People. Nature. Big Ideas.

This month's episode flips the script. PNBI host Ronda Lee takes the hot seat as guest Gabaccia Moreno throws the tough questions.Ronda and Gabaccia met as strangers on a shuttle to Big Sky, Montana, where both were completing their PSIA/AASI instruction certifications through Women of Winter, a program centering women of color in snow sports. Together, they unpack Ronda's decade in the mountains of Utah, the complicated joy of reclaiming spaces that haven’t always felt welcoming to them, the very real cost of access, and the particular power of age diversity on the slopes.Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

Brought to you from the first, Black-owned radio station in the country, WERD Studios, this month’s PNBI recording is a very special one. Host Ronda Lee traveled to the Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia— birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—to celebrate the grand opening of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, where Dr. King, and many other Black leaders, catalyzed the early Civil Rights Movement.On the third floor, WERD Studios was the movement’s first communications base. In the newly refurbished space, Ronda sits down with an elite panel of guests instrumental in bringing the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge to life. They talk about the origin of the project, the role of the Masons, the history of the Sweet Auburn neighborhood and its future, and what’s next for this important Black historic site.Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

As the year draws to a close, People. Nature. Big Ideas. revisits three remarkable efforts—and one defining issue—that embody our mission at Trust for Public Land to connect everyone to the outdoors and reveal the deeper ties between land, community, and purpose. Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

We’re living in what some call the golden era of outdoor recreation. Participation is high and outdoor spaces are being recognized; not just as places to visit and play, but as critical infrastructure for our health, our economy, and our democracy.But this golden era is under threat.There are real efforts underway to sell off public lands, gut conservation funding, and roll back programs that center equity and climate resilience. If we care about the outdoors—who it belongs to, who it serves—this may be one of the most pivotal moments in our history.This episode is about that moment. We’ll explore how outdoor recreation is powering jobs, especially in rural communities, shaping identity, and why protecting public access to the outdoors is a national priority.Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

Are you crushing hard on a neighborhood park? Maybe one with rolling hills and super tall trees that sway gently in the summer breeze? Or maybe you’ve got a second crush, too—another park with waterfalls and vistas that just won’t quit? Well, you're not alone! On this month’s episode, Ronda takes to the Denver parks to discover the secret (and not-so-secret) “park crushes” local residents have on their favorite outdoor spaces.And then, Bianca Clarke—Associate Vice President of TPL’s 10-Minute Walk Program & Parks Initiative—shares some takeaways from ParkScore 2025.Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

On April's People. Nature. Big Ideas., you'll learn what makes folks Happiest Outside when a mother/son duo, a delirious birder, and a wellbeing advocate share their stories of joy and connection in the outdoors.Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

In this episode, host Ronda Lee Chapman is at SXSW! Discover how outdoor programs transform the lives of young people of color through experiences in nature, understand historical exclusion from outdoor spaces and ongoing self-exclusion in communities of color, and learn how these programs cultivate strong, resilient, mentally healthy leaders.Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

Ronda celebrates Black History Month by opening her box of family photos, reflecting on family members and others—past and present—who have uplifted their communities and who, amidst the threat of erasure, persist with rigor, joy, and love.  Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

This month, we’ve got five audio essays from some of our TPL team members’ favorite outdoor places. Join us in Mexico, California, Texas, and New York City, for this heart-felt audio journey. And check out the video version as well on our YouTube channel.   https://youtu.be/8HgUecr-nMoTrust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

It’s year-end, and we’re highlighting three remarkable TPL projects in this month’s podcast. In our “People,” segment, we talk with a Philadelphia principal who chased her dream and brought a schoolyard to her community. In our “Nature” segment, we learn about a new wildlife management area—twice the size of Central Park—located just outside downtown Minneapolis. And in our third segment, our “Big Idea,” an old golf course is “rewilded” in fire-prone Marin, California, to create a place of resilience, safety, and community.  Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

This month, People. Nature. Big Ideas. host Ronda Lee Chapman chats with Queta Gonzalez—the outgoing director of Center for Diversity and the Environment—about Queta’s fifteen years working at the intersection of equity and the outdoors. This expansive conversation covers democracy, internalizing DEI at your organization, career tips for those working in the non-profit space, and a revolutionary (or a Big Idea, at least!) new advancement in the role of pay equity. Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

Mentored Hunting and Angling—it’s an exciting new program that goes to the heart of one of TPL’s core mission commitments—supporting and fostering equitable outdoor spaces.  This month on People. Nature. Big Ideas., we learn about BIPOC hunters and their mentees who come together in Minnesota’s North Woods to build new skills, traditions, and community—all on public land. And discover the special guest who’s participating in the next mentored hunt on this month’s episode!  Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

In this celebration/retrospective episode, Ronda and Tom look back and pull out some highlights from the season. Topics include: disabilities and the outdoors, indigenous knowledge and stewardship, what “representation” in the outdoors looks like for people of color, and more.For folks unfamiliar with the podcast, this is a great opportunity to jump in, hear some snippets from our amazing guests, and take in the joy, complexity, and spirit, at the intersection of people, nature, and big ideas.  Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

In a special episode of PNBI, Ronda Lee Chapman chats with Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, TPL’s incoming President and CEO, who will take the reins on October 1.   Carrie is wrapping up her 11-year tenure as President and CEO of Colorado Mountain College, where she championed efforts to close the education equity gap and significantly expanded the college's reach and impact. Under her leadership, the college earned the prestigious Hispanic-Serving Institution designation.  Listen in to learn a little more about Carrie’s deep love for the outdoors, what motivates her, and her initial thoughts on leading TPL into its next chapter in creating equitable outdoor spaces for all.  Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/qGygI_tGys4 Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

Pack your six-inch heels, because it’s Pride month on People. Nature. Big Ideas!  Ronda is joined by Pattie Gonia, a critically acclaimed drag queen, environmentalist, and advocate for inclusivity and diversity in the outdoors. The two discuss making music videos with Yo Yo Ma, climbing mountains with six-inch heels, what it was like to grow up gay in Nebraska, and the confluence of nature, art, and advocacy.   Pattie Gonia: https://www.pattiegonia.net/ Won’t Give Up Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dKk1bIn8aU  Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

It’s ParkScore day! Ronda discusses her impressions of this year's ParkScore release, and then is joined by Scott Kratz, Building Bridges Across the River Senior Vice President & 11th Street Bridge Park Director, to discuss the 11th Street Bridge Park—DC’s first elevated park—a repurposed freeway that is quickly becoming a bridge between two very different communities.  About the 11th Street Bridge Project:11th Street Bridge Park's webpage.Their Equitable Development Plan that includes new health & wellness strategies.A link to a short video about why community driven equitable development work is so important & their 7 step plan to engage with local stakeholders.An NY Times article about their work.Scott mentions:Steha Low's book, Why Public Space MattersRonda and Tom mention:Bowling Alone, by Robert PutnamTrust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

Introducing PNBI’s Three-Part Series on the “Outdoors for All Act”  In the first two episodes, Ronda talked with community partners who share what outdoors means to them, their community, and their culture. They explored how investing in the outdoors is ultimately an investment in people and collective wellbeing, physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually. In this final episode of the Outdoors for All three-part podcast series, Ronda joins TPL’s annual Day on the Hill event in Washington, DC, where she talks with lawmakers, advocates, TPL staff, and journalists, about how these kinds of bills get created, passed, and what kind of impact they can have on communities across the US.  Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

In the first two episodes, host Ronda Chapman talks with community leaders and TPL partners who share what outdoors means to them, their community, and their culture. They’ll explore how investing in the outdoors is ultimately an investment in people and collective wellbeing, physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually.  And in April, for the third episode, Ronda will join TPL’s annual Day on the Hill event in  Washington, DC, where they’ll talk with lawmakers, advocates, TPL staff, and journalists, about how these kinds of bills get created, passed, and what kind of impact they can have on communities across the US.  In Part Two, Ronda is joined by Dr. Darren Ranco and Charles Loring Jr. of Penobscot Nation, and TPL's own Ken Lucero, TPL’s Tribal and Indigenous Lands program, to discuss self-determination, tribal sovereignty and land return, the benefits of indigenous knowledge, and TPL’s role in the Wáhsehtəkʷ project, which restores nearly 30,000 acres to the Penobscot Nation.  Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

In the first two episodes, Ronda talks with community partners who share what outdoors means to them, their community, and their culture. They’ll explore how investing in the outdoors is ultimately an investment in people and collective wellbeing, physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually. And in April, for the third episode,  Ronda will join TPL’s annual Day on the Hill event in  Washington, DC, where they’ll talk with lawmakers, advocates, TPL staff, and journalists, about how these kinds of bills get created, passed, and what kind of impact they can have on communities across the US. In Part One, Ronda is joined by Erika Hood, one of the co-founders of SYATT, a family-founded organization, based in East Cleveland, whose mission is to support its community through culturally relevant programming in the natural and built environment. Also joining the show is Sean Terry, TPL’s Associate Vice President, Ohio State Director, who will share the importance of being in relationship with community groups like SYATT, their exciting collaboration to transform a local park and why the outdoors is so vital in creating more accessible, health-supporting and resident-friendly spaces. Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

Episode Six - A Walk in the Woods with Ronda In late January, PNBI host Ronda Lee Chapman was feeling a little stuck on how the podcast should cover Black History Month. Stuck in her feelings. Stuck in her thinking. So what better way for Ronda to think, reflect, and get unstuck, than to get out into nature and take a walk in the woods.In this reflection episode, Ronda unpacks her thoughts around Black History Month, Black futures, the importance of rest and reflection, sitting with discomfort, and what it means to celebrate history while also keeping an eye to the future.“Black history is also this moment. We don't always have to be [looking] in the rearview mirror. We need to honor it. We need to respect it… But I also don't want us to forget about the future. We need to be thinking many generations ahead.” Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

“The land loss that Black Chicago has experienced in the last decade—it stops here,” says Naomi Davis, founder of Blacks in Green. Today on PNBI, we’re talking about Self-Determination and the challenges around how communities and individuals are able to shape their economic, cultural, and social futures. To dig into this important topic, we’re joined by Naomi Davis, founder of the Blacks in Green (BIG™), and TPL’s newest National Board member Anton Seals Jr., founder of Grow Greater Englewood. Blacks in Green is a national network for environmental justice and economic development that focuses on the “Sustainable Square Mile,” an economically self-sustaining walkable village designed to build Black wealth and power. TPL is supporting BIG’s efforts to create a series of 16 gardens across Chicago that honor luminaries of the Great Migration. The first of these is the Mamie Till-Mobley Forgiveness Garden, a converted vacant lot that offers a place for healing and respite.Grow Greater Englewood is a social enterprise organization that works with residents and developers to create sustainable local food economies, green businesses, and land sovereignty to empower residents to create wellness and wealth. In this wide-ranging conversation, Naomi, Anton and Ronda discuss how their organizations connect Black residents and communities to the outdoors, food, sustainability, energy, and climate resilience, while creating pathways for economic enterprise. Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

In this deeply moving episode of 'People, Nature, Big Ideas,' we're joined by Alysa Morley. While advocacy might not be her job title, her journey and the synergy with TPL's mission have profound implications for those seeking access and representation in the great outdoors. As part of the marketing team at Trust for Public Land (TPL), Alysa has witnessed firsthand the synergy between her personal experiences and TPL's mission. As a person living with a disability, she knows the weight of exclusion one can feel when it comes to enjoying the outdoors. As a child, she recalls watching from the classroom as other kids played on the playground. These memories have deeply influenced her perspective and contributions at TPL, an organization that's pioneering projects for people with disabilities. Together with Ronda, Alysa delves into topics of education, gratitude, and the importance of owning one's disability. Their conversation is a heartfelt exploration of the intersections between people, nature, and the transformative ideas that bridge them, while also addressing the dangers of 'othering'. Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

More and more, people of color are being recognized for the variety of ways they step forward to engage with their communities. Whether it’s to help design and build community parks as we’ll discuss in this episode—or, as in our first episode with Tykee James, to apply outdoor activities such as birding as ways to build connections between civil rights history and the Black experience. There are all sorts of unique and exciting ways folks of color are bringing their unique perspectives and backgrounds to help inform the future of conservation.To talk through these ideas, host Ronda Lee Chapman welcomes Jeresneyka Rose and Chris Urias, two CORE fellows at TPL (CORE stands for Community Outreach with Resident Experts). These two are talented. They’re activists and community leaders. They’re fresh. And they are people of color. Not to put too much pressure on these two individuals, but we think, in their hearts and spirits—and in their love for their communities—they reflect the direction that conservation is, and should be, going.Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

In this second installment of the new TPL podcast, host Ronda Lee Chapman talks with parks, recreation, and conservation professional Mickey Fearn about the interplay of nature and community, being the “weird” kids who sought the sanctuary of the woods and wetlands, the role of Black neighborhoods and their proximity to nature, and how racism and poverty require new approaches to build lasting and meaningful relationships with the outdoors.Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

In this, our first episode, host Ronda Lee Chapman talks with Tykee James, government affairs coordinator at the National Audubon Society. The two discuss the joys of birding and how Tykee came to cofound Black Birders Week. They also explore the topics of activism and coalition-building in the “Freedom Birders” movement, the sticky roots of conservation, how many birds Ronda really knows (more than she thinks), and their experiences navigating the outdoors as people of color.Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...

This podcast is designed to be a rich forum for conversation on how we move forward—towards a more inclusive and representative outdoor community—together. How are we going to rethink conservation? How do we encourage investments and engagement in nature for our communities? My hope is that this podcast can also be a vehicle to raise community voices—to offer a platform to talk about the valuable work that these individuals and communities are doing. I want to talk about the triumphs. I want to talk about challenges and celebrations. And I want to talk about the ways that TPL shows up in communities, how we show up in solidarity, in support, and learn where and what we might do better. – Ronda Lee Chapman Trust for Public LandConnecting everyone to the outdoors™tpl.org  | Instagram | Facebook    ...