Folgen
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For a long time, there’s been this mostly unspoken rule that “real” outdoor experiences have to be rugged. You’ve got to rough it, hike ten miles in the rain, sleep on the ground and eat beans from a can — or else it somehow doesn’t count.
Luckily, that’s changing. More and more people are discovering that you don’t have to give up comfort to connect with the outdoors. Here in Pennsylvania – especially in state parks - that change has been evident. Instead of only offering tent sites, state parks have cottages, cabins, yurts and other accommodations. Many offer amenities like stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, tables and chairs.
No longer are you forced to pack up everything you own for a weekend in the woods. You can book a comfortable accommodation AND still be in nature. However, these upgraded accommodations still have rubbed people the wrong way.
It isn’t “real’ camping. What does that even mean anyway? Real camping? Does it mean sleeping on the ground. Waking up with a sore back and condensation in the tent. Cold and miserable. No thanks.
It’s that sort of attitude that I despise in the outdoors. You’re not a real hiker unless. You’re not a real hunter unless. You’re not really camping unless. It’s such a pointless and divisive way of thinking.
Thankfully, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources does not think that way. They are more considered with getting people outdoors and meeting them where they are in their outdoor recreation journey. As opposed to bending them to their will.
That’s why I was so excited when they announced in 2025 that they were partnering with Timberline Glamping Company to bring glamping to seven Pennsylvania state parks in 2026. The public would have the chance to reserve one of the 54 fully outfitted sites —no gear needed.
Glamping will be available in Pymatuning, Hills Creek, Promised Land, Hickory Run, French Creek, Codorus and Laurel Hill State Parks.
Timberline will provide the beds, heat, air conditioning, coffee maker, linens, pillows and comfortable accommodations. All you have to bring is an open mind and a sense of adventure.
These wonderful glamping spots are creating space for everyone to experience the magic of nature in their own way. By making the outdoors accessible for everyone- from people who don’t own camping gear to those physically unable to sleep in a tent - glamping is opening doors, breaking down barriers and reimagining what it means to “get outside.”
Because nature belongs to all of us — whether you’re sleeping under the stars or under a heated canopy.
On this episode I speak with Nathan and Rebeka Self, founders of Timberline Glamping Company, and Kaitlyn Gundersen-Thorpe, manager of the French Creek State Park Complex.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis -
In Pennsylvania, every state park has its purpose. Allegheny Islands shows people what undeveloped islands once looked like on the river. Colton Point features stunning views of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. And Pine Grove Furnace highlights the iron making industry crucial to Pennsylvania and America’s growth.
But are there any places set aside for learning and study. As it turns out, there is. One such place is Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center.
Located in Berks County, Nolde Forest was established as the first environmental education center operated by DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks in the 1970s. It is dedicated to helping visitors and community members develop sound environmental ethics based upon science.
The park has provided a wide variety of nature-based educational programs for students, teachers, organizations and families. Students take part in guided, hands-on activities that let them explore unique ecosystems and deepen their awareness, appreciation and understanding of the natural environment.
Nolde Forest also functions as an outdoor laboratory for biologists, college students and natural resource professionals conducting a wide range of environmental studies and research projects. Topics that have been studied in the park include everything from water quality and songbirds to small mammals and reptiles.
But I know what you’re thinking, “Christian, bubbie, I’m not a child or a scientist. Is there anything for me there?” Don’t worry, I got you, player.
As much as Nolde Forest is about serious study and learning, it also about recreation. The park has hiking trails, historic structures, ponds, streams and more to explore.
On this episode, I speak with Brent Erb. Brent is the center manager at Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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Fehlende Folgen?
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One of the strangest things about getting older has been the shift in my interests. Despite being intensely curious as a kid, I never cared about nature growing up. I didn’t climb trees or capture bugs or explore creeks.
But as I’ve gotten older all that’s changed. Which has made me feel like I’m constantly catching up to those that spent their early lives trekking through the woods, paddling on rivers and exploring the natural world.
I often think to myself, “Am I too old to start learning how to identify trees? What’s the point of birding if it’s going to take me 20 years to catch up? Is it sad that I do a podcast about nature while still knowing so little about it?” A little imposter syndrome mixed in there, of course.
Luckily, my positive self-talk tamps those thoughts down long enough to embrace my curiosity. And since I’ve spent so much time outside, I’ve found more subjects I want to learn about. One of those topics is geology.
Who else can relate to walking around and finding a cool looking rock or fossil and thinking, “I wonder what this is?” I know I do it all the time.
You can’t spend much time in Pennsylvania without running into examples of incredible geology. From the Appalachian and Allegheny Mountains to the Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers, Pennsylvania is packed with geologic features.
State parks like Leonard Harrison, Ricketts Glen, Worlds End, McConnells Mill and Hickory Run are just a few state lands that have unique rocks, boulders, minerals, fossils and cliffs on full, beautiful display. Quartz, slate, shale, limestone, sandstone and marble are woven throughout the Commonwealth.
And they can be found, literally, everywhere. Under our feet and above our heads. On the sides of the road and in the middle of forests. Rocks are just cool. But, as I’ve said, I don’t know very much about them. So I wanted to interview someone who did.
On this episode I speak with Russell Losco. Russ is a soil scientist & geologist adjunct professor at West Chester University and the host of the PCPG's A Poorly Sorted but Well Rounded Series.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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Graphics: Matt Davis -
What is it that makes a state park special? It’s a question I’ve asked my self countless times since I began exploring Pennsylvania’s public lands in 2021.
For some it’s deep, meaningful history to indigenous cultures, to early settlers or even to industry. For others its beautiful features like waterfalls, old growth forests and scenic vistas. And for many it’s the landscapes that allow them to hike, bike, paddle, birdwatch, hunt, fish and more.
For me, I’ve found that parks I deem special share a lot of these components. I want some history. I want something beautiful to look at. And I want a park that provides me with the opportunity to explore and discover.
One of those places for me is Salt Springs State Park. Located less than 10 miles from the New York border, Salt Springs State Park is special. Now, I can’t guarantee YOU will find it special, but I think it’s pretty damn cool.
Here’s a quick list of some of thing things I think are special that we’ll delve further into this episode. It’s got an old growth forest, three waterfalls, meadows, historic buildings, pre-colonial and early-American history, fascinatin geology, hiking trails, camping and so much more.
But best of all, it’s in the middle of nowhere. So your hikes won’t be disturbed by road noise and it’s likely you wont find a crowded park. Wouldn’t that be nice for a change.
Salt Springs State Park is special and it should be near the top of your list if it’s not already. Yes, it’s a bit of a drive depending on where you live, but the best places are always worth the extra time it takes to get there.
On this episode, I speak with Lee Dillon. Lee is the manager of the Lackawanna State Park Complex which includes Salt Springs State Park.
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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 the Brandywine, where the Revolutionary War nearly lost its footing, to the quiet frontier where settlers clashed in the Whiskey Rebellion—Pennsylvania has been a crossroads for some of the most important struggles in American history.
In fact, you can’t tell the history of America without looking at the battles that scarred Pennsylvania’s landscape. When hatchets, arrows, bullets, swords and cannons left thousands of dead bodies on what was once was peaceful forests and fields.
It’s also true that you can’t tell the stories of Pennsylvania’s parks, forests and public lands without looking at the battles that shaped our history. Places like Point State Park, Washington Crossing State Park and Fort Necessity National Battlefield are just a couple of the public lands that we can enjoy and appreciate today.
Not to mention places like Colonel Denning State Park, Francis Slocum State Park and Ricketts Glen State Park which are named after influential service members and survivors of battles. The very parks we visit, trails we hike and sites we explore have meaning. And it’s important that we know about these hallowed grounds.
Now I understand that history is not for everyone. But I think it’s all in how you learn about it. History isn’t just about battle lines, troop movements and bloody war stories. It’s so much more than that.
It’s about ordinary people—farmers, shopkeepers, immigrants, and families—whose lives were upended by battles happening in their backyards. It’s about how communities responded to chaos, how a landscape carried on the memory of those lost and how the echoes of cannon fire shaped the Pennsylvania we live in today.
So even if you don’t think you’re a “history person,” stick around. Because the battles that happened here aren’t just about the past—they’re about understanding the public lands we have right now.
On this episode, I speak with Brady Crytzer. Brady teaches history at Robert Morris University and is the author of several books about Pennsylvania history.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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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 Blue Ridge Mountains, a billion-year old mountain range that stretches 550 miles across eight states.
South Mountain isn’t just a line on a map—it’s the beating heart of south-central Pennsylvania. But here’s the thing: landscapes like this don’t stay special on their own. They face pressures from development, from climate change, from people loving them a little too much—or sometimes not enough.
That’s where the South Mountain Partnership comes in. The organization serves as a public-private partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Over time, it’s grown into an alliance of citizens, businesses, non-profits, academic institutions, and local, state and federal government agencies and officials collaborating to envision and secure a sustainable future for the South Mountain landscape.
This unique coalition is working together to protect not just the forests and farms, but the culture, the history and the very sense of place that makes South Mountain what it is. Because when you talk about protecting a landscape, you’re really talking about protecting people’s lives, their heritage and their future.
And in South Mountain, all those things are tightly bound together.
On this episode, I speak with Katie Hess and Julia Chain. Katie is the director and Julia is the program manager at the South Mountain Partnership.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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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 spots, where the bold launch themselves into the open air. I’ve been fortunate enough to see gliders taking off from the park’s summit and it is a sight to behold.
While the Hyner View is beautiful no matter the time of year, in autumn it becomes a colorful masterpiece. The endless ridges fade into the horizon and are set ablaze with fiery reds, glowing oranges and warm golds, as if the mountains themselves are smoldering. From the overlook, you can watch the Susquehanna carve its way through the valley below.
Hyner View provides my favorite view in all of the Commonwealth. If I’m within an hour of the park, I must stop just to take in the breathtaking view of the Pennsylvania Wilds.
But Hyner isn’t just about the view. Just a few miles down the road, Hyner Run State Park offers a quieter, more grounded escape. The park feels like one of those secret spots you stumble upon and instantly want to keep to yourself. Tucked in a narrow valley, the park wrapped in trees make you feel protected from the world outside its boundaries.
A cool mountain stream winds through the valley, drawing families to its swimming pool in summer and anglers to its trout-filled waters in spring. Trails climb from the valley floor into the surrounding forest, offering quiet paths where deer slip through the underbrush and birdsong replaces the hum of traffic.
Hyner Run is a place where camping, hiking, and simple stillness come together. Together, these two parks tell a story of contrast—one that lifts you into the sky, and another that brings you back to the forest.
On this episode, I speak with Ian Loewen. Ian is the environmental education specialist for Hyner Run and Hyner View State Parks.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
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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 folklore and films, they’re some of the hardest-working—and most misunderstood—members of our ecosystem.
Bats matter more than most people realize. These nocturnal mammals play a critical role in keeping our environment balanced. They eat thousands of insects every night—mosquitoes, moths, beetles and other crop-damaging pests—saving farmers millions of dollars and helping reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
While bats may be stealthy in the sky, their struggles are becoming increasingly visible on the ground. Populations have plummeted in recent years due to threats like habitat loss, climate change and —perhaps most devastating of all—White-nose Syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that’s wiped-out entire colonies across the Northeast.
Though these creatures are vital, there aren’t a ton of local people and organizations working to protect these essential creatures in Pennsylvania. There are even fewer helping bats that have been injured or impacted.
That’s where Pennsylvania Bat Conservation and Rehabilitation steps in.
They provide rescue and rehabilitation support for bats that are brought to their facility. Their staff and volunteers have committed much of their lives to helping re-introduce bats back into the wild. Once reintroduced, these bats can continue their incredible work in nature.
But caring for bats can be a difficult and costly endeavor. There are few grants available and finding volunteers to help with such misunderstood creatures can be challenging. So that means we must do whatever we can to help Pennsylvania Bat Rescue and Rehabilitation.
Donations. Sponsorships. Volunteers. Anything we can do to help.
In fact, I am pledging a $100 donation to the organization to help with their important work. This money comes from podcast sticker and magnet purchases listeners have made over the last couple of years. So please, do what you can.
On this episode I speak with Stephanie Stronsick. Stephanie is the founder and director of Pennsylvania Bat Conservation and Rehabilitation.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
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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’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is the nation’s only accredited native plant museum. Today, it boasts over 700 native plant species—each one telling its own story of survival, adaptation and connection.
This isn't your average wildflower walk. When you step onto the trails here, you're transported through time and terrain—from spring ephemerals peeking through forest floors to late summer blooms lighting up sunny meadows. The preserve’s landscape is as diverse as its mission is vital: to inspire the appreciation and use of native plants by serving as a sanctuary, nursery and educational center.
The preserve’s role in education and community outreach is unquestionable. It serves as a living classroom for children and adults alike, fostering curiosity and stewardship in the next generation of conservation-minded Pennsylvanians.
For many, a visit to Bowman’s Hill is the start of a lifelong love affair with native plants and the wild places they represent.
So whether you're a seasoned botanist, a backyard gardener, or someone who just enjoys a peaceful walk in the woods, Bowman’s Hill is for you. Because in a world that often feels loud, fast, and disconnected, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve offers something rare: a chance to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the extraordinary beauty in the plants that have always been here.
On this episode, I spoke with Peter Couchman. Peter is the executive director of Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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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
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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 always, it took a dedicated group of people to speak up and make changes that would save the river.
One of the voices speaking on behalf of the river belongs to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper—an advocate, a watchdog and a tireless defender of one of the most important watersheds in the United States.
The volunteer organization protects and promotes the Susquehanna River, its tributaries and the aquatic ecosystem it supports across an 11,000-square-mile watershed defined by the North and West branches of the river.
Their passion for clean water and public engagement is reshaping how communities interact with their local waterways.
What sets the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper apart isn’t just advocacy—it’s education. Their floating classroom program, citizen science initiatives, and water quality monitoring efforts are all about empowering people to become stewards of their environment. Because protecting a river starts with understanding it.
The Susquehanna River faces a number of continued threats; from outdated infrastructure and agricultural runoff to industrial discharges and invasive species. These aren't distant, abstract problems—they're real challenges that affect real people.
And the Riverkeeper are on the frontlines, combining data, public pressure and policy to push for meaningful change. But this work isn’t all warnings and water samples. It's also about joy—about reconnecting people with their rivers, creeks and lakes.
On this episode, I speak with John Zaktansky. John is the executive director of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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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 Valley.
Shikellamy State Park is a place where geography and heritage intersect. The story of the park and the story of the Native American tribes that called it home are forever intertwined. In the 1700s, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy took control of the surrounding area.
Nearby Shamokin – whose name means “the Place of Eels” - was one of the most important Indigenous cities in Pennsylvania during that time. The resident Haudenosaunee welcomed tribes including the Conestoga, Conoy, Nanticoke, Tuscarora, Lenape and the Shawnee displaced by settlers.
The French and Indian War, the American Revolution and the purchase of the land by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania forced many of the Indigenous people in Pennsylvania to move west or north.
The park – which is made of up two separate sections – held numerous purposes over the years. It was an air strip, homestead, farm, “pleasure ground,” amusement center and hotel before becoming a state park in 1962.
Shikellamy State Park’s two distinct areas is the marina along the river in Sunbury, and the scenic overlook high on the bluff in Northumberland. Each area offers a different experience—from peaceful boating and fishing on the Susquehanna to breathtaking vistas of the valley below. It's a rare park that invites you both to explore water-level wilderness and to rise above it all for a bird’s-eye view.
Shikellamy’s unique location has made it a hub for both recreation and reflection—a place where families come to picnic, hikers go to find solitude, and birders gather to catch sight of bald eagles soaring over the river.
But Shikellamy isn't just about quiet beauty—it’s about connection. The park sits at the crossroads of culture, drawing in people from nearby towns and beyond. Whether it’s for community events, wildlife watching at the overlook, or simply taking a moment to breathe in the valley air, visitors come here to feel grounded.
There’s a rhythm to this park—seasonal, historical, natural. Spring floods give way to summer sun, and autumn paints the hills in brilliant reds and golds. And in every season, Shikellamy offers a chance to see the world from a new perspective—both literally and figuratively.
On this episode, I speak with Ben Bender. Ben is the park manager of the Shikellamy State Park complex.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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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 wonderful sight in nature.
And luckily, Pennsylvania has a lot of beautiful waterfalls. We’ve got all sorts here. We got big ones, small ones, ones that can be found all year long, ones that only be seen after a big rain. Ones that roar like freight trains and ones that tinkle like wind chimes.
We have waterfalls all over the Commonwealth. From Cucumber Falls in Fayette County to Ganoga Falls in Luzerne County. You can see waterfalls easily from your car or hike miles into the forest to explore them away from the crowds. We have something for everyone. And while TLC famously told us not to go chasing waterfalls, I implore you to.
But having so many options can be dauting for some. Where do I start? Where should I visit first? When is the best season to see them?
I don’t know. So I decided to find someone who did. And we could not have gotten a better guest for an episode on our majestic waterfalls than this episode’s expert.
On this episode, I speak with Jim Cheney. Jim is the creator of Uncovering PA and the author of “Waterfalls of Pennsylvania.”
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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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 safety was shattered in April 2025. I received text messages from friends telling me that Michaux was on fire. Then, news came that there were two fires. And they were spreading. With wind and no rain in the forecast it became evident that the situation could get bad quickly.
Over the following two weeks, I’d see photos and videos of the fires spreading across the forest I loved. Friends were evacuated from their homes. Roads were closed. Massive clouds of smoke billowed across the area. People were scared. The beautiful landscape I loved was on fire and there was nothing I could do but watch.
But thanks to incredibly brave firefighters and with a little help from the weather, the Thompson Hollow and Hammond Rocks fires were extinguished in 14 days. Over 150 fire companies from 10 Pennsylvania and Maryland counties battled the blaze. Approximately 2,700 acres were destroyed by the wildfires.
Luckily, no homes or private property was damaged and only two people suffered minor injuries.
And, predictably, a determination was made that the fires were human caused, like 99 percent of all wildfires.
Here’s the thing. While the situation was scary for many in the area – even for us 40 minutes from the fires – this is a common occurrence in Pennsylvania. There’s between 1,000 and 2,000 wildfires every year in Commonwealth. And the majority of those wildfires occur in the spring.
These fires so close to home was a sobering reminder of the ever-present danger of wildfires. With Michaux still charred from the fires, I wanted to know more about wildfires and the wildland firefighters that have to put them out.
On this episode, I speak with Mike Kern. Mike is the Chief Forest Fire Warden for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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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 valleys and wildlife flourishes in every direction.
Whether you're wandering through old-growth forests, casting a line in the Clarion River, or simply soaking in the stillness of the woods, Clear Creek invites you to slow down and reconnect with the wild beauty of Pennsylvania.
One of the forest’s most compelling features is its sense of solitude. Unlike some of the busier parks and forests in the state, Clear Creek often feels like a well-kept secret—offering quiet trails and remote backcountry campsites that let visitors truly immerse themselves in nature
Hikers can explore paths where they might stumble upon deer, wildflowers, or remnants of Pennsylvania’s logging past. And in autumn, the forest puts on a breathtaking show of fiery reds, oranges, and golds that reflect off the water and blanket the hillsides. But really, every season is spectacular in Clear Creek State Forest.
From kayaking and fishing to hunting and wildlife photography, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the land. More than just beautiful scenery, Clear Creek State Forest is a place to reunite—with nature, with yourself, or with loved ones.
For many, the real draw of Clear Creek lies in its unspoiled charm—a reminder that some of the best places in Pennsylvania are still those where the only sound is the wind through the trees and the rush of a mountain stream.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you why Pennsylvania is such a special place for outdoor recreation—a landscape shaped by time, preserved with care and waiting to be discovered.
On this episode, I speak with Miles Valchar. Miles is the timber management and outdoor recreation forester at Clear Creek State Forest.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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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 DavisSupport 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 -
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 character and a diabolical sense of humor.
After I left journalism, I worked to bring Wes with me to the Pennsylvania Senate. He joined me at the Capitol for several years. We’d see each other at press conferences, events and at our semi-regular “journalism survivors guild” lunch.
Then in 2021, Wes took an amazing opportunity to become the press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
During that same time, I decided to run a mile in all then 121 Pennsylvania State Parks. So, as I was discovering the outdoors, Wes was doing much of the same thing professionally.
Wes was one of only three people to joined me on my 121 In 21 Challenge. On a sweltering day in July, Wes ran one mile at seven state parks with me. It was yet another example of him being a great supporter and going the extra mile – so to speak – for a friend.
As I was developing this podcast in 2022, I knew its success depended on whether I could get guests. From the very beginning, Wes worked hard to make sure I was able to find guests that would highlight our amazing outdoor spaces.
Wes is the sort of person that loves seeing his friends succeed. And he’ll do as much as he can to introduce you to the right people, send the email to the right organization or bring you along to a networking event. Not to curry favors. Not to make himself look good. But to make you look good.
This podcast would not exist without Wes. His generosity, hard work and legitimacy in the outdoor space is the only reason I can make Hemlocks to Hellbenders.
So, what is this episode about? How awesome Wes is? A little. What work is going on at DCNR? Absolutely.
But it’s also about two friends whose journey of falling in love with the outdoors is connected. It’s about what can be done with the right people at the right time. And it’s about what we can all do to support each other and our wonderful public lands.
On this episode, I speak with Wes Robinson. Wes is the press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and my very good friend.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Sisters' SunflowersSupport 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 -
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 skyline and serves as a tranquil urban escape.
The Point has become the place you bring your out of town parents to. The place you see on TV during all home games for the Pirates and Steelers. The place you see from atop of the iconic Duquesne Incline.
But it hasn’t always been that way.
Before it was Point State Park, it was known as the Forks of the Ohio River and served as a critical military strong hold for the French, British, Native American and American militaries. Fort Prince George, Fort Duquesene and Fort Pitt were all – at one time or another – located where the state park stands.
Overtime the Point developed into a thriving industrial zone, a place dedicated to supplying resources for the growing United States of America.
But by the 1930s, the area had deteriorated into a commercial slum. City and state officials stepped up and completely changed the property.
More than just a park, the Point is a testament to Pittsburgh’s ability to reinvent itself while honoring its roots and is a powerful symbol of Pittsburgh’s resilience, history and natural beauty.
As the gateway to the city and the heart of its downtown, Point State Park doesn’t just represent Pittsburgh—it is Pittsburgh.
On this episode, I speak with Jack Lachendro. Jack is the Environmental Education Specialist at Point State Park.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Sisters' SunflowersSupport 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 -
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. The peaceful solitude of the woods, the rewarding views from a summit and the sense of accomplishment after completing a trail all contribute to a growing desire to spend even more time immersed in nature.
As that passion grows, the idea of longer backpacking trips becomes more appealing. The ability to stay in the wilderness overnight offers a deeper connection to the outdoors.
Gone are the easy hikes. Now you’re planning multi-day journeys that require you to learn additional skills. You learn how to read maps. You develop a sleeping system. You figure out how to poop outside.
Soon, you’re watching ultralight gear videos on YouTube and drooling over maps of the Appalachian Trail. All of your clothes are hiking clothes and full transformation to granola gang is complete.
For some, the progression from day hiker to backpacker is a natural one. But for many, myself included, it can be intimidating. Going from hiking around a lake to hiking for several days is a difficult hurdle – mentally and physically.
But where do I start? What gear do I need? What hikes should I try? How can I go from a day hiker to a backpacker safely?
Well since I’m still a backpacking noob, I decided to talk to the person that was once in my hiking shoes.
On this episode, I speak with Tory Mather. Tory is the voice behind the My Trails Are Many blog and @ToryTalksTrails accounts on social media.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Sisters' SunflowersSupport 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 -
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 Park. The fly fishing at Poe Paddy State Park. Every single park offers a bit of variety. A bit of magic. A bit of splendor. A bit of something special that makes every visit to a state park worthwhile.
So, what makes Susquehannock State Park special? What is the bit of magic they do better than any of the other state parks?
For me, it’s the breathtaking panoramic views of the Lower Susquehanna River. The Susquehannock State Park Complex is made up of three separate properties, each offering incredible views of the river.
From the overlooks, you can take in the river as it winds through steep, forested hills and dramatic cliffs. These overlooks provide stunning vantage points where you can gaze out over the wide expanse of water, dotted with rocky islands and framed by lush greenery.
On a clear day, you might catch a glimpse of bald eagles and hawks soaring overhead or boats gliding along the river below. The mix of dense woodlands, open meadows, and the ever-changing colors of the river make this park the perfect place to enjoy the magnificence of the Commonwealth.
Don’t get me wrong, I love every state park. But Susquehannock State Park has that little something extra. That little shimmer of gold. That little magic that makes the park special in its own wonderful way. And I’m thrilled to share that with you, right now.
On this episode, I speak with Kelly Ford. Kelly is the Environmental Education Specialist at Susquehannock State Park Complex.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Sisters' SunflowersSupport 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 -
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, there’s no shortage of ways to explore the wild beauty of this region.
Huntingdon County is home to a vast network of trails that cater to every kind of adventurer. Looking for a challenging hike with wonderful overlooks? You’ll want to check out the Thousand Steps, a historic and leg-burning climb that rewards hikers with unforgettable views. Prefer a scenic and relaxing ride?
The Allegrippis Trails at Raystown Lake are considered some of the best mountain biking trails on the East Coast. And if you’re someone who enjoys time on the water, the Juniata River offers miles of beautiful shoreline, perfect for kayaking, fishing, or just soaking in nature.
On this episode, sponsored by the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, we’ll talk with trail experts and outdoor enthusiasts who know this landscape inside and out.
They’ll share the best spots to explore, the history behind some of these iconic trails, and why Huntingdon County has become a must-visit destination for hikers, bikers, paddlers, and nature lovers alike.
In fact, they’re hosting the Keystone Trail Association’s Spring Hiking Weekend from April 25 to 27 at Lake Raystown Resort. The weekend will showcase local hikes, environmental stewardship activities, bike rides, guest speakers, dog-friendly activities and more.
So whether you’re looking for a new trail to conquer, a weekend getaway packed with adventure, or just some inspiration to get outside, stick around—because we’re about to dive deep into all the outdoor recreation Huntingdon County has to offer.
On this episode, I speak with Matt Price and George Conrad. Matt is the executive director of the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau. George is the president of the Standing Stone Trail Club.
Support the show
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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis -
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 friends to explore even more of the Ridge and Valley Province of southern Pennsylvania.
On this episode, I speak with Heidi Mullendore. Heidi is the environmental education specialist at Canoe Creek State Park.
Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Sisters' SunflowersSupport 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 - Mehr anzeigen
