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To list all of the features of Forbes State Forest would be pointless. That’s because it has so much to offer so many people. You want trails, it’s got it. You want overlooks, its got it. You want waterfalls, it’s got it. Forbes State Forest has some of the best land in Pennsylvania for everything from mountain biking and hiking to ATV riding and wildlife watching.

The forest is comprised of 15 tracts totaling almost 59,000 acres in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. You could spend decades exploring this wonderful forest and still discover new things every single day. Forbes State Forest is just special. Plain and simple.

The abundance of forest land over such a large portion of southwest Pennsylvania provides visitors with so many options. Maybe today I’ll check out Mt. Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania. Or maybe I’ll see the wildflower blooms. Or perhaps I’ll explore the remnants of two Civilian Conservation Corps. Camps.

On any visit, you’ll find it difficult to pick any one thing you like most about Forbes State Forest. There’s just too many.

On this episode, I speak with Rachael Mahony. Rachael is the Environmental Education Specialist for Forbes 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 listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.

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

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Standing on the shore of Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park, you’d never think the area was the site of massive deforestation, coal mining and gas drilling practices that scarred the landscape for decades. But it is.

In the 1800s, farmers cleared the forests and drained the swamps that would one day be Moraine State Park. Materials such as sand, gravel, limestone, clay and shale were mined and sold off. Later, oil and gas well were drilled. When they ran dray, they were abandoned.

As a result of these efforts, much of the park area lost its topsoil and many streams were polluted with abandoned mine drainage. Luckily, someone came to help.

Dr. Frank Preston formed the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to purchase land to recreate the glacial landscape and preserve open space. The former Pennsylvania departments of Forests and Waters and Mines and Mineral Industries helped to reclaim the mistreated land.

To look at it now, you would have never thought that this stunning 16,725-acre park was in such bad shape less than 100 years ago.

On this episode, I interview Brian Flores. Brian is the Assistant Park Manager at Moraine 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 listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.

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

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There are few sights I enjoy as much as people having fun in Pennsylvania state parks. Children playing tag and hide-and-go-seek. Adults telling stories around a picnic table. Friends catching up while grilling.

And never have I see so many people having such a good time, then on Memorial Day weekend at Beltsville State Park.

Upon entering the park - located in the southern foothills of the Pocono Mountains – it was evident that this was a popular park. By midday, the parking lots leading to Beltzville Lake were nearly packed.

Thousands of people had set up spots with their families and friends. My afternoon at Beltzville reminded me of my summers spent on the Jersey Shore..

The wonderful, sights, sounds and smells instantly brought me back. Friends were playing dominos. Families shared the most amazing food. And kids were building sandcastles on the beach. In Beltsville Lake, boaters and jet skiers cruised around while soaking up the beautiful weather.

And while the lake and beach are the focal points of this energetic park, it’s got plenty for those looking to explore. Beltzville has trails for hiking and mountain biking, thousands of areas for birding and wildlife watching, a scenic covered bridge and so much more.

On this episode I speak with Diane Szwajkowski. Diane is the Chair of the Friends of Beltzville 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 listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.

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

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The arrival of fireflies has always represented summer to me. They've meant barbeques. They meant fireworks. They meant being a kid.

I’ve heard from so many people about the memories they have connected to lightening bugs. Exploring the woods with grandparents who have long passed. 4th of July parties with their friends. A first kiss. A break up. Family camping trips.

I don’t know what it is about lightning bugs – the state insect of Pennsylvania – but people have a connection to them. Cultures around the world have stories and myths surrounding these stunning creatures.

So I invite you on this episode, to think about your own connection with lightning bugs.

What comes to your mind when you picture them? Where does it bring you back to? When are you transported to?

On this episode, I speak with Dr. Sarah Lower. Dr. Lower is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Bucknell University.

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 listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.

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

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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 listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.

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

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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 listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.

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

Send us a Text Message.

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 listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.

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

Send us a Text Message.

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 listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.

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