Best National Parks Conservation Association Podcasts (2024)

1
A progress report on Pennsylvania's three newest state parks with Parks Director John Hallas 49:15

18h ago49:15

49:15

In September of 2022 before leaving office, then Gov. Tom Wolf announced the creation of three new state parks. Susquehanna Riverlands in York County, Big Elk Creek in Chester County and Vosburg Neck in Wyoming County. While these new state parks were quickly opened following the announcement, they have not taken their final form. Before they can b…

1
Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163 56:30

6d ago56:30

56:30

Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163 On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, I’m excited to share our collab episode with GovLove Podcast, which we recorded live back in October at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference. This was our first live episode recording — with an audience. So, besides the obvious nerves that came alo…

1
Allegheny National Forest - A half-million acres of adventures 49:36

14d ago49:36

49:36

In the early 20th Century, Americans had become alarmed at the disappearing forests in the eastern United States. Whether through private land purchases, deforestation, mining or other activities, the beautiful forests of the east were vanishing. Where once stood primeval forests of giant eastern hemlocks now stood stumps. As a result, wildfires sp…

1
A School Year on Wheels 34:39

9d ago34:39

34:39

Have you ever dreamed of living on the road and exploring national parks for months at a time? One Minnesota couple uprooted their lives to go on a year-long adventure with their twin daughters, building a curriculum for their girls’ education at public lands around the country. How did they do it? This episode, we explore some of the joys and chal…

1
Episode Fifty One (SPECIAL EDITION)- "Together We are Wellness" at the 2024 Annual Wellness Summit 2:40:26

24d ago2:40:26

2:40:26

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. One of the most common challenges I hear from both patients and providers is that the health and wellness fields "operate in silos." When teams, departments, organizations, or individual providers work together, we can create the strongest and safest care systems. But how do we bridge the gap? How do w…

1
Things that go bump in Penn's Woods with the Ghost Furnace Podcast 1:37:22

28d ago1:37:22

1:37:22

On this – the Halloween episode – of the podcast, we’re going to be exploring the many tales of ghosts, creatures, hauntings, cryptid sightings, unexplained phenomenon, legends and folk tales that have a history in Pennsylvania’s parks and forests. From the ghost sightings at Greenwood Furnace State Park to the Kecksburg UFO incident in Forbes Stat…

1
Hickory Run State Park - Journey through prehistoric geology in the Poconos 51:53

1M ago51:53

51:53

Those visiting Hickory Run State Park in the Pocono Mountains should expect to see something they’ve never see before. In the northeast corner of the park, formed by millions of years of glacial movement is the Boulder Field. At 400 feet by 1,800 feet, this vast, rocky landscape is a geological marvel. The field is made up of tightly packed sandsto…

1
From Newcomer to Seasoned Professional: Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference — Episode 162 35:17

2M ago35:17

35:17

We are getting very excited to travel to Atlanta (in just one week!) to connect with thousands of our closest park and recreation friends at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference. And on today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who is local to the Atlanta area and might have some insider tips if you’ll be joining us next week. Jamiah Flagg, CPRP, is t…

1
The Woman Behind the Weekend 33:51

2M ago33:51

33:51

If you enjoy having time off on the weekend, you can thank the woman who standardized the 40-hour workweek and made the concept possible. Frances Perkins also created Social Security and unemployment insurance, banned child labor, and put many safety measures and workplace protections in place that we simply take for granted. Yet, few people know m…

1
Episode FIFTY- Season Two Harvest and Reflections with Mark and Steve 1:39:35

2M ago1:39:35

1:39:35

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over.” It is always tough to let go of a season of this podcast, the amazing guests and conversations, the continued learning and developing, and getting time to talk about such personally meaning…

1
Discover the wonderful world of mushrooms with the Philadelphia Mycology Club 55:54

2M ago55:54

55:54

There’s just something about mushrooms that so are cool. I can’t really explain it. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, often looking like they belong in a fairy tale or another planet. They transform any landscape with their mysterious, almost magical appearance. They are not plants or animals but belong to a fascinating kingdom of their o…

1
Roving Leaders: Decades of Empowering Youth in D.C. — Episode 161 30:22

2M ago30:22

30:22

On today’s episode, we welcome a superstar of out-of-school time programming! The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is making a huge impact on youth in the DC area through its weekly after-school group mentoring program, Roving Leaders. Among countless initiatives and opportunities that are part of the program, top of mind this time of ye…

1
Episode Forty Nine- A Life Built on Passion for the Outdoors with Orvis Director of Brand Content Phil Monahan 1:16:30

2M ago1:16:30

1:16:30

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. If I were to ask each of you what you want in life, you would undoubtedly give some variation of the same answer: “to be happy.” What makes us happy? Is it time with loved ones, traveling to exotic places, helping others, or a career built on passion and purpose? We know that purpose is one of the thre…

1
Breaking trails and building community with the Keystone Trails Association 59:20

2M ago59:20

59:20

This episode is sponsored by the Keystone Trails Association. Most people never know how much volunteer work goes into their favorite hiking trail. Countless hours are spent breaking trails, cutting back brush, moving rocks, building steps, preventing water erosion and blazing trails. Then, after the trail is built, even more hours are spent mainta…

1
In the Footsteps of Grizzlies 28:48

3M ago28:48

28:48

Since childhood, award-winning author Kevin Grange has been fascinated with one of the most fearsome and misunderstood predators on the continent: grizzly bears. His passion has taken him to remote and colorful destinations, and he has spent many long, rugged days following in the pawprints of grizzlies — and occasionally having those pawprints cha…

1
NRPA Annual Conference Tips for First-Time Attendees — Episode 160 27:33

3M ago27:33

27:33

In less than 40 days, thousands of park and recreation professionals from across the country will gather in Atlanta for the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference. This is, without a doubt, the best park and recreation conference you can attend — it’s filled with tons of amazing opportunities to learn, build your network, and of course, have a little fun with…

1
Episode Forty Eight-Learning to Lead with National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) President Sandy Colhoun 1:09:57

3M ago1:09:57

1:09:57

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. A foundational concept that touches all areas of life is leadership. Throughout our journey, we will lead and follow countless times, impacting and being impacted by those around us. Leadership is often defined by what leaders do, their capabilities and skills, how they treat those who follow them or t…

1
For the Love of Dog 35:21

3M ago35:21

35:21

Our pets are family, and when we travel, it only makes sense that we want to bring our dogs with us. Many national park sites are ideal places for our canine companions, with accessible trails and programs geared just for them — but not every site is a good choice for a dog, and many can present serious dangers to our pets. A new system-wide map an…

1
Timber! Harvesting history at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum 1:17:54

3M ago1:17:54

1:17:54

For thousands of years, the land that would become Pennsylvania was dominated by dense, ancient forests that stretched as far as the eye could see. Towering trees such as white oaks, chestnuts and hemlocks formed a vast green canopy that covered hundreds of miles. The forests were such an integral part of this landscape that it was named Pennsylvan…

1
From Access to Action: How We Can Thrive Like a Meadow — Episode 159 56:15

3M ago56:15

56:15

On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re excited to chat with someone very influential in the outdoor recreation industry who is doing a ton of good work to raise awareness about protecting our environment. Not only that, but he is also a leader when it comes to making the outdoors more equitable and accessible. José Gonzáles is the founder of…

1
Episode Forty Seven- Pediatrics and Prescribing Nature with Park Rx America Founder Dr. Robert Zarr 1:03:47

3M ago1:03:47

1:03:47

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Humans have always looked for new and innovative ways to treat illness and enhance health. Many continue to seek healthcare approaches that are not typically part of the standard medical systems we have become accustomed to. When we follow a non-conventional approach combined with traditional medicine,…

1
Poe Paddy and Poe Valley State Parks - Uncover rugged wilderness in Happy Valley 31:34

3M ago31:34

31:34

The vast majority of Pennsylvania’s state parks are easy to drive to. That’s one of the reasons our parks are so accessible to residents and visitors. They’re located on paved roads and can often be found just a few minutes from a highway. But then there are parks that are not so easy to get to. They’re the ones that can only be explored using grav…

1
Promoting Healthy Aging Through Tai Chi — Episode 158 1:03:10

4M ago1:03:10

1:03:10

As you may know, May was Older Americans Month, and NRPA celebrated by sharing how older adult programs in parks and recreation are making a big impact in communities across the country. On today’s episode, we’re excited to explore one of the most popular programs in NRPA’s Healthy Aging in Parks portfolio: Tai Chi. Through funding from the Centers…

1
Episode Forty Six-"The Way of the Guide" with Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Founder Amos Clifford 1:38:04

4M ago1:38:04

1:38:04

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Humans have always interacted with the natural world and relied on environments such as forests for shelter, food, and medicine. Cultures worldwide have started incorporating time in forests as part of therapeutic processes. Japanese healthcare systems have included the practice of shinrin-yoku (forest…

1
Forbes State Forest - Endless outdoor adventures in the Laurel Highlands 58:52

4M ago58:52

58:52

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 w…

1
It Takes a Village 36:47

4M ago36:47

36:47

Last month, several hundred people gathered in Greenwich Village to celebrate the opening of a new visitor center at Stonewall National Monument and to honor the movement Stonewall set in motion as the “birthplace for Pride.” Mark Segal is a longtime activist and journalist who participated in the momentous events that took place here in June 1969,…

1
Inclusive Adventures: Building Belonging Through Adaptive Recreation — Episode 157 38:15

4M ago38:15

38:15

As we continue to celebrate Park and Recreation Month, we’re excited to highlight a story that truly embodies our theme of “Where You Belong.” Today’s episode is all about ensuring opportunities to recreate and spend time in nature are available to all, regardless of ability. And, it’s perfect timing because July is also Disability Pride Month! We …

1
Episode Forty Five- Green Spaces and Happy Faces: Growing Mental Health in Nature with Dr. Matt Biel 1:19:07

4M ago1:19:07

1:19:07

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Mental health is a topic that we hear about often. Managing the mental dimension of wellness is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. It is estimated that nearly 20 million of our nation's young people can currently be diagnosed with a mental health disorde…

1
Moraine State Park - From ruined to reclaimed in less than 100 years 35:49

4M ago35:49

35:49

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, gra…

1
Fostering Belonging Through Community Theater — Episode 156 32:03

5M ago32:03

32:03

Happy Park and Recreation Month! On today’s episode, we’re excited to bring you a story that truly embodies this year’s theme of “Where You Belong.” Each year, the NRPA team hosts a cover contest to find a cover photo and story for the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine that supports the year’s theme, and this year’s winner is a gem. Today w…

1
Episode Forty Four- Growing in Nature with Children & Nature Network President and CEO Sarah Milligan-Toffler 1:21:29

5M ago1:21:29

1:21:29

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Humans have been innately connected to nature from the beginning of our species. Nature has served as the first teacher, providing countless lessons about life. Few things capture children's attention, imagination, and hearts like the natural world. Like most adults, children are spending much more tim…

1
Beltzville State Park - Beach, boating and beyond in the Poconos 56:26

5M ago56:26

56:26

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…

1
Before the Gate 42:25

5M ago42:25

42:25

On the remote Sea Islands of South Carolina, golf courses and gated developments are changing the rural character of some of the first African American-owned lands in the country. The Gullah/Geechee are the direct descendants of the enslaved people who once worked on the area's rice, cotton and indigo plantations; now, the island that serves as the…

1
Celebrating Pride: The Power of Partnership and Allyship — Episode 155 1:02:04

5M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Happy Pride Month! On today’s episode we’re discussing an important partnership in Nevada that provides safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to recreate outdoors, build a relationship with nature and build a sense of belonging. We learned about this partnership when Mihaela Genova, Volunteer Program Manager for Get Outdoors Nevada, submitted a phot…

1
Episode Forty Three- Ukulele Music and The Freedom to Love with Healthcare Professional and Musician Dr. Eddie Gammill 1:22:31

5M ago1:22:31

1:22:31

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Music is a fundamental attribute of our species, appearing in almost every culture throughout history. Whether or not we can keep tune or time, humans have continued to play, sing, and hum throughout the ages. The human brain can distinguish between music and other sounds. Research shows that our nervo…

1
How fireflies light up Pennsylvania's night skies with Dr. Sarah Lower 37:39

5M ago37:39

37:39

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. F…

1
Episode Forty Two- Following Passion and Environmental Education with NEEF CEO Sara Espinoza 1:10:46

6M ago1:10:46

1:10:46

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. One thing I know about humans and why we have thrived as a species is our love of learning. Education is a healthy activity that people of all ages can enjoy. Improving intellectual wellness looks different for each of us. For some, it is multiple degrees and certifications. For others, it is researchi…

1
Presque Isle State Park - Pennsylvania's Great Lake Getaway 48:11

6M ago48:11

48:11

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 a…

1
A Brief Shining Moment 28:23

6M ago28:23

28:23

They say the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas... but what about the middle of the day? Not just any day—in this episode, we experience the recent total solar eclipse at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and discover how the history of this Hill Country ranch connects it to the night sky and the heyday of the U.S…

1
Episode Forty One- Adversity and The Power of Swimming with Paralympic World Record Holder Elizabeth Marks 1:18:16

6M ago1:18:16

1:18:16

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Swimming is one of our most popular recreational activities. It is a healthy, low-impact movement that we can continue throughout life. Aside from being a lot of fun, swimming is a great way to enhance health and wellness holistically. The mental health benefits of swimming include a release of endorph…

1
Michaux State Forest - Exploring Pennsylvania’s 'cradle of forestry' in the Appalachian Mountains 22:29

6M ago22:29

22:29

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 ye…

1
Building Belonging: Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part 2) — Episode 154 59:14

6M ago59:14

59:14

As you may recall, our final episode of 2023 was part one of our conversation around neurodiversity and parks and recreation. It was a wonderful conversation with Kande Jones, the Development Director for Mulvane Recreation Commission, and Dave McDaniel, the Operations Coordinator for City of Mobile Parks and Recreation about their experience as ne…

1
Episode Forty- Nature, Mental Health, and the Power of the Written Word with Poet and Wellness Advocate Jennifer Gordon 1:27:34

7M ago1:27:34

1:27:34

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. The written word has always been a distinct part of the human experience, capturing our history and creating beautiful stories to escape into. Some of the earliest discovered writings were poetry, with many celebrating the natural world as its muse. Humans have a complex and symbiotic relationship with…

1
Benjamin Rush State Park - Cultivating community through gardening 33:43

7M ago33:43

33:43

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 t…

1
Holding Back the Sea 31:35

7M ago31:35

31:35

At first glance, American Samoa feels like an idyllic, tropical South Pacific paradise where life has changed very little in the past century. But residents have been struggling with the pronounced effects of climate change and other serious challenges. Samoan beaches are visibly eroding, heat and salt water are affecting residents’ ability to grow…

1
Episode Thirty Nine- Pedaling Through History with "The Bicycle Nomad" Erick Cedeño 1:14:24

7M ago1:14:24

1:14:24

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Cycling is a healthy, low-impact activity that people of all ages can enjoy. Cycling has been proven to improve strength and flexibility, build coordination and balance, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, foster social connection, strengthen the immune system, and enhance cardiovascular health.…

1
Getting hooked on fishing with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission 1:19:06

7M ago1:19:06

1:19:06

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 fur…

1
Episode Thirty Eight- Healthy Parks for Healthy People with National Parks Service Public Health Director Captain Sara Newman 1:21:52

8M ago1:21:52

1:21:52

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. What if we told you that there was a healthcare system of over 400 locations that manages more than 325 million people each year and offers resources that are proven to positively impact every dimension of your health and well-being, with an annual cost (for unlimited visits) of less than $100...if not…

1
Embracing Leave No Trace principles with Ben Lawhon of Sawtooth Outdoor Education 59:25

8M ago59:25

59:25

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 prin…

1
Creating a World Where Humanity Stands Out — Episode 153 43:28

8M ago43:28

43:28

On today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who has been making a big impact in the larger outdoor industry for a while now. Teresa Baker, founder of In Solidarity Project, is an outdoor enthusiast focusing on community engagement, creating events that encourage people to venture outdoors responsibly, and learning about our open spaces and what …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

National Parks Conservation Association Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide

zproxy.org