Best Christian Alexandersen Podcasts (2025)

When people think about history, especially armed conflicts, many picture dusty textbooks, old maps and long-forgotten generals. But here in Pennsylvania, history isn’t just words on a page—it’s written into the very ground beneath our feet. From the rolling hills of Gettysburg, where the fate of a nation turned in just three days, to the banks of …

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Connecting communities through conservation with the South Mountain Partnership 1:03:14

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29d ago1:03:14

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When you stand on the ridgeline of South Mountain and look out across the valleys, you see more than just trees and farmland. You see orchards stretching toward the horizon, you see trails that have carried travelers for centuries and you see small, thriving towns that grew out of rocky soil. This beautiful ridgeline is the northern terminus of the…

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Hyner Run & Hyner View State Parks - Uncover adventure in the forest & in the clouds 43:59

1M ago43:59

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When you stand at the edge of Hyner View State Park, it feels like Pennsylvania has stretched itself out just for you. Rolling mountains covered in endless green, the West Branch of the Susquehanna winding far below, and a sky so wide it makes you want to take flight. In fact, people do—Hyner View is one of the state’s most famous hang-gliding spot…

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Hidden heroes of Pennsylvania’s bat conservation and rehabilitation efforts 31:47

2M ago31:47

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As the sun dips below the tree line and the night sky takes over, a quiet but critical process begins above our heads. Tiny silhouettes flit through the dark, weaving between branches and barn rafters, doing the work of a thousand pesticides—silently, efficiently and for free. These are Pennsylvania’s bats, and despite their bad reputation in folkl…

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Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve - America's only native plant museum 1:04:41

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While most of the places we feature on this podcast are either a state park or forest, this episode is about something a little different. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is not just a garden or a park. It’s a sanctuary. A living, breathing tribute to Pennsylvania’s native plants and the ecosystems they support. Founded in the early 1930s, Bowman…

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Watching over the waters with the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper 48:44

3M ago48:44

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Stretching 444 miles from New York through Pennsylvania and into Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay the Susquehanna River is one of the oldest rivers in the world. And while it served generations as fertile hunting and fishing grounds and trade and transportation routes, it took American industries a couple hundred or so years to nearly destroy it. Like alw…

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Shikellamy State Park - Where cultures and currents converge 30:35

3M ago30:35

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High above the meeting point of two mighty rivers, where the Susquehanna splits into its North and West Branches, stands Shikellamy State Park. Perched on a forested bluff in central Pennsylvania, this park offers more than just scenic overlooks. It’s a gateway to the natural beauty, cultural history and outdoor adventure of the Susquehanna River V…

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Chasing Pennsylvania waterfalls with Uncovering PA's Jim Cheney 33:47

4M ago33:47

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When it comes to rewarding outdoor experiences, there are few things that can compete with seeing a waterfall. There’s just so much to enjoy. The mesmerizing sight of water cascading over rocks, the soothing sound of its rhythmic splash and the refreshing touch of mist in the air. No matter if the waterfall is five stories or five feet, they’re a w…

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Here's how Pennsylvania fights nearly 2,000 wildfires every year 48:09

4M ago48:09

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Michaux State Forest is the place I spend the most time outdoors. Located about 30 miles from where I live, it’s where I hike and camp. It’s where I bring visitors to show off the South Mountain region. It’s where I breath in fresh air and explore the beauty of the Commonwealth. It’s my safe place away from the goings-on of Harrisburg. But that saf…

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Clear Creek State Forest - Endless adventures through unbroken wilderness 1:00:00

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Tucked away in the rugged hills of northwestern Pennsylvania, Clear Creek State Forest offers a peaceful escape into one of the Commonwealth’s most scenic and secluded natural areas. Spread across thousands of acres, this forest is a haven for nature lovers, where trails wind through towering hardwoods, crystal-clear streams carve their way through…

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On Pennsylvania parks, forests and friendships with DCNR's Wes Robinson 52:58

5M ago52:58

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I’ve known my guest Wes Robinson for more than a decade, beginning when we started at our new jobs together at PennLive/The Patriot News. When it comes to friends, I tend to seek out fun, critical thinkers. Someone that can challenge me and make me laugh. Someone who will get right to the line and roundly cross it. Someone who has a strong moral ch…

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Point State Park - From military stronghold to Pittsburgh's downtown gem 45:26

6M ago45:26

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Point State Park stands as the crowned jewel of downtown Pittsburgh. It is a lush, 36-acre greenspace nestled at the historic confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers, where the mighty Ohio River is born. Point State Park is a focal point for community gatherings, festivals and celebrations. It provides sweeping views of the city’s skylin…

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Snacks solve everything and other backpacking tips with Tory Mather 1:15:21

6M ago1:15:21

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Many of us find our love for the outdoors the same way – with a hike. A short jaunt into the woods that brings us in touch with nature. But soon, short hikes just won’t do. There’re too many people. Too many screaming kids. Too much car traffic. So, the only logical next step is to take longer hikes. 2 miles turns into 5 miles, turns into 10 miles.…

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Susquehannock State Park - Breathtaking views of the Lower Susquehanna River 33:04

7M ago33:04

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The best part about having 124 state parks to explore in Pennsylvania is the variety. Each park is special in its own way. Each park offers a natural feature, a trail, a view, a piece of local history, or something that makes it stand out from others. You’ve got the old growth forests at Cook Forest State Park. The waterfalls at Ricketts Glen State…

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Grab your boots, bike and kayak! Take Huntingdon County's trails for your next adventure 49:11

7M ago49:11

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In the heart of Central Pennsylvania lies a true outdoor recreation paradise. If you're looking for adventure, Huntingdon County delivers—hiking, biking, paddling, and breathtaking views at every turn. Whether you’re trekking through Rothrock State Forest, paddling on Raystown Lake or taking in the stunning views from the Standing Stone Trail, ther…

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Canoe Creek State Park - Where endangered bats thrive and industrial ruins remain 26:58

8M ago26:58

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Tucked away just outside of Hollidaysburg, Canoe Creek State Park is underrated treasure. It’s got a little bit of everything to keep visitors busy, interested and engaged. It’s location also makes it the perfect homebase for weekends visiting Altoona, Holidaysburg and so much more. I’m looking forward to getting back to Canoe Creek State Park with…

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Rediscovering Pennsylvania's conservation legacy with author Allen Dieterich-Ward 1:30:40

8M ago1:30:40

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For generations, Pennsylvanians have been at the forefront of conservation movements that have shaped the United States. Pennsylvanians like Gifford Pinchot, Joseph Rothrock, J Horace McFarland and Rachel Carson have had immeasurable impacts on our natural world. They’ve helped protect our forests, create state parks, beautify our cities and warn a…

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Developing future foresters with the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps 54:42

8M ago54:42

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When taking a hike, people don’t often think about everything it takes to keep trails operational. The bridge building, the trail restoration, the habitat enhancement, the invasive species management and so on. The work often goes unseen. And if you don’t spend much time thinking about the work that takes place, even less time is spent thinking abo…

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Cook Forest State Park – Forest Cathedral of ancient trees offers peaceful retreat 48:17

9M ago48:17

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It’s 1910 and Anthony Wayne Cook has just inherited his family’s land. Over the last 80 years, the Cook family had made their money off the land. It started with his grandfather John Cook - who purchased the land in 1828. He built a sawmill on the property to process the timber he was harvesting from the forest. Andrew Cook – Anthony’s father - wou…

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Ricketts Glen State Park - Experience Pennsylvania's premiere waterfall destination 27:49

9M ago27:49

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In the 1930s, a beautiful forest in northeast Pennsylvania was set to become a national park. Which made sense. The area was special, even to those that purchased the land to timber it. In a time when forests across the Commonwealth were being clear cut to feed the growing nation of raw materials, this forest received some reprieve. As a result, 30…

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Hemlocks to Hellbenders Season 3 Trailer 1:27

10M ago1:27

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Welcome, fellow explorers. My name is Christian Alexandersen and I’m the host of Hemlocks to Hellbenders, a podcast highlighting Pennsylvania’s parks, forests and great outdoors. We have an incredible lineup of parks, forests, guests and topics that we will be exploring during our third season in 2025. Park and forest managers, outdoor educators, h…

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

11M ago49:15

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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…

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

11M ago49:36

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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…

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

12M ago1:37:22

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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…

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

1y ago51:53

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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…

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

1y ago55:54

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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…

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

1y ago59:20

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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…

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

1y ago1:17:54

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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…

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

1y ago31:34

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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…

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

1y ago58:52

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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 w…

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

1y ago35:49

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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, gra…

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

1+ y ago56:26

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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…

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

1+ y ago37:39

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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. F…

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

1+ y ago48:11

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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 a…

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

1+ y ago22:29

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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 ye…

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

1+ y ago33:43

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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…

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

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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…

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

1+ y ago59:25

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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…

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Dude, where’s the sun? Experiencing Pennsylvania’s total solar eclipse 26:49

1+ y ago26:49

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On April 8, 2024 Pennsylvanians will have the opportunity to see something special. Something that’s not been seen in our commonwealth since January 1925. – nearly 100 years ago. From about 3:15 to 3:20 the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light. A total solar eclipse. This eclipse will cross 15 states in North Ameri…

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Black Moshannon State Park - Charting a course through wilderness and wetlands 30:24

1+ y ago30:24

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It’s difficult for me to pick what I like most about Black Moshannon State Park. It’s a struggle I face every time I recommend this wonderful park to friends - which is often. I’ll go from talking about the incredible camping and cabin opportunities to swooning about the park’s lake and bog. Then I get going about the abundance of wildlife. And the…

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Oil Creek State Park - Much more than the birthplace of the American oil industry 28:34

1+ y ago28:34

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It’s the spring of 1858. Colonel Edwin Drake from New York is hired by the Seneca Oil Company to investigate suspected oil deposits in Titusville, Pennsylvania. While the existence of petroleum oil was known, there no considerable market for the material. After months of work, Drake had little to show for his efforts. Undeterred, Drake took out a $…

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A beginners guide to birding with Jason Hall of the In Color Birding Club 1:29:29

1+ y ago1:29:29

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Whether you’re hiking ancient forests or picnicking in an urban park, birds are all around us. From the common pigeon on a Philly stoop to a bald eagle soaring above the Susquehanna River, the avian world is vast in Pennsylvania. Birding is the observation of birds in their natural habitats. Often seen as a hobby for old fogies, the activity has go…

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Preserving paradise with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation 59:42

1+ y ago59:42

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When it comes to our parks and forests, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources can only do so much. There’s too much trail maintenance, invasive species removal, education programs and other things that must be done to complete it all That’s where the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation steps in. Since 1999, the Pen…

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Delaware Canal State Park - Take a 59-mile towpath through history & nature 40:36

1+ y ago40:36

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Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s coal region, Delaware Canal State Park stands as a testament to the intertwining of history and nature. Stretching almost 59 miles from Easton to Bristol along the Delaware River, this park is made up of a tapestry of landscapes that begs to be explored by foot, bike and boat. You can spend a lifetime explorin…

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Cherry Springs State Park - Spend a night in the stars 41:45

2y ago41:45

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Located in Potter County, Cherry Springs State Park is home to some of the darkest night skies on the East Coast. Astronomers and stargazers from all over the country flock to this small park just to look up at the stars. The darkness of the area and the clarity found in the sky makes Chery Springs perhaps the last best refuge of the natural night …

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Hemlocks to Hellbenders Season 2 Trailer 1:08

2y ago1:08

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We’re building on the success of our first season with even more great guests and great stories for our second season in 2024. This season we’re going to be hearing from park and forest managers, conservationists, biologists, environmental educators, volunteers and lots more. Experts in their fields will be speaking to us about our public lands, co…

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A Conversation with PA DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn 1:13:44

2y ago1:13:44

1:13:44

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is a gigantic operation. As the largest public landowner in the Commonwealth, DCNR manages millions of acres of land – including 124 state parks and 20 state forests. But it doesn’t end there. DCNR also manages everything on those millions of acres. There’s the buildings, education c…

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Helping the hungry with Hunters Sharing the Harvest 32:42

2y ago32:42

32:42

When a hunter enters a forest with their bow or gun, there’s a good chance they won’t get a deer. So, you would expect those few that are able to successful hunt a deer to keep the meat for themselves. To feed their families and fill their freezers with the venison they harvested. But that’s not the case. Every year, hundreds of thousands of pounds…

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Tuscarora & Locust Lake State Parks - Lakeside retreats in the mountains 31:18

2y ago31:18

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Throughout this season we’ve featured parks on an individual basis. My thinking has been that every park should have its own episode, letting each park shine on its own. But what if there are parks that are so connected to one another that they shouldn’t be separated? That brings us to Tuscarora and Locust Lake State Parks. They are both managed by…