The Parks Podcast

Send us Fan MailWe launched Save Public Lands last week. Now it's time to talk about why this campaign is different.Paul Hendricks — Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance — joins me to make the case for going on offense. After a year and a half of playing defense on public lands, the outdoor community is shifting its posture. One unified message. One million signatures. National Public Lands Day, September 26th.In this episode: — Why "you can't just play defense forever" — the sports analogy that explains the whole campaign — The $1.3 trillion outdoor economy — and why it's probably way bigger than that number suggests — Who counts as a nature-dependent business (hint: it's a lot more than gear companies) — Why the attacks on public lands aren't landscape-specific — they're hitting forests from Alaska to North Carolina — Conservation easement law changes: the public lands fight happening on private land too — How to avoid advocacy fatigue: why Save Public Lands is designed to be the meta-campaign — What public lands mean to Paul personally — three generations on a backpacking tripSign the petition: savepubliclands.us — four fields, thirty seconds.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe Roadless Rule is back — and we are in the middle of a 30-day public comment period that closes September 21st.Katie Johnson — Campaigns and Engagement Manager for The Conservation Alliance — returns to the podcast to break down what's happening and exactly what you can do about it.This is not a West Coast issue. The Roadless Rule protects 60 million acres of national forests in 37 states — and if the full repeal moves forward, 45 of those million acres could be opened to road construction, logging, mining, and industrial development.In this episode: — The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and its three alternatives — including why the "modified" Alternative 3 still takes away 38 million acres — Why opponents call the rule inflexible — and why the rebuttals matter — The existing road maintenance backlog problem: there's no funding to maintain what we already have — Roads as wildlife barriers: migration corridors, breeding, fragmentation — Who gets impacted: gateway communities, tribal nations, thru-hikers, Triple Crowners, breweries, and everyone who drinks water — The Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail: all have sections in inventoried roadless areas — 25,000 miles of trail at risk. 750 miles of whitewater access potentially affected. — How to submit a public comment in two minutes — and why aiming for a million mattersThe Conservation Alliance has a pre-filled comment form ready. Link in show notes and bio. Deadline: September 21st.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIt's time to go on offense.Today I'm joined by Fitz Cahall — host of the Dirtbag Diaries podcast — to launch Save Public Lands, a coalition-backed initiative to gather one million signatures and deliver them to Congress and state houses on National Public Lands Day, September 26th, 2026.Three demands: No sell-offs. No backroom deals. No giveaways to foreign mining companies.Sign it now at savepubliclands.us — it's four fields: first name, last name, zip code, email. Done. Then share it with five friends.In this episode: — Why the outdoor community is going on offense after two years of playing defense — The three demands behind the Save Public Lands initiative — How signatures get used: the plan to physically deliver them to DC and state houses — The Boundary Waters — how community pressure stopped a toxic mine (multiple times) — Why this moment matters: a new Congress, a new election, a new chance to be heard — What public lands mean personally to Fitz — from climbing in Yosemite to building Dirtbag DiariesTake action: → Sign the petition: savepubliclands.us → Share this episode → Tell five friendsFive weeks. One million signatures. National Public Lands Day, September 26th.Support the show

Send us Fan MailBulldozers just showed up inside Big Bend National Park.28 environmental regulations waived. A $1.7 billion contract awarded to a subsidiary created specifically to protect its parent company's brand. Bipartisan local opposition from Republican sheriffs, judges, and the Republican congressional nominee for the district. And 1.3% — that's the share of overall US border crossings that happen in the Big Bend sector.Chris Keyes, executive director and founder of RE:PUBLIC — a publication dedicated to covering America's public lands — joins The Parks Podcast to break down exactly what's happening on the ground and what you can do about it.In this episode: — How it started: Kristi Noem's February announcement waiving 28 environmental regulations — The $1.7 billion Kiewit contract and the subsidiary created to protect their brand — Why the Big Bend sector isn't a high-priority immigration area (migration down 75% since 2023) — The Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and NEPA — all waived — Big Bend's dark skies designation and what surveillance road lighting would mean for it — Why local Republicans and Democrats are both opposed — and what a federal judge just ruled — What you can do: organizations to support, how to contact your representatives, why local pressure matters most — What's coming next: the Ambler Road in Alaska — 200 miles, 4,000 stream crossings, a foreign-owned mineTake action:Follow RE:PUBLIC at republic.land and sign up for their newsletter (twice a week)Support the Center for Biological Diversity and other organizations fighting this in courtCall and write your senator, representative, and — if you're in Texas — your state officialsShare this episodeSupport the show

Send us Fan MailHe grew up in a house with no bathroom in the middle of nowhere, Georgia. His closest caretakers were Black neighbors in a community the segregated South shut out. After being President of the United States, he came back and lived in the same small ranch house he and Rosalynn built in 1961. When he died, he was buried in his front yard.Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains, Georgia tells 100 years of history — from birth to death — of two people who never stopped asking what more they could do. Jennifer Hopkins, Lead Education Ranger at the park, joins The Parks Podcast to share what you'll find there and why it's worth a full day (at minimum).In this episode: — The boyhood farm set to 1937 — a working farm where President Carter's own voice tells his stories when you push the button — Jack and Rachel Clark — the Black neighbors who helped raise young Jimmy, whose house has the longest audio in the park — Earl Carter — far more than a peanut farmer. The businessman behind a commissary, an electrical corporation, and a New Deal farm program — Rosalynn's story — why she didn't want to come back to Plains, and how she became one of the most effective First Ladies in history — The Peanut Brigade — how Plains residents spent their own money canvassing the nation in 1976, one of the first grassroots campaigns in American presidential history — The campaign headquarters — a one-bathroom building that won a presidential election — Plains High School — now an immersive museum where you can sit at the Resolute desk and design your own campaign button — The Carter Gardens — open to the public, and where both President and Mrs. Carter are buried — When to go, what to bring, how to plan (September Peanut Festival, anyone?)Recommended reading: An Hour Before Daylight by Jimmy Carter First Lady from Plains by Rosalynn CarterSupport the show

Send us Fan MailA bridge was six inches too narrow. Not because it was hard to fix — because no one had thought about it.Greg Durso has been paralyzed from the chest down since a sledding accident in 2009. He's an athlete, an adventurer, and the Senior Program Ambassador of the Kelly Brush Foundation. Berne Broudy is a journalist and the co-director and producer of Best Day Ever — a new documentary film about what happens when a community decides the outdoors should genuinely belong to everyone.They met on a group bike ride in Vermont when the group kept having to stop — not because of difficult terrain, but because the bridges were too narrow for Greg's adaptive bike. Two years later, they had built the first fully adaptive mountain bike trail network in the world.In this episode: — Greg's injury, his return to the outdoors, and why the barrier to adaptive recreation goes far beyond equipment — The six-inch bridge that started everything — How a six-person volunteer board built the world's first fully adaptive mountain bike trail network — from scratch, with pink spray paint — What "adaptive friendly" actually means — and why checking a box isn't enough — The difference between ADA access and equal experience — The Kelly Brush Foundation's Adaptive Rec Hub — a free online resource for anyone with a physical disability — Over 180 miles of mapped adaptive-friendly trails in Vermont — and how to get there nationally — How to watch Best Day Ever and how to host a screening in your community — What the biggest barrier to inclusive recreation actually is (Berne's answer will surprise you)Watch the film: bestdayever.mov Adaptive Rec Hub: kellybrushfoundation.org/adaptive-rec-hub How to Build Adaptive Trails (free YouTube series): search "How to Build Adaptive Trails"Support the show

Send us Fan MailA UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over a thousand years of ancestral Pueblo history. Sacred tribal land protected through years of advocacy and 150 days of public comment. And the Department of Interior wants to revoke its last line of protection in 14 days.Maude Dinan, New Mexico Program Manager with the National Parks Conservation Association, joins The Parks Podcast for an urgent conversation about the proposed revocation of the 10-mile buffer zone around Chaco Culture National Historical Park — and what it would mean for 300,000 acres of public land, 12,000 estimated cultural sites, and some of the most celebrated dark skies in the world.In this episode: — What Chaco Culture National Historical Park is and why it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site — What the 10-mile protection zone is and why it exists — How revoking the buffer would impact the park — air quality, erosion, dark skies, and sacred views — Why 90% of federal land in the region is already leased — and why they want more — The Wilderness Society report: half of all leased federal land isn't even actively producing — How a protection that took 150 days of public comment could be undone in 14 — What you can do right now — before July 29th⚠️ Take action before July 29th: Quick comment: npca.org/chaco Write your own: find the "Participate Now" button at the official BLM project page (link in show notes) Follow @NPCA for the latest updatesRelated: Episode 75 — Bears Ears and Grand Staircase: What Just HappenedSupport the show

Send us Fan MailJuly 22nd is National Hammock Day — and if you've been following My Hammock Summer, you already know exactly how to celebrate.This episode was originally released as Episode 33. I'm bringing it back because it's better now than it was then — not because anything changed about the conversation, but because everything changed about how I understand it. Anna Rawlins, Chief Marketing Officer at ENO, described from the outside what I now know from the inside: that a hammock isn't just a product. It's an invitation to slow down.In this episode: — ENO's origin story: two brothers, a van, music festivals, 1999 — and the first knotless hammock suspension system — Hammock stats: Apollo 12, the Swiss sleep study, a $1.45 billion industry, and a 500-foot hammock in Moab — How to hang a hammock safely — the 18-inch rule, tree diameter, Leave No Trace, and why Joshua Tree doesn't allow them — Four ways to hammock: camping sleep system, at home, in a park, and as everyday backyard furniture — The under quilt — why you need it for sleeping below 60°F — ENO and Asheville: an update on Hurricane Helene recovery and how to support the community — National Hammock Day celebrations, contests, and how ENO marks July 22nd every yearOriginally released as Episode 33. Relaunched for National Hammock Day 2026 with a new introduction.Links mentioned: — ENO: eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com — My Hammock Summer: catchyourselfsmiling.com — Visit Asheville: exploreasheville.com — Leave No Trace: lnt.orgSupport the show

Send us Fan MailOn July 13th, President Trump signed two proclamations rolling back nearly 90% of the protected boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments — three million acres of public land opened to potential drilling, mining, and extraction. The Bears Ears Commission, an intertribal coalition, has been disbanded.Katie Johnson, Campaigns and Engagement Manager at the Conservation Alliance, joins The Parks Podcast for an urgent conversation on what just happened, what the proclamations actually say, and what you can do right now.In this episode: — What the proclamations actually do: boundaries, acreage, and what 90% rollback means on the ground — The Bears Ears Commission: what it was and why its disbanding matters for tribal nations — What the White House says vs. what Utah voters actually want (91% of Western voters want monuments preserved) — The false narrative: recreational use, hunting, and fishing were already allowed under monument designation — The wilderness study area catch-22: the proposed safeguard that is also under attack — What you can do right now: Monuments for All letter, contacting your representatives, and the Conservation Alliance business sign-on — Why the $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy gives businesses an outsized voice with this administration — What this signals for other public lands designations across the countryTake action now: — Fill out the Monuments for All letter: monumentsforall.com — Contact your representative: congress.gov/members/find-your-member — Businesses: join the Conservation Alliance sign-on at conservationalliance.comSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSummer vacation too expensive? Too complicated? Too late to plan? Missy and Shannon Jones of KeeKee's Big Adventures are here to debunk all of it.Parks — national, state, and local — are the most affordable, flexible, and genuinely fun summer vacation option out there. You don't need a six-month plan. You don't need a tent. You just need to take the first step.In this episode: — Why 89% of parents say they're traveling this summer no matter what — and how to do it without breaking the bank The real barrier to park vacations (hint: it's not money, it's not knowing how easy it actually is) Why kids don't get bored in nature — they build forts, discover roly-polies, and catch fireflies How to work the reservation system: weekdays, off-season, Airbnbs just outside the gate, last-minute site releases KeeKee's Park Activity Suggester — the fortune teller / cootie catcher that picks your next outdoor adventure What My Hammock Summer is — and why Shannon's husband Paul is already in his Links mentioned: KeeKee's Big Adventures: keekeesbigadventures.comMy Hammock Summer: catchyourselfsmiling.com Find a park: nps.gov/findapark or stateparks.orgSupport the show

Send us Fan MailEverything you learn outside follows you home. The resilience to own a mistake in front of your team. The ability to sit with discomfort without shutting down. The capacity to notice something beautiful you've walked past a hundred times.Jesse Tubb, founder of GRIT Adventures and former active duty Army officer, joins The Parks Podcast to talk about what nature actually teaches us — and how the lessons from playing outside translate directly into the rest of life. He works with youth, veterans, grieving military families, sports teams, and corporations — using adventure racing and mindfulness-based resilience skills to help people build confidence, regulate emotions, and reconnect with themselves through the outdoors.In this episode: — What GRIT Adventures is and how it started during the pandemic — Why our devices are the biggest barrier keeping people from going outside — The somatic experience of getting lost in the woods — and why it's actually valuable — The eating meditation Jesse does with kids in detention centers that reframes what it means to be connected to the earth — Why we over-parent in the real world and under-parent in the digital world — and what it costs kids — The healing power of communal outdoor experiences for veterans and military families — The 5% problem — why outdoor marketing targets extreme athletes when 95% of users just want to take a walk — Micro adventures — how to start with 10% outside your comfort zone — Creeking — and why it might be the perfect entry point for anyoneResources mentioned: — GRIT Adventures: gritadventures.com — TAPS: taps.org — Wounded Warrior Project Odyssey: woundedwarriorproject.org — The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: anxiousgeneration.com — Jesse's eating meditation: https://youtu.be/-uVj0Zqhb_k?si=iKu5g76F8ogldpDbSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThe public comment window on the proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch in Washington DC closes June 15. I sat down with Priya Jain, Chair of the Heritage Conservation Committee for the Society of Architectural Historians, to talk about what this proposal actually involves, why it threatens one of the most historically significant viewsheds in the country, and why your comment matters even when it feels like the decision is already made.Submit your comment before June 15 at parkplanning.nps.govFollow the journey. 🌲Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn 2002, a flood pushed six feet of stormwater and sewage into the living rooms of families in Atlanta's Vine City neighborhood. Sixty families were displaced. The infrastructure had failed them for decades.Twenty years later, that same land is home to one of the most remarkable urban parks in America.Cook Park is a 16-acre green space in the heart of Atlanta that holds 10 million gallons of floodwater, restored tree canopy to a historically underinvested neighborhood, and gave a community at the center of the civil rights movement the park it always deserved — complete with statues of John Lewis, Andrew Young, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., murals honoring the neighborhood's rich cultural history, and climbing boulders designed by the hands of local kids.Jay Wozniak, Director of Georgia and Alabama Parks at Trust for Public Land, spent six years orchestrating the community engagement, design, and construction of Cook Park. He joins The Parks Podcast to talk about what it takes to build a park that's equal parts engineering marvel and community love letter — and why your local neighborhood park might be more powerful than you think.In this episode:How a catastrophic 2002 flood became the catalyst for Cook ParkThe cooperative model that made it possible — city, donors, nonprofits, and community working togetherWhat the Vine City community asked for and how Trust for Public Land delivered itThe 10-minute walk mission and why access to parks is a public health issueHow to visit Cook Park and what to bringWhy Hurricane Helene put the park to the test — and it passedLinks in this episode:Trust for Public Land — Cook ParkTrust for Public Land — Cook ParkCook Park — Atlanta Area ParksThe Alliance for Cook ParkSupport the show

Send us Fan MailLeave No Trace comes up in almost every episode of The Parks Podcast — but what is it really? Most people think it means pack out your trash and pick up after your dog. It's so much more than that.Jeanelle Soland and Rob Pelton, members of the Subaru Leave No Trace traveling team, join The Parks Podcast to walk through all seven principles, explain the science behind each one, and make the case for why this framework applies whether you're heading into the backcountry or sitting on a park bench in your neighborhood.In this episode: — What Leave No Trace actually is — and why it's a global nonprofit, not just a slogan — All seven principles, explained with the science behind each — Why dog waste on a trail is ecologically invasive — even if a bear's waste isn't — Social trails — what they are, how fast they form, and why they matter — The Oak Creek, Arizona study: 400+ social trails closed, E. coli reduced by 42% over five years — How to become a certified Leave No Trace educator — Leave No Trace Daily Life — a new course coming in 2026 — What you can do right now to support public lands — 13 billion outdoor trips per year in the US — and why every choice compoundsGet started: — Free 101 course: lnt.org — Newsletter: lnt.org — Educator certification: lnt.org/training — Volunteer: lnt.org/volunteerSupport the show

Send us Fan MailGrab your hiking boots and get ready to journey through the "People’s Park." In this episode, host Missy Rentz welcomes Cinda Waldbuesser, President and CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), to explore the legendary Appalachian Trail (AT).Spanning nearly 2,197.9 miles from Georgia to Maine, the AT is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. Cinda dives into the unique "three-legged stool" management system that keeps the trail running—a partnership between federal agencies, the ATC, and an incredible army of over 5,000 volunteers.In this episode, we discuss:The Stats: From the 16.9 million visits in 2025 to the elevation gain equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest 16 times.Through-Hiking vs. Day-Hiking: Why you don’t need to spend six months in the woods to enjoy the AT, and how the "trail community" supports everyone from casual walkers to "flip-floppers."Planning & Safety: Essential tips on using the AT Camp registration, managing food in bear country, and the importance of layering for unpredictable mountain weather.History & Heritage: The 1921 vision of Benton MacKaye and the upcoming Trail Days celebration in Damascus, Virginia.Recovery & Resilience: How the trail community rallied following the impacts of Hurricane Helene.Whether you’re dreaming of a thru-hike or just looking for a Saturday afternoon escape, this episode is a love letter to one of America’s most iconic public lands.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat started as a simple Instagram account to document outdoor adventures quickly evolved into a nationwide movement. In this episode of The Parks Podcasat, host Missy Rentz sits down with Justin Yoder, the founder and executive director of LGBTQ Outdoors.Justin shares the "happy accident" that led to the creation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that now spans over 23 states with dozens of ambassadors. They dive deep into the unique barriers minority communities face in nature—from the need for visible representation to the simple, grounding act of "touching grass."Episode HighlightsThe Origin Story: How a personal quest for community in Texas grew into a national organization.Breaking Barriers: Why symbols like pride flags and anti-discrimination clauses matter in outdoor spaces.Outdoor Fest & Adventure Trips: Details on curated excursions to Glacier, Zion, and Yellowstone National Parks.The Power of "Slow Outdoors": Challenging the misconception that you have to be an elite athlete to be "outdoorsy."How to Join: Tips on finding local chapters, joining Facebook groups, and becoming an ambassador.Links from the conversationLGBTQ Outdoors WebsiteLGBTQ Outdoors Local ChaptersSupport the show

Send us Fan Mail"I want them to look back and say, 'This was my school'—not just a park I visit."What if a child’s first classroom wasn’t surrounded by four walls, but by 2,500 acres of wild Maryland landscape? In this episode, host Missy Rentz sits down with Katrina Fauss, Principal Park Naturalist at Black Hill Discovery Center, to explore the transformative power of nature-based education.Hidden just miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Black Hill Regional Park is more than just a scenic backdrop for hikers and boaters—it is a "hidden gem" serving as a vital reservoir for the region and a living laboratory for the community. Katrina shares how their unique Forest Preschool and "play-first" philosophy are fostering a lifelong sense of wonder in children and adults alike.In this episode, we discuss:The "Hidden Gem" of Montgomery County: Discover the history of Black Hill, from its 19th-century gold mining roots to its current role protecting 4 billion gallons of emergency drinking water.Nature as a Classroom: The philosophy behind Forest Schools and why "playing in the mud" is a critical developmental milestone.The "Birth to Death" Continuum: How the park serves every age group, from 10-day-old hikers to 99-year-olds on pontoon tours.Wildlife & Recreation: Tips for spotting the resident nesting Bald Eagles, navigating 20 miles of trails, and making the most of Little Seneca Lake.The Power of Connection: Why county parks became essential "fabric of life" sanctuaries during the pandemic and beyond.About Our Guest:Katrina Fauss is the Principal Park Naturalist at Black Hill Discovery Center. With over a decade of experience in nature-based education, she is a passionate advocate for play-based learning and environmental stewardship.Resources Mentioned:Black Hill Discovery Center: MontgomeryParks.orgRegister for Programs: ActiveMontgomery.orgNatural Start Alliance: (Resources for finding nature preschools nationwide)Association of Nature-Based EducatorsFollow The Parks Podcast: For full show notes and links to everything mentioned in today’s episode, visit TheParksPodcast.com.Support the show

Send us Fan MailCuyahoga Valley proves that a park doesn't have to be "untouched" to be transformative. Whether you’re there for a high-intensity hike or a quiet glass of wine at a park-hosted vineyard, there is truly something for everyone.Support the show

Send us Fan MailDo you ever wonder about the crimes that happen in parks? In today's episode, we're gonna explore crimes off the grid and the podcast that dives into those stories.Tara Ross and Nancy Martinz — former NPS law enforcement park rangers who both worked at Yellowstone — started Crime Off the Grid in 2023 to share the stories of park rangers and first responders in wild places, and to help people have safer trips to the parks.In this episode: how they find the stories (and why there's a cannibal story from Yellowstone Tara didn't know about until she started the podcast); why most crime in parks is "people travel with their offenders"; why jurisdiction is more complicated than you might think; the NPS Victim Assistance Program you might not know exists; how to actually find help in a park when something goes wrong; and practical safety tips for before and during your visit.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this urgent episode of The Parks Podcast, host Missy Rentz sits down with Sam Chadwick, Associate Director of Save The Boundary Waters, to discuss a critical and unprecedented threat to one of Minnesota’s most iconic landscapes.Despite a 20-year mining ban enacted in 2023 to protect these pristine headwaters, a new joint resolution in Congress seeks to roll back these protections and pave the way for copper mining. Sam breaks down why this specific type of mining is so dangerous for a water-rich environment, how the "invisible boundary" of a wilderness area offers no protection against downstream pollution, and why the current legislative maneuver is a "dangerous first" for federal land management.In This Episode, We Discuss:The Current Threat: Why the U.S. House has passed a resolution to undo the copper mining ban and what happens next in the Senate.Wilderness 101: What makes the Boundary Waters unique—from its "wilderness quiet" status to its status as the most visited wilderness area in the country.The Environmental Risk: The difference between traditional iron mining and the high-risk sulfide-ore copper mining proposed for the edge of the wilderness.The "Squeaky Wheel" Strategy: Practical tips for calling your senators, overcoming "phone anxiety," and why calling local state offices can be even more effective than calling D.C.The Power of Visitation: Why visiting and sharing your love for these places is a vital form of advocacy.Support the show

Send us Fan Mail"How is it we hear the loudest yelps for liberty from the drivers of Negroes?" (Samuel Johnson) In the shadow of Independence Hall, where the words "We the People" were first penned, stood the executive mansion of George Washington. But while the first President was establishing the traditions of American democracy, he was also orchestrating a secret scheme to circumvent Pennsylvania’s abolition laws and maintain his hold on nine enslaved human beings.In this series premiere of the "Our Story", host Missy Rentz sits down with John Garrison Marks, author of “Black Freedom in the age of Slavery: Race, Status, and Identity in the Urban Americas.” and the forthcoming book, “Black Freedom in the age of Slavery: Race, Status, and Identity in the Urban Americas.”In this episode, we explore:The President’s House: The "hidden" history of the executive mansion in Philadelphia and why it remains a pivotal site in the National Park system.Washington’s Dichotomy: How the man who famously set 123 people free in his will also spent his life actively undermining the freedom of others.The Current Conflict: A candid discussion on the recent 2026 executive orders removing slavery-related exhibits from national parks and how citizens are protesting by "bringing the history back" themselves.About Our GuestJohn Garrison Marks is the author of Black Freedom in the Age of Slavery and the upcoming Thy Will Be Done: George Washington’s Legacy of Slavery and the Fight for American Memory (April 2026). He serves as the VP of Research and Engagement at the American Association for State and Local History.Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to our story, a new series from The Parks Podcast. I'm your host, Missy Rentz. I've shared that I came to the Parks for nature, but I'm really drawn to the history and the stories that make up our parks. It may be one person whose actions led to the creation or expansion of the park, or maybe a unique or endangered animal that calls the park home. Maybe it's a pivotal event that marks our history in unique and meaningful ways. These people, places, and events make up our collective story.Support the show

Send us Fan MailJourney south of the Equator to explore one of the most remote and culturally rich gems in the National Park System. In this episode, host Missy Rentz sits down with PT Lathrop, the Superintendent of the National Park of American Samoa, to dive into what makes this park a true bucket-list destination.Spanning three islands—Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta'ū—this park preserves the only paleo-tropical rainforest in the United States and some of the most diverse coral reefs in the world. From "Big Mama" (one of the largest known corals on Earth) to the majestic Samoan flying foxes (fruit bats with three-foot wingspans), PT shares the incredible biodiversity that calls these islands home.In this episode, we discuss:The Birthplace of Polynesia: Why American Samoa is considered the cultural heart from which the Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Maori cultures grew.A Unique Partnership: How the park operates on land leased directly from the Samoan people, ensuring the preservation of the fa’asamoa (the Samoan way of life).The "COVID of Corals": The conservation challenges facing the reefs, including Stony Coral Tissue Loss disease and the impact of terrestrial development.Planning Your Journey: Practical tips for visiting, including the best months for whale watching, navigating the outer islands, and why you should pack your own snorkel gear.Innovative Interpretation: A look at the park’s new pilot program that allows visitors to request customized tours based on their interests and schedules.Whether you're an avid hiker looking for rope-ladder adventures on the Fatifati Trail or a marine enthusiast dreaming of the turquoise waters of Ofu, this episode is your guide to the 50th National Park.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhen the administration announced the 2026 National Parks Pass would feature the president's face instead of a park — bypassing the legal requirement for a public photo competition — one artist decided to do something about it.Jenny McCarty of Sage Leaf Studio joins Missy to talk about what happened, what she did about it, and what it tells us about the power of art in a movement. 100% of proceeds donated to national park nonprofits. $16,000 to NPCA in December. January proceeds to the Center for Biological Diversity. Volunteer packing parties at Jenny's kitchen table. Strangers finding hope and community through peaceful protest.In this episode: the legal case against the 2026 park pass design; the sticker, the sleeve, and how to navigate unclear ranger guidance while staying kind; why art is so powerful in movements; Jenny's background as a biologist and stream ecologist; and the hidden elements in every painting that remind us animals don't exist in isolation.Support the show

Send us Fan MailGuest: Kate Severson, Program Manager for Interpretation, Outreach, and PartnershipGrab your life jacket and your sense of adventure! In this episode, we head to Northern Minnesota to explore Voyageurs National Park, a landscape defined by its interconnected waterways, ancient geology, and the spirit of the French-Canadian fur traders who gave the park its name.Host Missy Rentz sits down with Kate Severson to discuss the park’s unique 50-year history and why this "difficult to get to" destination is a must-visit for any national park enthusiast. We dive into the grueling daily life of the historical Voyageurs (who paddled up to 18 hours a day!), the delicate balance of wetland conservation, and the legacy of the artists and conservationists who fought to protect this wilderness.In this episode, you’ll learn:The History of the Voyageurs: Why these "commercial truckers of the 1700s" had to be short, strong, and incredibly resilient.Indigenous Roots: How the knowledge and technology of the Ojibwe and Anishinaabe people made the fur trade possible.Conservation in Action: What "floating islands" of invasive cattails are and how the park uses fire and machinery to restore native marshes.Planning Your Visit: The difference between front country and backcountry camping (hint: they both require a boat!) and how to experience the park in the winter via its famous Ice Road.Hidden Gems: From the Ellsworth Rock Gardens to the photography of June Fujita.Support the show

Send us Fan MailOur parks are home to so much of our history. At a time when some of those stories are being threatened, Missy sits down with Beth English — Executive Director of the Organization of American Historians — to learn more about the process of gathering credible history, and why it matters now more than ever.In this episode: how historians unravel truth using primary sources and critical analysis; why history evolves without being "rewritten"; how OAH works with NPS to ensure park interpretation is grounded in the best available scholarship; why parks and museums are where most Americans actually experience history; and what's at stake when that history is erased, sanitized, or mandated away.Support the show

Send us Fan MailStep into a cathedral of giants. In this episode of The Parks Podcast, host Missy Rentz journeys to the misty shores of Northern California to explore Redwoods National and State Parks.Join us as we sit down with Patrick Taylor, the park’s Interpretation and Education Program Manager, to uncover why this park is so much more than just a collection of big trees. We dive into the "arranged marriage" between the state and federal government that keeps the park running, the counter-intuitive science of "cutting trees to save the forest," and the spiritual connection that visitors from all over the world feel when walking among 2,000-year-old sentinels.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The "Basketball vs. Football" Analogy: Understand the physical differences between Coastal Redwoods and Giant Sequoias.Redwoods Rising: Why 2/3 of the park was logged before it was protected and how scientists are "thinning" forests to restore them to their former glory.The Return of the Condor: The incredible success story of the Yurok Tribe’s efforts to bring the California Condor back to its ancestral home.Angel Rings & Clones: The fascinating way Redwoods reproduce and create perfect "fairy circles" of trees.Practical Trip Planning: Why you need two different apps to manage your camping and your hiking, and why you should "keep the first thing the first thing."Support the show

Send us Fan MailOn January 1st, 1992, 380 people showed up to a Massachusetts state park for the very first First Day Hike. They served soup. They've been doing it every year since. Now it's in all 50 states.Priscilla Geigis — the person who took First Day Hikes from one park to a nationwide movement — and Paul McCormack, President of the National Association of State Park Directors, join me to tell the story and help you find a hike near you.In this episode: — How First Day Hikes started: one supervisor, one park, one idea (and soup) — How Priscilla expanded it to Massachusetts, then the northeast, then all 50 states — Why Hawaii was the last holdout — and why their sunrise hike became one of the most beloved — What the pandemic year looked like: no counts, just open parks — Tips for first-timers: layers, footwear, water, camera, and pack your patience — Accessibility: track chairs and assistive devices available at many parks — check your state — What to bring in cold weather vs. warm weather — Find a hike at stateparks.orgSupport the show

Send us Fan MailHoosiers watch the weather — and when it's good, they get outside.Angie Manuel — Interpretive Manager for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources — joins me to talk about everything happening across Indiana's 36 state parks this winter.In this episode: — The Christmas Bird Count: how a conservation tradition that started as an alternative to hunting became one of the longest-running citizen science programs in the country — Sandhill Saturdays at Whitewater Memorial State Park: listening for cranes before you see them — Nights of lights, snowman trails, winter crafts, and family-friendly events throughout the season — Why winter is actually one of the best times for wildlife viewing — animals are forced out during daylight hours — First Day Hikes: January 1st at all 36 Indiana State Parks — Why 30 minutes outside in winter can make a meaningful difference in your mental wellbeing — The annual state parks pass: the gift that keeps giving all yearSupport the show

Send us Fan MailNew York State Parks & Historic Sites is celebrating winter with hikes, snow and ice activities, craft & creating activities and more.Support the show

Send us Fan MailVirginia is for Lovers...and park lovers! This winter, the Virginia State Parks have activities for all ages and abilities.Support the show

Send us Fan Mail3,500 acres. A 200-acre old-growth forest that was never logged. The largest A-frame building in the world (when it was built). An on-site raptor rehabilitation center with foxes and a bobcat. And on December 13th: a drive-in holiday movie at the beach, breakfast with Santa, and a gingerbread house competition.Kathryn Conner, park manager at Hueston Woods State Park in Oxford, Ohio, joins The Parks Podcast for a tour of one of Ohio's most stunning park experiences — in winter and all year.In this episode: — The nature preserve: old-growth maple forest that was never logged — The lodge: recently renovated, largest A-frame when built, indoor pool, floor-to-ceiling windows, garden club holiday decor — December 13th: drive-in movie + breakfast with Santa + wildlife ambassadors + gingerbread competition — The nature center: raptors, snakes, foxes, a bobcat — state's only raptor rehab center — Maple Syrup Festival: March 7–8 and 14–15, 2026 — Book 6 months in advance — Hueston Woods fills fastLinks: ohiodnr.gov | Reserve: ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/campingSupport the show

Send us Fan MailOhio's only state park that's a farm. A 32-room mansion where everything is original. Louis Bromfield — Mansfield native, friend of Ernest Hemingway, novelist and conservation pioneer. At Christmas, every room has a tree.Hannah Gilbert, naturalist at Malabar Farm State Park, joins The Parks Podcast to share the Christmas Candlelight Tours and what's happening across Ohio state parks this winter.In this episode: — Louis Bromfield: novelist, Hemingway's friend, conservation pioneer — The Big House: 32 rooms, all original, working fireplace, volunteer interpreters in every room at Christmas — Candlelight Tours: First two weekends of December, $6, Fri–Sat 5–8 PM, Sun 1–4 PM — Poncho the parrot and homemade fudge at the visitor center — Ohio's Winter Hike Series and First Day HikesLinks: ohiodnr.gov | Facebook: Malabar Farm State ParkSupport the show

Send us Fan MailArizona doesn't do winter — it does a really nice fall that lasts several months. And Arizona State Parks make the most of it: Victorian holiday tours in Flagstaff, a boat parade of lights on the Colorado River, a winter solstice hike, an ornament trail in Safford, and 18 free First Day Hikes on January 1st.Michelle Thompson, Deputy Assistant Director at Arizona State Parks and Trails, joins The Parks Podcast to share everything happening this holiday season.In this episode: — Holiday events: Riordan Mansion, Fort Verde, Lake Havasu, Catalina, Roper Lake — 18 First Day Hikes on January 1st — all free for America's 250th — Picacho Peak: cables, gloves, summit; Patagonia Lake: New Year's boat ride hike — What to wear in Arizona in December (sun protection required; Flagstaff may get snow)Links: azstateparks.com/holiday-events | azstateparks.com/fdhSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWhat do nature, movement, and community all have in common? They improve overall health and wellbeing. And for more than a million Black women in America, GirlTrek is the organization bringing all three together.Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison — the co-founders of GirlTrek — join The Parks Podcast to share how a conversation between two friends became a movement of 1.37 million members, and why Harriet Tubman is the original GirlTrekker.GirlTrek's mission is to increase the life expectancy of Black women by 10 years in 10 years. The numbers are staggering: 61% of members lost weight. 90% experienced fewer symptoms of depression. 59% now walk at life-saving levels — five days a week for 30 minutes. And 56% have sustained a daily walking habit for more than a year.In this episode, Missy, Morgan, and Vanessa talk about: — Why self-care is an act of political warfare (Audre Lorde said it first) — The Joy and Justice Agenda — 10 demands for Black women's health and freedom — The GirlTrek "two as a crew" philosophy and why micro-communities save lives — How GirlTrek has partnered with the National Park Service and Sierra Club to bring Black women to the parks — from Estes Park to Yosemite to Shenandoah — The story of Fannie Lou Hamer — and why she's the blueprint for getting women off the couch — Missy's personal encounter with a GirlTrekker at Lake Mead — and why radical welcome is a core GirlTrek valueSign up and take the pledge at girltrek.org.America. Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison, the co-founders, join The Parks Podcast to share why walking is a radical act of self-care — and how Harriet Tubman was the original GirlTREKker.Links: girltrek.orgSupport the show

Send us Fan MailMassachusetts DCR's Gratitude with Gravy is a 17-year tradition: guided free hikes at 8 state parks across the state on Black Friday. Skip the lines and hit the trails.Julie Martin, Director of Visitor Engagement and Programs at Massachusetts DCR, joins The Parks Podcast to share where, when, and why winter is the perfect time to be outside — plus a preview of the 2026 First Day Hike Revolution.In this episode: — Gratitude with Gravy: 8 locations, ranger-led, 1–4 miles, water bottle stickers — Why Massachusetts parks are busy 365 days a year — and why winter is underrated — The 2026 MA State Park Pass: $60, available on Yodel app starting Black Friday — Massachusetts as the originator of First Day Hikes — and what the 2026 "First Day Hike Revolution" means — Boston skating rinks open over Thanksgiving weekendLinks: mass.gov/dcr | Yodel app for park passSupport the show

Send us Fan Mail43 days. The longest government shutdown in US history. And now that it's over — a 24% reduction in NPS permanent staff, no FY26 budget, climate change signs removed from Acadia, the Ambler Road moving forward, and a secretarial order directing parks to sanitize their history.Alan Spears, Senior Director of Cultural Resources and registered lobbyist at the National Parks Conservation Association, joins The Parks Podcast for the full picture on what happened during the shutdown, what's still happening, and what we do next.In this episode: — The shutdown by the numbers: 43 days, 24% staff reduction, $2M+ in lost fees, record backcountry SAR calls — Why "parks look fine" is still a Potemkin Village — and what's actually happening backstage — Secretarial Order SO3431 — what it says, what it's done, and what it's tried to do — The QR code scheme — and why comments came back 10-to-1 in favor of complete, unfiltered history — What was removed (Acadia climate change signs, Jamaica Bay indigenous treaty signs) and what was fought off (Independence Hall enslaved people exhibit, Fort Pulaski "Whipped Peter" photograph) — The Senate Stewardship Caucus — Senator Sheehy (R-MT) and Senator Heinrich (D-NM) — The FY26 budget: House proposal (-$176M), Senate bill (flat funding), another shutdown possible January 2026 — What to do: thank a ranger, visit npca.org, contact your rep, ask about parks at town halls, look for 250th programming that tells real historyLinks mentioned: — NPCA: npca.org — Alan Spears blog: npca.org/author/alan-spears — 250th anniversary: america250.orgSupport the show

Send us Fan Mail$1.5 million given back to conservation causes. Licensed Smokey Bear. Trail work in Yosemite. A wheelchair-accessible trail built in a local national forest. Cardboard boxes donated to smother invasive grasses in a South Carolina river restoration project.Matt Moreau, partner and creative director at The Landmark Project in Greenville, SC, joins The Parks Podcast to share how a side project born in a screen printing shop became a company that takes conservation seriously — and how you can shop your values during the holiday season.In this episode: — How The Landmark Project started — "let's make something we actually want to wear" — and how the give-back became part of the DNA from the beginning — $1.5 million given back — and how 1% starts to add up — Why licensed Smokey Bear products matter — and what unlicensed ones cost the Forest Service — 1% for the Planet — what it is, who else is in it, and the "one degree" metaphor for giving back — Trail work, seed collection, and tire removal at Yosemite Facelift — what showing up looks like — A river restoration project in downtown Greenville — and why the best conservation project might be in your backyard — The Potemkin Village problem of "we support the parks" — how to know if a brand really does — How to shop your values: what to look for, what to ask, and what to skip — The most sustainable product is the one you keep wearing — not the one that stays in a drawerLinks mentioned: — The Landmark Project: thelandmarkproject.com — 1% for the Planet: onepercentfortheplanet.org — Smokey Bear: smokeybear.com — NPCA gift guide: npca.org — National Forest Foundation: nationalforests.org — Yosemite Facelift: yosemiteconservancy.org/yosemite-faceliftSupport the show

Send us Fan Mail58% of veterans have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. 1 in 3 women veterans have experienced military sexual trauma. 30% of land management agency employees are veterans — five times their share of the general population.Sherman Neal II, US Marine Corps veteran and Deputy Director of Sierra Club Military Outdoors, joins The Parks Podcast on Veterans Day to share why the outdoors is where healing happens — and how Sierra Club has been building that bridge since 2006.In this episode: — David Brower, the Sierra Club's first executive director: a WWII veteran who climbed with the 10th Mountain Division — How Military Outdoors started — the Military Families Initiative of 2006, at the peak of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom — Why Sherman didn't want to be around other veterans after leaving service — and what a whitewater rafting trip on the Salmon River changed — Why 48% of Military Outdoors participants are women — when women are only 11% of the veteran population — What outings look like: ice fishing, sailing, picnics, cornhole, Class IV rapids — no template, no required format — Sierra Thrives (Los Angeles): a community cohort bringing veterans and service providers together on public lands — The Vet Space: a women veterans outdoor program that grew out of Military Outdoors — Red Top Mountain State Park, Georgia — the Tuskegee Airman who built a park for his community in 1950 — Barriers to access: transportation, awareness, and jobs — How to get involved: sierraclub.org/military-outdoorsHappy Veterans Day — thank you for your service.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Mi'kmaq, Skmaqn means "waiting place." The French arrived in 1720 and called it Port-la-Joye. The British took it by force in 1758, deported 3,000 Acadians, and renamed it Fort Amherst. In 2018, Parks Canada officially added Skmaqn to the name — acknowledging the Mi'kmaq people who were there long before anyone else.Ethain Arsenault, Visitor Experience Team Lead at the site (and descendant of one of the first Acadian settlers), joins The Parks Podcast to share the full story.In this episode: — Why the French came to PEI in the first place — farmland and a harbor worth controlling — The Mi'kmaq–French alliance — annual ceremonies, gift exchange, renewed annually on this very site — The Acadian deportation of 1758 — 3,000 people on ships, half didn't survive, and a monument on site commemorates it — The only battle ever fought on PEI — New England privateers briefly captured the fort — Michel Haché dit Gallant — the Acadian settler whose footprint is still on the land, and Ethain's ancestor — The trilingual signage — Mi'kmaq, French, and English throughout the park — "Woven Stories" — a 16-minute video in three languages at the visitor center — Co-management with Epekwitnewaq Mi'kmaq — what it looks like in practice — What visitors can see: earthworks, range lights, coastal views, bald eagles, osprey, trembling aspen — Acadian Remembrance Day — December 13th annual ceremony — How to plan a US visit: passport, pet requirements, border crossing, the 35-minute drive from CharlottetownLinks mentioned: — Plan your visit: pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/pe/fortamherst — PEI Tourism: tourismpei.comSupport the show

Send us Fan MailDay 27 of the federal government shutdown. Parks are technically open. But behind the scenes: rangers working without pay guarantees, evidence from criminal investigations stuck because government credit cards are frozen, snow tires that can't be changed, nonprofit reserves being burned through.Retired NPS law enforcement ranger Tara Ross — who spent most of her career at Yellowstone — joins The Parks Podcast for a frank insider update on what's actually happening in our parks right now.Note: Recorded October 24, 2025 — information reflects conditions at that time.In this episode: — Why "the parks look fine" is a Potemkin Village — what visitors see vs. what's happening backstage — Snow tires and crime labs: two real examples of shutdown chaos in Yellowstone — Why some parks appear more open than others — FLREA funds, state subsidies, nonprofit support — The Ambler Road project — 211 miles through one of the last intact roadless wilderness areas in the US — What's still happening to public lands even while the government is shut down — How to recreate responsibly right now: self-sufficient, no garbage cans, respect all closures — Crime Off the Grid podcast — and what's coming upLinks mentioned: — Crime Off the Grid: crimeoffthegrid.com — NPCA: npca.orgSupport the show

Send us Fan MailMaryland has 80 state parks. 500,000 acres of public land. 1,000 miles of trails. Mountains to the west. Bay in the middle. Ocean to the east. And a commitment to making sure that outdoor access reaches every community — including urban Baltimore.Sandy Olek, Director of Outdoor Recreation at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, joins The Parks Podcast to share what makes Maryland one of the best outdoor recreation states in the country — and what the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit is doing to bring the entire outdoor community together.In this episode: — Maryland's public lands portfolio: 80 state parks, state forests, wildlife management areas — and the differences between them — Patapsco Valley State Park: oldest, largest, 200 miles of trails, 32-mile river, spanning 4 counties right up to Baltimore City — The 25 in 2025 challenge and how the state is encouraging people to explore — The Deep Creek Lake centennial — 100 years of Maryland's most beloved recreation destination — Outdoor equity: adaptive fishing platforms, accessible hunting blinds, vision-impaired programming, and more — The natural health connection: why parks and public lands are a non-medicated path to wellbeing — Maryland Outdoor Equity Grants — capacity-building for organizations reaching veterans, foster youth, and more — The $1.2 trillion outdoor economy — and why bringing the whole industry together matters — The Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit: who's there, what they're doing, and what comes out of itLinks mentioned: — Maryland DNR: dnr.maryland.gov — Maryland State Parks: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands — Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit: dnr.maryland.gov/outdoor-recreationSupport the show

Send us Fan MailPrince Edward Island National Park was established in 1937 to protect a strip of barrier coastline, its dunes, and the landscape that inspired Anne of Green Gables. Today it spans three sections of the island's north shore — Cavendish, Brackley–Dalvay, and the stunning dunes of Greenwich — and draws visitors from around the world.Manon Gallant, Interpretation Coordinator at PEI National Park, joins The Parks Podcast for its first Parks Canada episode — and announces that park admission will be free in 2026.In this episode: — The history of PEI National Park — why it was created and what it protects — The three sections: Cavendish, Dalvay, and Greenwich (the hidden gem) — Dalvay by the Sea — the 1890s summer home of an American oil magnate, now a historic hotel — The piping plover — why beaches are closed in sections during nesting season — The vote — and what it actually was — on whether to stay for the 1805–06 winter (Note: this appears in Episode 36; confirm source for Ep. 42 context) — Dune restoration after Hurricane Fiona — planting marram grass and protecting the coastline — The red chairs — from easy spots at Dalvay Lake to a 5km bike ride to find hidden ones — Crossing the border: what Americans need (passport, pet health certificate) — Dogs in the park — welcome everywhere except beaches April–October — 2026: free admission under the Canada Strong PassLinks mentioned: — Plan your visit: pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/pe/pei-ipe — Reservations: reservation.pc.gc.ca — Dalvay House: dalvaybythesea.com — Canada Strong Pass (free 2026): pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/admissionSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThe US government shut down on October 1st, 2025. Parks stayed open — but the rangers, maintenance staff, and interpretive employees who make those parks safe and meaningful were furloughed.Retired park ranger John Goodwin returns to The Parks Podcast to share what changes during a shutdown, what happened last time parks stayed open without adequate staff (it wasn't good), and exactly how to recreate responsibly right now.In this episode: — What a shutdown actually means for parks — the 433 NPS units, not just the big ones — Who's furloughed and who stays: the difference between essential and non-essential employees — What happened to the parks last time — vandalism, archaeological theft, bear incidents, ecological damage — Why some people are calling for park closures — and why John understands the argument — Whether you should visit — and why that's a personal decision with real economic stakes for gateway communities — How to recreate responsibly: pack out trash, respect closures, stay on trails, know your limits — The second edition of Echoes of the Badge — more stories, now available — The political message: don't forget the parks when the shutdown endsLinks mentioned: — John / Lightning Ever: @lightningever — Echoes of the Badge (2nd ed.): available at major booksellersSupport the show

Send us Fan MailFort McAllister repelled seven Union naval attacks — including four Passaic-class ironclads, the most advanced weapons in the world in 1863, engaging at near point-blank range. It finally fell on December 13, 1864, to Sherman's Army during the March to the Sea.Today it's one of the finest examples of a Confederate earthen fort in America — and one of the best birding spots on the Georgia coast. Park Manager Jason Carter joins The Parks Podcast to share the full story, including the alligator they found in the underground bombproof three weeks before we recorded.In this episode: — How Fort McAllister guarded the back door to Savannah — and why that mattered — The Ironclad engagements of 1863 — four Passaic-class ships at point-blank range, and why it was basically a stalemate — Why earthen forts are more resilient to artillery than masonry or wooden forts — The post-battle dinner — Sherman, the Confederate commander, and the argument about landmines — What you can see underground: the hot shot furnace, the central bombproof, the ammunition magazine — The witness tree — 210+ years old, blown over by Hurricane Matthew, and still growing on its side with musket rounds embedded in it — Birding at Fort McAllister — painted bunting, bald eagle, osprey, herons, raptors, and the mink on the causeway — Camping options from backcountry to premium cottages — and why it's the perfect base for Savannah — Deer flies in April through June — the honest warningLinks mentioned: — Plan your visit / reservations: gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister — Savannah: visitsavannah.com — Jason's photography: Photography by Jason C on FacebookSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn 1989, four outdoor brands put together a $40,000 grant to protect public lands. Their insight: their business depended on it. Thirty-five years later, the Conservation Alliance has 200+ business members, has granted $34.5 million, and has helped protect 125 million acres.Kim Paymaster (Grants and Program Director) and Katie Johnson (Campaigns and Engagement Manager) of the Conservation Alliance join The Parks Podcast to explain what the organization does, who it works with, and how businesses of every size — and individuals — can be part of the movement to protect our public lands.In this episode: — How the Conservation Alliance started — and why outdoor brands realized their bottom line depended on conservation — The three organizations people confuse: NPS, NPF, and NPCA — and now TCA — Who's in the network: outdoor gear, energy companies, beverage brands, media, and more — What the grants program actually does — from a 342-acre county park near Asheville to the Boundary Waters to the Grand Canyon — Priority campaigns: Boundary Waters, Grand Canyon National Monument, and the Roadless Rule — The Brands for Public Lands coalition — and why the business voice matters right now in Washington — How small businesses of five or fewer employees can make a bigger impact than they think — What individuals can do: follow, subscribe, support brands that show up, and stay informed — The outdoor economy: $1.2 trillion, and why it all depends on protected lands and watersLinks mentioned: — Conservation Alliance: conservationalliance.com — Brands for Public Lands: conservationalliance.com/brands-for-public-lands — Boundary Waters: savetheboundarywaters.org — Grand Canyon Trust: grandcanyontrust.orgSupport the show

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of The Parks Podcast, I spoke with Brian Bird, a chapter coordinator for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, about the importance of the Roadless Rule. They begin by defining the Roadless Rule as a measure that prohibits road construction on federal lands to protect undeveloped areas. Bird highlights several key reasons for its importance, including preserving continuous habitat for wildlife, preventing erosion, and protecting against commercial logging.He explains that the rule provides flexibility for land management, including for fire prevention, contrary to some claims. The discussion also touches on how the rule's potential rescission has been politicized, despite public lands being a nonpartisan issue that is important to all Americans.Bird explains the rule's specific importance to hunters and anglers. For them, "backcountry" means areas that require effort to access, providing a peaceful and untouched environment free from the noise of vehicles. The rule protects these areas, which are crucial for the integrity of the hunting and fishing experience and the well-being of game species. He also notes the ecological impact of road construction, which can lead to increased sediment and disrupt stream ecology, harming fish populations.The episode concludes with an urgent call to action. With the public comment period on the proposed rescission ending soon, Bird emphasizes that submitting a comment is a quick and effective way for listeners to voice their support for the Roadless Rule. He encourages everyone to use the provided links from Backcountry Hunters and Anglers to contact their legislators and the Department of Agriculture, and to share the episode to raise awareness about the issue.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEverybody is a public landowner. It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from — this land belongs to all of us. And the Roadless Rule protects the best of it.Brian Bird of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers joins The Parks Podcast for a quick, urgent conversation about what the Roadless Rule does for hunters, anglers, and anyone who values wild places. Roads bring development. Roads bring noise. Roads cause erosion that chokes the streams where fish spawn. And once you build them, you can't un-build them.In this episode: — What the Roadless Rule actually protects — from a hunter and angler's perspective — Why the fire prevention argument for rescinding the rule doesn't hold up — How roads change the fish habitat downstream — culverts, sedimentation, and the biology of streams — Why this isn't a red or blue issue — everybody owns these lands — How to submit a public comment and why it matters — BHA's before/after map — what 45 million acres looks like when protections are gone — The 24-hour call to actionTake action: — BHA take action page: backcountryhunters.org/roadless — Submit comments: regulations.gov — Call your rep: congress.gov/members/find-your-memberSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn November 1805, after 18 months on the road, Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific Coast. Before settling in for winter, they did something remarkable — they solicited opinions from everyone in their party on where to make camp. The record shows every opinion, including those of Clark's enslaved man York and Sacagawea. It was 1805.Jon Burpee, Superintendent of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in Astoria, Oregon, joins The Parks Podcast to share the full story of this six-unit park — the replica fort, the ethno-botanical garden, the Chinook trading relationship, the salmon restoration, and what the journals say about the most miserable six days Lewis and Clark ever spent.In this episode: — Why Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark — scientific curiosity, economic ambition, and a $2,500 budget — The Chinook people — traders for generations before Europeans arrived, and why their relationship with the expedition was genuinely different — The extraordinary "solicitation" — when Lewis and Clark asked York and Sacagawea for their opinion — Six months waiting in the rain — 12 days of sunshine, 6 days of visible blue sky, the rest clouds and wet — The Fort to Sea Trail — 6.5 miles through forest, wetland, and maritime ecosystem — The ethno-botanical garden — a living research library of plants important to the Chinookan peoples — Salmon restoration — why a national park is protecting salmon habitat and what it means for the Pacific Northwest — How to visit all six units — Fort Clatsop, Salt Works, Station Camp, Dismal Niche, Cape Disappointment, Fort to Sea Trail — December visits — when rangers in period clothing make the experience feel exactly as Lewis and Clark described itLinks mentioned: — Plan your visit: nps.gov/lewi — Lewis and Clark journals online: lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu — Cape Disappointment camping: parks.wa.govSupport the show

Send us Fan MailMill Springs Battlefield National Monument was designated in 2020 — making it one of the youngest units in the National Park Service. The visitor center is spectacular. The history is extraordinary. And the park is still actively being built.The Battle of Mill Springs on January 19, 1862 was a rare winter battle and the first major Union victory in the West — a watershed moment that changed how the war would develop west of the Appalachians. Chief of Interpretation Andrew Miller joins The Parks Podcast to share the full story: the battle, the preservation history, and what visitors can see and do at a park that is genuinely coming to life.In this episode: — How this battlefield nearly disappeared — listed among the 10 most endangered Civil War battlefields in the late 1980s — How the Mill Springs Battlefield Association preserved this land from the ground up, decades before the NPS arrived — Why the Battle of Mill Springs happened in winter — and why it almost didn't happen at all — Kentucky's extraordinary neutrality — Colonel Sanders with two pistols — and how it collapsed — Felix Kirk Zollicoffer — the newspaper editor turned Confederate general who had no professional military training — What visitors can see today: the visitor center, the 20-minute film, the driving tour, the hiking trails, and the Brown-Lanier home — What's coming in the next five years: new signage, expanded trails, a staff ride program, and a NPS film — How to make a full vacation out of the area — Camp Nelson, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace, Mammoth Cave, Big South Fork all within 90 minutesLinks mentioned: — Plan your visit: nps.gov/misp — NPS App for self-guided battlefield tour — Mill Springs Battlefield Association: millsprings.netSupport the show