farmer. 

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

On this episode we’re going to be talking about Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Nestled in the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pine Grove Furnace combines a beautiful outdoor setting with  fascinating history. 

Pine Grove Furnace has a lot to offer visitors. Amazing events, trails, two swimming lakes, historical reenactments, a museum and even the Appalachian Trail.

I interview Andre Weltman, who is the chairman of the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park. He has an absolute wealth of knowledge about the park. Andre goes through the history of the park, suggests activities and everything the park has to offer.

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

This episode of Hemlocks to Hellbenders focuses on Leonard Harrison State Park! Leonard Harrison is a 585 acre park located in Tioga County.  It is best known by its other moniker, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.

I am interviewing Tim Morey for this episode. Tim is a Natural Resources Program Specialist with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He's worked at Leonard Harrison for more than 20 seasons. 

Tim tells us about the park, suggests activities for visitors and gives up some insider tips to make your trip the best it can be. 

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

Welcome, fellow explorers. My name is Christian Alexandersen and this is Hemlocks to Hellbenders. A podcast highlighting Pennsylvania parks, forests and great outdoors.

I’m excited you’ve decided to join me on an exploration of all things natural and wonderful about Pennsylvania’s public lands. That doesn’t just include our parks and forests. We’re going to be learning about our incredible landscapes, plants, trees, animals, waterways and so much more.

I’m going to be speaking with experts in their fields to find out more about the Commonwealth’s magnificent natural resources. You’ll be hearing from park rangers, educators, conservationists, biologists and volunteers. 

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

Welcome, fellow explorers. My name is Christian Alexandersen and this is Hemlocks to Hellbenders. A podcast highlighting Pennsylvania parks, forests and great outdoors.

I’m excited you’ve decided to join me on an exploration of all things natural and wonderful about Pennsylvania’s public lands. That doesn’t just include our parks and forests. We’re going to be learning about our incredible landscapes, plants, trees, animals, waterways and so much more.

I’m going to be speaking with experts in their fields to find out more about the Commonwealth’s magnificent natural resources. You’ll be hearing from park rangers, educators, conservationists, biologists and volunteers. 

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis