Hemlocks to Hellbenders

“What does it mean to have a diverse outdoors community?” It’s a question outdoor companies, organizations and groups are asking themselves in an effort to make nature more inclusive for people from all backgrounds, genders, abilities and ethnicities. 

But while they’re trying to find an answer, America’s Black and Brown communities are exploring the outdoors. On hiking trails, rock walls, waterways and bike paths, they are discovering and --often times – rediscovering their love for the natural world.

Groups are forming that seek to inspire, connect and engage their communities in the outdoors. One such group is Latino Outdoors Philadelphia. Part of a larger national organization, Latino Outdoors Philly brings together people to help create a world where all Latino communities enjoy nature as a safe, inclusive and welcoming place. 

On this episode, I'm joined by Julie Pasión. Julie is the Program Coordinator for Latino Outdoors Philadelphia. 

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

We're doing something a little different in this episode of the podcast. Part story, part interview, I’m going to be telling you about my very fun, weird and muddy experience at Allegheny Islands State Park. 

In 2021, I ran a mile at all (then) 121 Pennsylvania state parks in 224 days. While there were plenty of memorable experiences, nothing was quite like my "run" on the Allegheny Islands. That's because the islands have no land access and are completely undeveloped.

On this episode, I speak with my good friend Adam Bricker - who joined me for 25 park runs during my so-called 121 In '21 Challenge. I talk about what it was like "running" on a muddy beach in the Allegheny River, while Adam tells us about the adventure from his perspective. 

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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

Every year, 3 million people hike the Appalachian National Scenic Trail that spans 14 states and runs more than 2,190 miles. The famed AT is said to be the longest hiking trail in the world. And it’s right here in our backyard.

About 230 miles of the AT are in Pennsylvania – including the halfway point at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. But who maintains the trail? Who builds and repairs the shelters for thru-hikers? Who takes the time to clear brush, chop downed trees and get rid of invasive species?

Volunteers. Thousands and thousands of volunteers with families and jobs spend countless hours every year maintaining the trail, dwellings and more.

Since the inception of the AT, the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club in Reading has been heavily involved. The club has helped build and maintain their rocky and rugged 65-mile section of the Appalachian Trail and its cabins, shelters, monuments and rest stops between Lehigh and Susquehanna Rivers for nearly 100 years.

On this episode, I am joined by David Bailey to the podcast. David is the former president of the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club and current chairman of the club’s Trails Committee. 

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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

When thinking about Pennsylvania's natural beauty, most think of our forests. Miles away from a clear cell phone signal, interstates and, especially, cities. But they shouldn't.

There’s natural beauty all over the Commonwealth, including in and around Pennsylvania’s biggest city – Philadelphia.

That was my biggest takeaway from reading the book Wild Philly. The book shines a much-needed light on the amazing nature you can see, hear and touch in the Philadelphia area. It highlights and celebrates the natural splendor that can be found all around the city of brotherly love.

Wild Philly discusses the history of the region, provides information on the plants, trees and animals that can be found and recommends where you can explore the great outdoors in the greater Philadelphia area. 

On this episode, I am joined by Mike Weilbacher. Mike is the author of Wild Philly and the former longtime Executive Director of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education.

You can purchase Wild Philly wherever books are sold, including here.

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

Not everyone explores our parks and forests on trails or on the water. Some do it 80-feet above ground attached with only a rope and harness. 

These Pennsylvanians are in search of rock. They want boulders and outcroppings. They want cliffs and crags. 

They want places with crimps and sidepulls and pockets and pinches. They want to climb no matter if its sport, trad, top roping or bouldering. 

They are Pennsylvania’s growing population of rock climbers.

While there’s countless places for hikers and boaters in our state park system, that’s not the case for climbers.

Of the 124 state parks, only three allow rock climbing as an approved activity. Ohiopyle and McConnells Mill State Parks in the west and Ralph Stover State Park in the east.

On this episode, I am joined by Dana Caracciolo and Mike Varlotta. Dana is with the Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance of Climbers. Mike is with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition.  

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

Every time you go for a hike, hire a rafting guide, purchase a fishing license or rent a cabin, you are participating in outdoor recreation – an industry that brings $14 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy. 

But, outdoor recreation is more than the things you buy or the activities you participate in. 

It’s an industry that includes national, state and local government agencies. It includes businesses, nonprofits, communities, volunteers, hobbyists and much more. It is an industry that is growing. And one that’s finally receiving some much-needed attention.

On this episode I am joined by Nathan Reigner. Since 2021, Nathan has served as Pennsylvania’s first Director of Outdoor Recreation. Click here to learn more about Nathan.

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 Pennsylvania, it’s hard to throw a pinecone without hitting a hunter or fisherman. There are hundreds of thousands of hunters and fisherman in the Keystone State.

But, there's another breed of outdoor sportsmen that are often forgotten about. They hunt their prey not with rods and reels or bows and guns but with traps. 

On this episode, we're going to be talking about Pennsylvania’s furtakers. What they trap, why they trap and the state of the hobby here in Pennsylvania. 

 I am joined on this episode by Dan Lynch. Dan is a retired Wildlife Education Supervisor with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and 20-plus-year member of the Pennsylvania Trappers Association.

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'll be talking about one man’s journey to climb the tallest tree at the highest point in all 67 Pennsylvania counties. A feat that has never been done and probably never been attempted.

I am joined on this podcast by Van Wagner. Van is a teacher, musician and certified forester that is attempting this incredible challenge.

You can visit Van's website here and his YouTube channel here to follow along with his journey. 

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 Worlds End State Park. Considered by many as their favorite state park in Pennsylvania, Worlds End State Park is a rugged and beautiful 780-acre park located in Sullivan County.

The park is situated in a narrow S-shaped valley of the Loyalsock Creek. It is surrounded by Loyalsock State Forest, and offers visitors diverse recreational opportunities within an expanse of public land in the Endless Mountains. 

I am joined on this episode by Park Manager Chad McKenrick. Chad tells us about the geological history of the park, provides some trail and vista recommendations and lets us know what he would do if he only had a weekend to explore Worlds End.

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 can be so stressful planning the perfect trip to a Pennsylvania state park or forest. You have to figure out transportation, accommodations, food and activities. And snacks! Can't forget the snacks.

It is overwhelming. Especially, if you're planning the trip alone.  But don't worry, we're here to help. This episode is all about how to plan the perfect park trip. 

On this episode I am joined by Emily Scalzo. Emily is Pennsylvania-based blogger and travel planner. She develops hiking guides, trip itineraries and getaway ideas for clients. You can follow her on Instagram and book travel planning services on her 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