Hemlocks to Hellbenders

Last year, nearly four million people visited Presque Isle State Park in Erie- making it the most visited state park in Pennsylvania. And anyone whose ever visited this wonderful park understands why. 

There’s no other park like Presque Isle in the Commonwealth. It is totally unique and incredibly special. But what makes Presque Isle so unique? 

It all starts with the location. Presque Isle is a sandy peninsula that arches from the downtown area  into Lake Erie. As Pennsylvania’s only “seashore,” Presque Isle offers visitors a beautiful coastline. 

This coastline provides access to features and activities that you can’t do in most other state parks in Pennsylvania. The park is home to 11 beaches – open daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. And it’s home to two light houses.

And before you even enter the park, you’re welcomed by the Tom Ridge Environmental Education Center. This state-of-the-art facility tells the story of the park, its flora and fauna, the lake and local history.

* We wanted to let you know that this episode experienced some technical audio difficulties. While the sound quality isn't up to our usual standards, the content is just as engaging and insightful as ever. We hope you'll still tune in and enjoy the episode. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. *

On this episode, I interview Ray Bierbower. Ray is the Environmental Education Specialist at Presque Isle 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

Spanning 85,000 acres across three Central Pennsylvania counties, Michaux State Forest is a sanctuary of lush woodlands, crystal-clear streams and a rich tapestry of history and wildlife. Considered Pennsylvania’s “cradle of forestry,” Michaux State Forest is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, giving visitors a bevy of settings to explore all year long.

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a history buff, or simply someone who finds solace in the serenity of nature, Michaux has something for you. This forest isn’t just a beautiful backdrop; it’s a living, breathing piece of our natural heritage.

The forest features four natural areas that highlight Michaux’s woodlands, animal habitats, bodies of water and so much more

Michaux is home to diverse forests of oak species as well as red maple, black birch, black gum, hickory, pine and tuliptree.

It makes sense that these wonderfully varied forests are named after pioneering botanist André Michaux. The area that bears his name – and was the site of the first forestry school – are celebrated because of it’s natural diversity and beauty.

On this episode, I speak with Suzanne Hartley. Suzanne is the Environmental Education Specialist at Michaux State Forest.

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

The definition of a garden is a small piece of ground used to grow vegetables, fruit, herbs or flowers. But it’s much more than that. It’s a community meeting place. It’s an outdoor classroom. It’s an organic food market. It’s a sustainable hobby. And it’s a place to make lifelong friendships. 

Ask anyone whose spent time in a community garden and they will tell you how important they are. For themselves. Their families. Their neighbors. And their communities.

As the only state park inside the city limits of Philadelphia, the Benjamin Rush State Park and its celebrated community garden are institutions that are loved and appreciated.

Located in the northeast section of Philadelphia, the park offers much needed open space in this busy area.

We have two guests for this episode that we’re going to be speaking to separately. First is Kaitlyn Gundersen-Thorpe, park manager for Benjamin Rush State Park. Second is Ron Huber, president of the Benjamin Rush Garden Association.
 
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

In the soft light of dawn, a lone figure stands by the water's edge, casting a line into the stillness. The morning mist hangs low, obscuring the surface as they patiently wait, listening to the quiet sounds of nature stirring awake.

With a steady hand, they feel the tug of a Pennsylvania brook trout beneath the surface. Engaging in a brief but furious struggle, the angler emerges victorious.

After having won the match, the fisherman releases the trout back into the cold waters. A simple yet satisfying start to the day.

This episode is about the art – that’s right, I said art -- of fishing. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians look forward to the opening of trout season – which takes place on the first Saturday of April.

Believe it or not, Pennsylvania has the second largest number of waterways in the country –only behind Alaska. We have more than 86,000 miles of rivers and streams in the Commonwealth. As a result, Pennsylvania has a long and storied legacy of fishing that dates back before European settlers came here.

But you might be thinking, listen here park boy, I don’t fish and I’m not interested in fishing. Don’t fret my sweet listener. We’re going to be talking plenty about waterway conservation, habitat restoration and much more that will keep you learning and interested.

On this episode, we spoke with Mike Parker. Mike is the Communications Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

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

As Pennsylvanians head outdoors in record numbers, it’s imperative that we all learn how best to protect our environment. From backpackers and hikers to rock climbers and mountain bikers, it’s all our responsibilities to preserve the beauty of our natural spaces in and outside of the Commonwealth.

And, there’s no better guide, no better set of principles and no better philosophy that every adventurer should embrace than Leave No Trace.

Leave No Trace is more than just a set of guidelines; it's a mindset, a commitment to minimizing our impact on the environment while enjoying the great outdoors. Understanding and practicing Leave No Trace principles is crucial for nature lovers of all experience levels – from amateurs to grizzled veterans.

On this episode, we spoke with Ben Lawhon. Ben served as the Director of Education and Research at Leave No Trace for over 20 years and is now the Executive Director of Sawtooth Outdoor Education.

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

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