The Pine Barrens Podcast

What happens upstream doesn’t stay upstream. We sit down with ecology director Kayleigh Henry to unpack a year-and-a-half fight to protect the Black Run headwaters beside one of the Pine Barrens’ most loved preserves—and how a youth-powered movement helped to make it happen. Together we trace the arc from first community hikes to packed council meetings, a 50,000-strong petition, and a pivotal Pin...

yWhat happens when rain has nowhere to go? As climate patterns shift and development spreads across the landscape, our relationship with rainwater has become increasingly complex and problematic. Matthew Laconey, bio-environmental engineer with Rutgers University's Water Resources Program, takes us deep into the world of green stormwater infrastructure and why it matters to every community. W...

With our guest Natalie Stone, we explore the deep roots of Sicilians and Italian Americans in the area , what it means to be a piney, and the cultural traditions that bind us all together..  The Pine Barrens complex web of culture, food, politics and history make the place of emblematic of America's cultural saga as the past mingles with the voices of today. 

Ever wandered through the Pine Barrens and marveled at its serene beauty? Russell Juelg of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation joins us to navigate the past, present, and future of this ecological treasure.  The debate over motorized routes within the forest sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the balancing act of accessibility and environmental stewardship. We dissect the history etch...

An interview with Pine Barrens Advocate, Illustrator and Author Allen Crawford about his new book,   A Wild Promise ,  in which he creates a tapestry of our nation’s habitats—oceans, mountains, deserts, wetlands, prairies, and forests—and the varied species that call these places home.  We discuss his book, movement conservation, and some of his experiences in the Pines. 

In this episode,  Joanna and I discuss the importance of conserving large habitat spaces for wildlife and the future of wildlife conservation in the NJ Pinelands.  Hosted by Jason Howell Presented by Pinelands Preservation Alliance  Music by Merce Ridgway and the Pine Hawkers 

In this episode we interview the band Jackson Pines about their new album, Pine Barrens Volume one. We get into the history of folk music in the Pine Barrens and how place affects music and vice versa.  Jackson Pines new Album - Pine Barrens Volume One https://jacksonpines.bandcamp.com/album/pine-barrens-volume-one Original recordings of Merce Ridgway Jr. Pinehawkers by Mary Hufford and others inv...

Guest: Sean Kane-Holland, Access Nature Disability Advocate Host: Jason Howell Sean is the Access Nature and Disability Advocate for Pinelands Preservation Alliance. In this episode, Sean explains what he is doing to expand access to natural areas for people of all ability levels and how you can get involved . Sean attended Rutgers University and graduated with a B.A. in American History & Pol...

A tour of cedar run wildlife refuge with Mike O'Malley, Tracey Bloodworth, and Lisa Franco. We discuss native wildlife, wildlife rehabilitation after injury, environmental education, and the many programs and offerings that are available at Cedar Run.

Senior Land Steward Russell Juelg explores the Quaker Bridge Rd area of the Mullica River Fire and discusses some of the local goals of the new Fix Our Parks campaign - a grassroots effort to advocate for more funding, maintenance, and better policies for New Jersey State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas. https://www.fixourparksnj.org/join-the-campaign

Emile DeVito P.h. D Director of Conservation Science for the NJ Conservation Foundation leads us into a swamp on the outskirts of the Pinelands on a hunt for a population of endangered Swamp Pink (Hellonias bullata). We also discuss Crane Fly Orchid, spring migratory birds, and the nuances of public lands management and advocacy.

Associate Professor Emma Witt from  Stockton University describes her work in monitoring the water quality at Hammonton Lake. 

Cassie Iacovelli is the Director of Main Street Hammonton, a revitalization and marketing organization for the Town of Hammonton. In 1992, Hammonton made a decision to revitalize its Main Street and bring back small businesses and a sense of community to the Town. After 28 years, the program has been remarkably successful and Hammonton has become a model for towns across the area.  We explore the...

This episode of the Pinelands Podcast features a discussion with Ivette Guillermo-McGahee. Ivette is the founder and CEO of Allies In Caring, Inc., a Hammonton-based nonprofit organization providing mental health counseling and educational services to Latino, deaf and other underserved populations. As a Mexican-born child of deaf parents, Guillermo-McGahee has a deep understanding of the abilities...

In this episode, we explore some of the cultural history, geography, and geology of the Pine Barrens with Stockton Adjunct Professor Mark Demitroff.  Hosted by Jason Howell Music - Chad Crouch - Algorithms

Our guest is Charles Johnson III, the Education Director at Pinelands Adventures. We discuss youth environmental education, diversity and inclusion in environmental advocacy, and the progress that Charles wants to make in the spreading of knowledge about nature.  Hosted by Jason Howell Music - Chad Crouch - Algorithms