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.  

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.  

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

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. 

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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.

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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

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