The Parks Podcast

Grab 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

What 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

"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

Cuyahoga 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

In this episode of The Parks Podcast, host Missy Rentz sits down with Tara Ross and Nancy Martinz, former National Park Service law enforcement rangers and the creators of the hit podcast Crime Off the Grid.Forget the salacious horror stories; Tara and Nancy bring decades of real-world experience to the table to discuss the reality of law enforcement in the wild. From the unpredictability of "Ranger Tales" to the complexities of federal jurisdiction, they pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to patrol millions of acres of wilderness.Support the show

In 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

"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

 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

Journey 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

Is your park pass still valid? We’re talking with artist Jenny McCarty about the sticker that shook the Department of the Interior. As the 2026 NPS pass becomes a political lightning rod, we dive into a sticker controversy, the administration's crackdown on modified passes, and the role of art in protecting the spirit of our public lands. The parks didn't ask to be part of the debate—but they’re right in the middle of it.Support the show

Guest: 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

This episode of The Parks Podcast explores the deep connection between our national landscapes and the stories that define us. Host Missy Rentz sits down with Beth English, Executive Director of the Organization of American Historians (OAH), to discuss why preserving "unvarnished" history is essential for our future.Support the show

Step 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

Kick off the New Year with First Day Hikes - a day to celebrate in our State Parks all around the United States. In this epsiode we'll learn about the origin of First Day Hike, and all the opportunities to play in parks around the country this January 1.Support the show

Indiana State Parks is kicking off winter with hikes, bird watching, light tours, and more.Support the show

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

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

Hueston Woods State Park is hosting the holidays with movies, breakfast with Santa, hikes, and more. Learn more in this episode.Support the show

Malabar Farm State Park is an historic farm, and former home to Louis Bromfield. Visit the park during the holiday season to visit the historic home all decked out in its holiday best.Support the show

Winter is a great time to explore our parks and public lands.  Arizona State Parks & Trails offers a variety of activities, including hikes, boat parades, luminary tours, and more. Listen to this episode to learn about all the great things happening in Arizona this holiday season and for First Day Hikes!Support the show

Finding a community to join and explore our parks is a great entry into outdoor Adventures.  Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison started GirlTREK with the mission of increasing the life expectancy of black women by 10 years in 10 years.  With more than 1 million members, GirlTREK is changing lives and building community. Support the show

Are you celebrating Thanksgiving in Massachusetts?  Spend Friday, November 28 outside with "Gratitude After Gravy". Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is hosting guided outdoor recreation throughout the state.  Celebrate with family and friends and head to the parks!Support the show

Alan Spears, from National Park Conservation Association, joins us to talk about the status of our National Parks and public lands after the 43 day shutdown. We also talk about what's next for our beloved places.Support the show

"Hustle" and "Bustle" have become part of our every day vocabulary. And as we make lists, and check them twice, how can we make sure that our spending power is working for the causes we love.  It's time to check our Shopping Values, and the values of the brands and places where we are shopping. Are they supporting our public lands? Are they helping us recreate responsibly? In this episode we talk to Matt Moreau from The Landmark Project. Matt has made giving back a part of their core mission from day one. Support the show

Sierra Club's Military Outdoors program provides our veterans the chance to get outdoors and opportunities for community, camaraderie, and healing.Support the show

 Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic site was home to Mi'kmaq, French, Acadian, and British over its long and rich history. Skmagn, meaning "waiting place," served as a protective fort for Prince Edward Island.Support the show

Tara Ross from Crime off the Grid Podcast joins me to talk about the status of our National Parks and Public Lands on day 27 of the Government Shutdown.Support the show

We talk to Sandi Olek from Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the importance of outdoor recreation in the state. They are hosting the Maryland Outdoor Summit to bring together the industry to discuss Outdoor for All, Recreation with a Purpose, and the Business of Outdoor Recreation. In this episode we learn about how this meeting will impact outdoor recreation through out Maryland and all of the opportunities to get outside in Maryland.Support the show

Discover the stunning Canadian coast of Prince Edward Island National Park! Join Missy and Manon Gallant to explore the cultural heritage, critical dune preservation efforts, and everything you need to know to plan a trip to this seaside Parks Canada location.Support the show

When the US Government shut down on October 1, 2025, questions and concerns about the status of our parks immediately became breaking news and trending topics. John Goodwin, a retired NPS Ranger and Author of "Echoes of the Badge: Stories from a National Park Service Career" joins me to share how to recreate responsibly during these challenging times. Support the show

Fort McAllister State Historic Park marks an important point in the Civil War with General Sherman's "March to the Sea".  In this episode we learn about the history of the battle and the environmental wonders of the park.Support the show

Organizations like The Conservation Alliance have been created by outdoor brands and businesses to help join forces in advocating for our public lands.  In this episode we learn more about the hot topics in advocacy and how to get involved.Support the show

On 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

 For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule has protected nearly 50 million acres of public land. This summer, the agriculture Secretary announced that they would rescind the rule. This would have a significant impact on our public lands. In this episode we learn about the Roadless rule and how to activate to protect our public lands.Support the show

The journey of Lewis and Clark stopped in, what is now, Oregon for the winter. The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park holds the environmental and historical conservation so that we can all continue to learn and understand their journey.Support the show

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument shares the story of one of the few winter battles held during the Civil War and how Kentucky's commitment to neutrality eventually shifted to have them fighting for the Union.Support the show

 New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is one of the country's youngest National Parks. Natural environment, industrial innovation, and the rights of workers all take center stage in this park. And one weekend a year, so does jumping off the bridge. Support the show

National Hammock Day is June 22nd. We met up with Anna Rawlins from ENO to talk about the history of hammocking, how to do it safely, and why so many people are incorporating hammocks into their lives.Support the show

General Coffee State Park in Georgia celebrates the rich agricultural history of our country. The park showcases its late 1800s farm and diverse recreational activities.Support the show

What do dish towels, dorm-style boarding houses, and secret British tech have in common? Welcome to Lowell National Historical Park — the birthplace of American industrial innovation and a catalyst for social change.In this episode, host Missy Rentz explores the fascinating history of Lowell, Massachusetts, with Park Ranger Aubrey Brown. Discover how Lowell became the blueprint for mill towns across the U.S., why it centered young women as its primary workforce, and how the hum of textile looms sparked waves of activism, immigration, and independence.🎧 You’ll learn about:The power looms that changed American manufacturing foreverThe "mill girls" who fought for better conditions—and found their voicesHow WWII shifted the mills from dishcloths to parachutesWhy the boarding house system gave women a rare taste of freedomToday’s immersive visitor experience, including weaving demos, canal walks, and cultural exhibitsFrom innovation to labor rights, Lowell’s story is more than machinery—it’s a lens into the American spirit. Press play and get inspired by this city’s past and its ongoing legacy.Support the show

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to two of the largest trees in the world. The parks host large-scale conservation efforts and offer incredible recreational activities.Support the show

Tim Kaine shares stories from his book "Walk Ride Paddle: A Life Outdoors". The book is filled with stories of his Virginia Nature Triathlon and behind the scenes look at his role as US Senator during a tumultuous time in US History.Support the show

We journey to Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii. This memorial commemorates the attack on December 7, 1941. It serves as a memorial to the lives lost and a history lesson about how the United States entered World War II.Support the show

John Goodwin, Retired NPS Ranger and author of "Echoes of the Badge" joins us to talk about his adventures as a park ranger. He also shares some tips for your park visit.Support the show

Jessica Bowser, from Virginia Outdoor Adventures, gives us a glimpse into her approach to planning park trips and learning new activities.Support the show

Pocahontas State Park is the largest state park in Virginia and has great outdoor recreation, camping, and conservation programs.Support the show

Biscayne National Park, off the coast of Miami, is 95% water with a rich history in farming, fishing, and conservation.Support the show

Pompeys Pillar is located just outside of Billings, Montana. This stop will show your a geological wonder, the signature of William Clark, and stunning vista of the eastern Montana plains.Support the show

Recreation.gov is your go to website for planning trips to our nation's public lands.  You can book campsites, reserve passes, and learn more about what's going on in the parks.Support the show

Statue of Liberty National Monument is home to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Learn about the history - starting with the gift from France through the immigration process for so many coming to the United States.Support the show