Hemlocks to Hellbenders

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 the same park manager. They are both supported by...

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center is not what you would call a bucket list park. It doesn’t have the activities like Ohiopyle, or the waterfalls like Ricketts Glen or the scenic vistas like Leonard Harrison or Colton Point.  Those are the parks you have to make reservations months in advance for. They are tourist destinations. Jacobsburg is not.  And that’s the best part. It is a quiet, un...

Created in 2007, the Old Growth Forest Network works to identify and protect one forest in each county of the United States. As of the recording of this episode, the Old Growth Forest Network has worked with local, state and federal agencies to identify and protect 28 ancient forests in Pennsylvania with more on the way. They can be found in parks, forests, natural areas, wildlife preserves and na...

Nathaniel Hawthorne once wrote that “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house." I get it, Nate.  There’s nothing I look forward to quite as much as fall. It’s sweater weather. It’s apple picking. It’s campfires and smores. It’s pumpkin spiced lattes. And it is, without a doubt, the most beautiful season.  And what makes the fall so damn beauti...

Every year, the distinctive sound of elk bugling can be heard in the Elk State Forest.  That high-pitched sound comes from male elk that bugle during the breeding season to attract potential mates and to establish dominance.  It’s the sound of these bugles and the sight of these majestic creatures that brings more than half a million visitors to northcentral Pennsylvania every year. Specifically,...

“What does it mean to have a diverse outdoors community?” It’s a question outdoor companies, organizations and groups are asking themselves in an effort to make nature more inclusive for people from all backgrounds, genders, abilities and ethnicities.  But while they’re trying to find an answer, America’s Black and Brown communities are exploring the outdoors. On hiking trails, rock walls, waterwa...

We're doing something a little different in this episode of the podcast. Part story, part interview, I’m going to be telling you about my very fun, weird and muddy experience at Allegheny Islands State Park.  In 2021, I ran a mile at all (then) 121 Pennsylvania state parks in 224 days. While there were plenty of memorable experiences, nothing was quite like my "run" on the Allegheny...

Every year, 3 million people hike the Appalachian National Scenic Trail that spans 14 states and runs more than 2,190 miles. The famed AT is said to be the longest hiking trail in the world. And it’s right here in our backyard. About 230 miles of the AT are in Pennsylvania – including the halfway point at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. But who maintains the trail? Who builds and repairs the shelte...

When thinking about Pennsylvania's natural beauty, most think of our forests. Miles away from a clear cell phone signal, interstates and, especially, cities. But they shouldn't. There’s natural beauty all over the Commonwealth, including in and around Pennsylvania’s biggest city – Philadelphia. That was my biggest takeaway from reading the book Wild Philly . The book shines a much-needed...

Not everyone explores our parks and forests on trails or on the water. Some do it 80-feet above ground attached with only a rope and harness.  These Pennsylvanians are in search of rock. They want boulders and outcroppings. They want cliffs and crags.  They want places with crimps and sidepulls and pockets and pinches. They want to climb no matter if its sport, trad, top roping or bouldering.  The...

Every time you go for a hike, hire a rafting guide, purchase a fishing license or rent a cabin, you are participating in outdoor recreation – an industry that brings $14 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy.  But, outdoor recreation is more than the things you buy or the activities you participate in.  It’s an industry that includes national, state and local government agencies. It includes...

In Pennsylvania, it’s hard to throw a pinecone without hitting a hunter or fisherman. There are hundreds of thousands of hunters and fisherman in the Keystone State. But, there's another breed of outdoor sportsmen that are often forgotten about. They hunt their prey not with rods and reels or bows and guns but with traps.  On this episode, we're going to be talking about Pennsylvania’s f...

On this episode, we'll be talking about one man’s journey to climb the tallest tree at the highest point in all 67 Pennsylvania counties. A feat that has never been done and probably never been attempted. I am joined on this podcast by Van Wagner. Van is a teacher, musician and certified forester that is attempting this incredible challenge. You can visit Van's website here and his YouTu...

On this episode, we’re going to be talking about Worlds End State Park. Considered by many as their favorite state park in Pennsylvania, Worlds End State Park is a rugged and beautiful 780-acre park located in Sullivan County. The park is situated in a narrow S-shaped valley of the Loyalsock Creek. It is surrounded by Loyalsock State Forest, and offers visitors diverse recreational opportunities w...

It can be so stressful planning the perfect trip to a Pennsylvania state park or forest. You have to figure out transportation, accommodations, food and activities. And snacks! Can't forget the snacks. It is overwhelming. Especially, if you're planning the trip alone.  But don't worry, we're here to help. This episode is all about how to plan the perfect park trip.  On this epi...

On this episode we’re going to be talking about Ohiopyle State Park. Located in the beautiful Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle State Park is the sort of place you take people you want to impress.  The park has something for everybody. It’s got waterfalls, It’s got views. It’s got boundless outdoor activities. And it is set in one of the Commonwealth’s most incredible natural landscapes.  I am joined by...

On this episode, we’re going to be talking about the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the serious threat Chronic Wasting Disease poses to our wildlife.  I am joined on this episode by Todd Pride. Todd is a member of Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Board of Commissioners, founder of Legacy Land & Water Partners and lead coach with the Mid-Atlantic Youth Anglers and Outdoor Partners. Todd has the...

On this episode, we’re going to be talking about a Pennsylvania icon that goes by many names. Snot otter, lasagna lizard, devil dog, mud devil, Allegheny alligator. That’s right, this episode is all about the Eastern Hellbender. I am joined on this episode by Dr. Peter Petokas. Peter is a research associate with the Clean Water Institute at Lycoming College. He breaks down all the important inform...

In honor of President’s Day, this episode is on James Buchanan – our 15th President of the United States and up until recently the only president from Pennsylvania.  The first part of the podcast will focus Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park. I speak with DCNR's Beth Garner to learn about what to do, what to see and how best to experience the park. The second part of the podcast will focus sole...

On this episode we’re going to be talking about Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Nestled in the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pine Grove Furnace combines a beautiful outdoor setting with  fascinating history.  Pine Grove Furnace has a lot to offer visitors. Amazing events, trails, two swimming lakes, historical reenactments, a museum and even the Appalachian Trail. I interview Andre Welt...

This episode of Hemlocks to Hellbenders focuses on Leonard Harrison State Park! Leonard Harrison is a 585 acre park located in Tioga County.  It is best known by its other moniker, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. I am interviewing Tim Morey for this episode. Tim is a Natural Resources Program Specialist with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He's worked at Leon...

Welcome, fellow explorers. My name is Christian Alexandersen and this is Hemlocks to Hellbenders. A podcast highlighting Pennsylvania parks, forests and great outdoors. I’m excited you’ve decided to join me on an exploration of all things natural and wonderful about Pennsylvania’s public lands. That doesn’t just include our parks and forests. We’re going to be learning about our incredible landsca...

Welcome, fellow explorers. My name is Christian Alexandersen and this is Hemlocks to Hellbenders. A podcast highlighting Pennsylvania parks, forests and great outdoors. I’m excited you’ve decided to join me on an exploration of all things natural and wonderful about Pennsylvania’s public lands. That doesn’t just include our parks and forests. We’re going to be learning about our incredible landsca...