On April 8, 2024 Pennsylvanians will have the opportunity to see something special. Something that’s not been seen in our commonwealth since January 1925. – nearly 100 years ago. From about 3:15 to 3:20 the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light.

A total solar eclipse. This eclipse will cross 15 states in North America – including Pennsylvania - from​ the Southwest to the Northeast. While this awe-inspiring event will be visible in much of Pennsylvania, the most spectacular view will be in the eclipse’s path of totality.

The path is the track of the moon’s shadow across the Earth’s surface. In the eclipse’s path of totality, visitors will see the sun totally eclipsed by the moon. This path will cross a portion of northwest Pennsylvania, including Erie, Crawford, Warren, and Mercer counties.

For Pennsylvanians who find themselves outside of the path of totality, they will see a partial solar eclipse. Similar to what Pennsylvanians saw during the 2017 eclipse.

On this episode, I speak with Susan Schenck to the podcast. Susan is the Environments Education Specialist at Cherry Springs State Park.

Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:

Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.

Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began in 1999 as a statewide nonprofit organization to provide a voice for the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. They rally volunteers, raise funds, and advocate for these precious lands. Join the movement at PAParksandForests.org to preserve and enjoy our outdoor treasures.

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

It’s difficult for me to pick what I like most about Black Moshannon State Park. It’s a struggle I face every time I recommend this wonderful park to friends - which is often. 

I’ll go from talking about the incredible camping and cabin opportunities to swooning about the park’s lake and bog. Then I get going about the abundance of wildlife. And then the hiking trails. And then the hunting and fishing. Then I realize 30 minutes have gone by and the person I’ve been talking to stopped caring about 25 minutes ago.

Black Moshannon truly has something for everyone. Despite it being about two hours from where I live, I’ve probably spent more time in Black Moshannon than any other park. And I keep being pulled back there year after year. And every time I think I’ve seen everything.

Every time I think I’ve experienced everything Black Mo has to offer, it reveals another secret. And I think it will for you too.

On this episode, I spoke with Michelle McCloskey. Michelle is the environmental education specialist at Black Moshannon State Park.

Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:

Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.

Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began in 1999 as a statewide nonprofit organization to provide a voice for the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. They rally volunteers, raise funds, and advocate for these precious lands. Join the movement at PAParksandForests.org to preserve and enjoy our outdoor treasures.

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

It’s the spring of 1858. Colonel Edwin Drake from New York is hired by the Seneca Oil Company to investigate suspected oil deposits in Titusville, Pennsylvania. While the existence of petroleum oil was known, there no considerable market for the material. 

After months of work, Drake had little to show for his efforts. Undeterred, Drake took out a $500 loan to continue his operation. Then, on August 27th 1859, Drake changed the world. While drilling on an island in Oil Creek at a depth of 69.5 feet, he had struck oil.

The words - “They’ve struck oil!” – roared through the valley as crowds gathered to see the crude oil being hand pumped to the surface and into a bathtub. The Drake Well was the first commercial oil well in the United States. It led to the world’s first oil boom

This monumental discovery would play a pivotal role in the birth of the American oil industry. The rural wooded area surrounding Oil Creek would go on to be used for searching for black gold that would fuel the industrial revolution.

160-plus years after the discovery of oil, the property is now known as Oil Creek State Park. The park is a living museum, preserving the remnants of historic oil derricks, drill sites, and the remains of the industry that forever altered the course of American history. 

On this episode I speak with David Hallman. David is the Park Manager of Oil Creek State Park.

Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:

Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.

Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began in 1999 as a statewide nonprofit organization to provide a voice for the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. They rally volunteers, raise funds, and advocate for these precious lands. Join the movement at PAParksandForests.org to preserve and enjoy our outdoor treasures. 

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

Whether you’re hiking ancient forests or picnicking in an urban park, birds are all around us. From the common pigeon on a Philly stoop to a bald eagle soaring above the Susquehanna River, the avian world is vast in Pennsylvania.

Birding is the observation of birds in their natural habitats. Often seen as a hobby for old fogies, the activity has gotten a boost of interest and young blood as a result of the pandemic. When we were required to self-isolate and avoid travel, people found birding as a way to explore the natural world in their own backyards.

With binoculars in hand and with an acute ear, Pennsylvania birders have the opportunity to identify hundreds of bird species without every traveling outside of the Commonwealth. From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, new birders are exploring our shared outdoor spaces.

This growing hobby now has roots in places and communities that have not been represented in the past. Black and brown, LGBTQIA plus and impaired communities are forming their own birding groups, clubs and organizations.

They are showing that birding is a hobby for everyone, everywhere

And for this episode, I’m thrilled to speak to one of those people that are making birding and the outdoors more inclusive and accessible for all Pennsylvanians. No matter your race, background, sexuality, physical ability, income or experience.

On this episode, I speak with Jason Hall. Jason is Philadelphia-based birder and founder of the In Color Birding Club in Philadelphia.

Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:

Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.

Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began in 1999 as a statewide nonprofit organization to provide a voice for the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. They rally volunteers, raise funds, and advocate for these precious lands. Join the movement at PAParksandForests.org to preserve and enjoy our outdoor treasures.

Common Loon & Ruffed Grouse Sound Credit: NPS & MSU Acoustic Atlas/Jennifer Jerrett
Warbling Viero Sound Credit: NPS/Jennifer Jerrett

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

When it comes to our parks and forests, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources can only do so much. There’s too much trail maintenance, invasive species removal, education programs and other things that must be done to complete it all

That’s where the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation steps in. Since 1999, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation has acted as the official non-profit partner of the Commonwealth’s state parks and forests

Over the course of decades, the Foundation has built an impressive volunteer base, funded innovative programs in education and recreation, worked with conservation partners and spoken out in support of our public lands.

After running a mile in all 121 state parks in 2021, the Parks and Forests Foundation was the first organization I reached out to to start volunteering. I wanted to give back to the park system that opened my eyes to the incredible beauty I experienced.

I’ve now been volunteering with the organization for over two years, and I cannot recommend it enough. Our participation in the natural world cannot only be take, take, take. We must give back. We must be engaged stewards of our environment.

Spend one less weekend hiking or camping and spend it giving back. I promise you, you won’t regret it. As has been proven to me time and time again, time spent in service, is time well spent. 

On this episode, I speak with Marci Mowery. Marci is the President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation.

Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:

Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.

Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began in 1999 as a statewide nonprofit organization to provide a voice for the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. They rally volunteers, raise funds, and advocate for these precious lands. Join the movement at PAParksandForests.org to preserve and enjoy our outdoor treasures. 

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

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s coal region, Delaware Canal State Park stands as a testament to the intertwining of history and nature.

Stretching almost 59 miles from Easton to Bristol along the Delaware River, this park is made up of a tapestry of landscapes that begs to be explored by foot, bike and boat. 

You can spend a lifetime exploring this unique park, and still discover something new every day.

On this episode, I speak with Gabie Lent. Gabie is the Environmental Education Specialist at Delaware Canal and Ralph Stover State Parks.

Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:
 
Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.

Purple Lizard Maps 
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com. 

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

Located in Potter County, Cherry Springs State Park is home to some of the darkest night skies on the East Coast. Astronomers and stargazers from all over the country flock to this small park just to look up at the stars.

The darkness of the area and the clarity found in the sky makes Chery Springs perhaps the last best refuge of the natural night sky. Like any other resource, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has worked hard to preserve the views above Cherry Springs designating it the Commonwealth’s first Dark Sky Park.

The International Dark-Sky Association named it the second "International Dark Sky Park.”
And the views. They are simply divine. On clear nights, you can see the heavenly bodies circling above. Laying on a blanket in the park’s Night Sky Public Viewing Area, you can watch shooting stars, meteor showers and the Milky Way pass overhead.

In a country and Commonwealth riddled with light pollution, it’s a special place to see special things.

On this episode, we speak with Park Manager Ben Stone to learn all about this spectacular park.

Photo courtesy of Curt Weinhold
Visit his website for more examples of his wonderful photography

Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:

Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.

Purple Lizard Maps 
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com. 

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

We’re building on the success of our first season with even more great guests and great stories for our second season in 2024. This season we’re going to be hearing from park and forest managers, conservationists, biologists, environmental educators, volunteers and lots more. 

Experts in their fields will be speaking to us about our public lands, conservation efforts, wildlife management, outdoor recreation and lots more.

The aim of the podcast is to shine a spotlight on the stunning parks and forests we have in Pennsylvania and inspire people to become stewards of our public lands. Let us help you fall in love them, then join us in protecting them.

I’m also excited to announce that we have two sponsors for our second season – the Keystone Trails Association and Purple Lizard. You’re going to be learning about their awesome services and products throughout the year.

Our second season kicks off on Jan. 3 with an episode on Cherry Springs State Park – Pennsylvania’s first dark sky park. I look forward to sharing our new guests and episodes with you in 2024.

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

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is a gigantic operation. As the largest public landowner in the Commonwealth, DCNR manages millions of acres of land – including 124 state parks and 20 state forests.

But it doesn’t end there. DCNR also manages everything on those millions of acres. There’s the buildings, education centers, campgrounds, museums, playgrounds, cabins, yurts, pools, lakes and parking lots. And then there’s the hiking trails, bike paths, kayak launches, ATV trails, overlooks and vistas.

The list goes on and on and on.

With a staff of nearly 1,400 full-time and 1,300 seasonal employees, DCNR must cover day-to-day operations of these lands and facilities while also planning for the next 20 to 50 years. It’s an incredible amount of work that seems almost impossible address.

Luckily, we have someone leading the way. 

On the finale of our first season, I speak with Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. Cindy is the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

We kick off our first episode of the second season on January 3. I hope you’ll join us again. 

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

When a hunter enters a forest with their bow or gun, there’s a good chance they won’t get a deer.  So, you would expect those few that are able to successful hunt a deer to keep the meat for themselves.

To feed their families and fill their freezers with the venison they harvested. But that’s not the case.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of pounds of venison are donated to Hunters Sharing the Harvest. This nonprofit processes and distributes donated deer meat from hunters to local food banks and charitable organizations in urban and rural communities to the benefit of hungry men, women and families throughout the Commonwealth.  

What started out as a small nonprofit program in Pennsylvania, has evolved into the preferred nationally recognized model other states now replicate.  It’s a success story built on kindness, generosity, charity and volunteerism. 

On this episode, I speak with Randy Ferguson. Randy is the executive director of Hunters Sharing the Harvest.

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