This episode of The Parks Podcast explores the deep connection between our national landscapes and the stories that define us. Host Missy Rentz sits down with Beth English, Executive Director of the Organization of American Historians (OAH), to discuss why preserving "unvarnished" history is essential for our future.

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Step into a cathedral of giants. In this episode of The Parks Podcast, host Missy Rentz journeys to the misty shores of Northern California to explore Redwoods National and State Parks.

Join us as we sit down with Patrick Taylor, the park’s Interpretation and Education Program Manager, to uncover why this park is so much more than just a collection of big trees. We dive into the "arranged marriage" between the state and federal government that keeps the park running, the counter-intuitive science of "cutting trees to save the forest," and the spiritual connection that visitors from all over the world feel when walking among 2,000-year-old sentinels.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The "Basketball vs. Football" Analogy: Understand the physical differences between Coastal Redwoods and Giant Sequoias.
• Redwoods Rising: Why 2/3 of the park was logged before it was protected and how scientists are "thinning" forests to restore them to their former glory.
• The Return of the Condor: The incredible success story of the Yurok Tribe’s efforts to bring the California Condor back to its ancestral home.
• Angel Rings & Clones: The fascinating way Redwoods reproduce and create perfect "fairy circles" of trees.
• Practical Trip Planning: Why you need two different apps to manage your camping and your hiking, and why you should "keep the first thing the first thing."

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Kick off the New Year with First Day Hikes - a day to celebrate in our State Parks all around the United States. In this epsiode we'll learn about the origin of First Day Hike, and all the opportunities to play in parks around the country this January 1.

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Indiana State Parks is kicking off winter with hikes, bird watching, light tours, and more.

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New York State Parks & Historic Sites is celebrating winter with hikes, snow and ice activities, craft & creating activities and more.

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Virginia is for Lovers...and park lovers! This winter, the Virginia State Parks have activities for all ages and abilities.

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Hueston Woods State Park is hosting the holidays with movies, breakfast with Santa, hikes, and more. Learn more in this episode.

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Malabar Farm State Park is an historic farm, and former home to Louis Bromfield. Visit the park during the holiday season to visit the historic home all decked out in its holiday best.

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Winter is a great time to explore our parks and public lands.  Arizona State Parks & Trails offers a variety of activities, including hikes, boat parades, luminary tours, and more. Listen to this episode to learn about all the great things happening in Arizona this holiday season and for First Day Hikes!

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Finding a community to join and explore our parks is a great entry into outdoor Adventures.  Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison started GirlTREK with the mission of increasing the life expectancy of black women by 10 years in 10 years.  With more than 1 million members, GirlTREK is changing lives and building community. 

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