Under the surface of the Keystone State with geologist Russell Losco

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:Keystone Trails AssociationPurple Lizard MapsPennsylvania Parks and Forests FoundationSisters' SunflowersSupport the showVisit 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 AlexandersenMusic: Jon SauerGraphics: Matt Davis