Dr. Mark Green Joins Brad Halfacre To Discuss Outdoor Education At Vol. State

Brad Halfacre sits down with Mark Green, a military veteran and outdoor educator at Volunteer State Community College, to explore the power of learning through experience. Mark shares how watching students light up during hikes, camping trips, and fieldwork has reinforced his belief that education shouldn’t be confined to the classroom. From leading Environmental Science majors through real-world adventures to developing future programs like a mountain bike trail and disc golf course on campus, Mark is helping students build skills—and appreciation—for the world around them. He also talks about Vol State’s community garden, winter planting plans, and the life lessons found in fire-starting, map-reading, and packing light. This episode is a deep dive into the value of outdoor learning and how it’s shaping the next generation of environmental leaders. Listen To The UC Outdoors Podcast Today!