Hemlocks to Hellbenders

Christian Alexandersen
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Hemlocks to Hellbenders is an award-winnning podcast hosted by Christian Alexandersen highlighting Pennsylvania’s parks, forests and great outdoors. Our episodes feature engaging conversations with park managers, forest rangers, scientists, educators, outdoor recreationalists, volunteers, officials and more that help you plan your next adventure in the Commonwealth's incredible parks and forests. 

  1. −5 d

    Laurel Caverns State Park - Descend into one of Pennsylvania's natural wonders

    There’s no law or policy that requires Pennsylvania to keep creating new state parks. Over the history of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – and its various other names through the years – new state parks have been added and subtracted.  There have been times when we added dozens of new state parks. Under Dr. Maurice K. Goddard, the Department of Parks and Forests – as it was called then - added 45 new state parks and 130,000 acres of land between 1955 and 1979. Dr. Goddard proposed building a state park within 25 miles of every resident of Pennsylvania. But growth to the state park system slowed down in the 1980s and 90s. The commonwealth entered a phase of improvement – focusing more on upgrading facilities than adding many more parks.  We’ve also been in possession of a number of state parks that we eventually relinquished control to another entity. Such as Valley Forge, Independence Mall, Fort Necessity and Brandywine Battlefield.  That’s the thing. Depending on state leadership, availability of funds, the economy, political priorities, availability of lands and which governor is in charge, there is no guarantee that we will get new state parks.  So when we get a new state park, it’s important that we celebrate. Enter Laural Caverns State Park – Pennsylvania’s 125th state park and its first subterranean park.  What started out as a tourist attraction in the southwestern part of the state, is now a state park giving visitors a chance to explore 4 miles of underground passageways. Laurel Caverns is the largest sandstone cave in the world and one of the world’s steepest caves. Guided tours provide visitors with the opportunity to walk or crawl through incredible geologic features. Most of the passage ceilings in the underground labyrinth are between ten and twenty feet high and many as high as 50 feet.   This makes it the largest cave in Pennsylvania.  And it now belongs to the people of Pennsylvania. How amazing is that?!  On this episode I speak with Corie Eckman. Carie is the manager Laurel Caverns State Park.  Be sure to support our 2026 sponsors: Keystone Trails Association Purple Lizard Maps Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Sisters' Sunflowers Discover Clarion County Go Laurel Highlands  Support the show Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.  Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen Music: Jon Sauer Graphics: Matt Davis

  2. 8 juli

    Loyalsock State Forest - Endless Mountains offer waterfalls, vistas and hikes for your next adventure

    CORRECTION: The Loyalsock Trail and the Old Loggers Path is maintained by the Alpine Club of Williamsport. When people find out that I’ve visited every state park, I often get asked the same question. What’s my favorite? And consistently I give the same answer, Worlds End State Park.  It’s an easy answer for me since I fell in love with the park the first time I walked into the s-shaped gorge to see it surrounded by tree-covered mountains and boulders. But when it comes to state forests, I haven’t always had an answer. And that’s because I just haven’t spent enough time in them to give an educated answer.  That was until 2024. In September of that year, I went on a Slack Pack with the Keystone Trails Association. Slack Packs allow you to get dropped off and picked up at the trial every day while leaving the majority of your gear and meals back at the campsite. Hence, having a slack pack. Over the course of few days, we hiked about 20 miles on the Loyalsock Trail through Loyalsock State Forest. The state forest – which surrounds Worlds End – provided me with everything I wanted. Mountains. Views. Waterfalls. Big beautiful tress.  It was the most time I’d ever spent in a Pennsylvania state forest. And, still, the best time.  I contend that if you can’t find something unique or special or breathtaking over Loyalsock State Forest’s nearly 115,000 acres, then buddy, you ain’t trying. Loyalsock simply has it all. And all of it is splendid.  From the cool rushing waters of Loyalsock Creek, to the beautiful nightsky at High Knob Astronomy Area, there is a lot to take in on the forest. And since it covers three counties in northcentral Pennsylvania, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore new places and find new things to fall in love with.  On this episode, I speak with Eric Probert to the podcast. Eric is the district manager at Loyalsock State Forest.  Be sure to support our 2026 sponsors: Keystone Trails Association Purple Lizard Maps Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Sisters' Sunflowers Discover Clarion County Go Laurel Highlands  Support the show Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.  Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen Music: Jon Sauer Graphics: Matt Davis

  3. 24 juni

    Bilgers Rocks - Create your own adventure through a towering rock city

    What’s the best gift you’ve been given? It’s a tough question. I’ve been fortunate to have received a lot of great gifts over the years. The minibike from my parents. The engraved knife from my brother. The souvenir medal from my wife. And countless others.  They’re awesome and they each hold a special place in my heart.  But when I learned of the recent gift that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania received, it stopped me in my tracks. In 2026, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced it had been given and has added Bilgers Rocks to the Moshannon State Forest. Some of you may be thinking, “Who cares about a bunch of dusty old rocks. That’s not a great gift.” But listen here, you have no idea how amazing this place is. It’s the definition of a hidden gem.  Bilgers Rocks is centered around a multi-acre rock formation that brings visitors through a stunning rock city. With little in the way of handrails and safety features, you can walk through towering sandstone blocks, crawl in rock rooms, squeeze between ancient boulders and explore carvings from visitors past.  I was in awe the first time I stood on top of and in between these giant walls of rock. It feels like you’re exploring a prehistoric city. Like you’re Indiana Jones searching for treasure. It’s otherworldly and outstanding. And now, a part of our state forest system.   So, before we get to the interviews, I want to thank the Bilgers Rocks Association -- for its dedication to preservation, for its steadfast stewardship and for its one-of-a-kind gift. Knowing that Bilgers Rocks will be protected for generations of Pennsylvanians to come makes me and many others so happy. Thank you, so much.  On this episode, I speak with John Hecker, Gary Gilmore and Mariah Dunsmore to the podcast. John is the District Manager of the Moshannon State Forest and Gary and Mariah are with the Bilgers Rocks Association.  Be sure to support our 2026 sponsors: Keystone Trails Association Purple Lizard Maps Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Sisters' Sunflowers Discover Clarion County Go Laurel Highlands  Support the show Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.  Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen Music: Jon Sauer Graphics: Matt Davis

  4. 10 juni

    New to nature? Find free inclusive, guided activities with Centred Outdoors

    For every Pennsylvanian that grew up stomping through creeks, wandering through the woods and exploring our magnificent forests, there’s many more that are just discovering the outdoors.  Maybe they grew up in a city. Or they mostly played sports. Or their families didn’t have an outdoor background. But now, they’ve found the beauty and splendor of our wonderful public lands.  That’s so great to see. New people from different backgrounds finding joy in the outdoors. However, not everyone is automatically comfortable in the outdoors. Maybe they’re afraid of bears or snakes or strangers or getting lost.  They don’t know where they can learn in a welcoming environment and how to develop community. And they don’t know where to start. That’s where Centred Outdoors comes in. Based in Central Pennsylvania, Centered Outdoors invites everyone, of every age, background, or fitness level, to explore and enjoy outdoor recreation destinations throughout Centre and surrounding counties. They host various programs and activities that cost nothing to participate in and are always open to the public. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned hiker, there’s always a place for you at a Centred Outdoors event. And their events include everything from guided hikes and yoga to campfire gatherings and art workshops. There really is something for everyone at Centred Outdoors.  I am always jealous of the people that live in and around Centre County, because they have access to these awesome activities and programs. It’s just a little too far from me here in Cumberland County to go up every weekend. And that’s about how often I wish I could participate in their events.  But even if you don’t live in Central Pennsylvania, the activities and programs hosted by Centred Outdoors are worth the trip. And the region will definitely keep you busy if you decided to do so.  On this episode, I speak with Olivia Stas to the podcast. Olivia is the program coordinator for Centred Outdoors.  Be sure to support our 2026 sponsors: Keystone Trails Association Purple Lizard Maps Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Sisters' Sunflowers Discover Clarion County Go Laurel Highlands  Support the show Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.  Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen Music: Jon Sauer Graphics: Matt Davis

  5. 27 maj

    What's killing Pennsylvania's trees and how DCNR’s fighting it

    The more time I’ve spent outdoors, the more I’ve learned about the threats our trees face here in Pennsylvania. It seems like every other day I’m finding out about a new disease or invasive plant or insect that’s come to our shores and is devastating our trees.  It’s sad to see our forests choked by kudzu vines. To see our trees impacted by the emerald ash borer, spongy moth and hemlock woolly adelgid. To see the once mighty American Chestnut tree wiped out by blight.  And lets not forget about other issues like over foresting, wildfires and climate change. All taking a bite from our forests. One tree at a time.  We will never have the forests that our ancestors would have seen. Old growth trees are limited to a few areas in the Commonwealth. And development has sliced most of our forests into bite-sized pieces.  But that doesn’t mean we just give up. No way.  A dedicated group of scientists and foresters are working to address these issues, protect our forests and stay ahead of the future threats that may try to take even more trees from our landscape.   They are testing out new methods and processes that could save the trees that we have and, hopefully, prevent more species from being taken from us. But it’s not easy work. They are constantly having to adapt to new threats present in an ever-connected world.  It’s incredibly important work. Anyone who cares for the outdoors – whether you’re a hunter or a hiker – needs to know about what each of us can do to address these threats on our property and help these scientists protect our forests.  On this episode, I speak with Rosa Yoo. Rosa is a Forest Health Manager with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry.  Be sure to support our 2026 sponsors: Keystone Trails Association Purple Lizard Maps Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Sisters' Sunflowers Discover Clarion County Go Laurel Highlands  Support the show Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.  Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen Music: Jon Sauer Graphics: Matt Davis

  6. 13 maj

    Little Buffalo State Park - Activities, events and history bring visitors year-round to Perry County

    Little Buffalo State Park is the place that kicked off my love for Pennsylvania’s state parks. I’ve told this story many times, but I’ll do it quickly here right now.  In 2020, my wife Abby and I were looking for something to do after brunch. The world was beginning to open up during the COVID 19 pandemic and we didn’t want to spend any more time cooped up in our house.  So, we went for a drive through Perry County and happened upon Little Buffalo State Park. On this beautiful day we were treated to majestic scenery. The trees and mountains reflecting off Holman Lake.  In a time of such uncertainty, it felt like heaven. Like – for a moment – we were the only ones being treated to this spectacular nature. My unexpected visit to Little Buffalo that afternoon would lead me onto my journey where I would run a mile in all 121 state parks in Pennsylvania in 2021.  And after 224 days, the last park in that journey was Little Buffalo. It was only fitting. That #121In21 Challenge led me to volunteering for outdoor organizations, serving on boards and committees, speaking to groups, starting this podcast and advocating for public lands. It all started with Little Buffalo State Park.  We’ll be going deep into the park on this episode - from its historic buildings and hiking opportunities, to its yearly events and popular community pool.  On this episode, I speak with Jim Eckert and Mindy Wilt. Jim is the manager and Mindy is the educator at Little Buffalo State Park.  Be sure to support our 2026 sponsors: Keystone Trails Association Purple Lizard Maps Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Sisters' Sunflowers Discover Clarion County Go Laurel Highlands  Support the show Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.  Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen Music: Jon Sauer Graphics: Matt Davis

  7. 29 apr.

    Appreciating the sound of silence with Quiet Parks International

    What does it mean for a place to be truly quiet? It’s a question I’ve been pondering over the last several months following a webinar from the Keystone Trails Association and Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation.  They had a discussion with Quiet Parks International – a nonprofit committed to saving quiet for the benefit of all life. Saving the quiet. What does that mean?  Quiet’s not something I’ve ever thought much about. Growing up with my loud family, noisy traffic, ringing cell phones and roaring air conditioning, quiet was never an option.  But, I’ve certainly experienced quiet on hiking trails. Right? Wrong. There’s always some sort of noise. If it’s not airplanes above or nearby cars and trucks, it’s a speaker from a selfish hiker or the hum of a factory or data center.  Man, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced real quiet. But what does it matter? How bad can a little noise be. Actually, it can be really bad.  It can lead to hearing loss, stress, anxiety, sleep disturbance, cardiovascular damage and more. But not only does noise affect us, it can affect the wildlife around us. Noise can disrupt wildlife behavior, migration patterns and communication.  So what can we do and where can we go to experience quiet? Is it even possible?  That’s what this episode’s guest is trying to find out.  On this episode, I speak with Matthew Mikkelsen. Matt is an award-winning sound designer, field recordist, filmmaker, conservationist and chairperson for Quiet Parks International’s Board of Directors.  Be sure to support our 2026 sponsors: Keystone Trails Association Purple Lizard Maps Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Sisters' Sunflowers Discover Clarion County Go Laurel Highlands  Support the show Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.  Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen Music: Jon Sauer Graphics: Matt Davis

  8. 15 apr.

    The arduous task of creating a trail from scratch with Appalachian Dirt

    There’s a lot of thoughts that float through our minds when we’re out on the trails hiking. Am I in the right career? Is that snake poisonous? Look at that beautiful view! Did I leave the oven on? I need a bathroom, quick!  Whatever we’re thinking about – whether it’s the joy we feel on a hike or working through some of our problems – it tends to center on ourselves. Our problems. Our joy. Our experience. Our views.  The very thing below our feet – the trail – tends to be forgotten almost entirely. Little if any attention is paid to the magnificent pathway under our boots that’s allowing us to have these thoughts and experiences.  We don’t think about how it was built, who built it, when it was built or who paid for it. The trail is there, so we hike it. The end. But, that’s nowhere near the end.  The story of any trail is fascinating. From conception to completion it takes years even decades to finish. First, comes the idea - typically from a dedicated group of Pennsylvanians that want a trail in their community. That idea is followed by countless public hearings, community discussions and planning meetings. All the while they’re working to get approvals from everyone from the railroad to the bureau of forests.  It’s a long, long process. And expensive. Groups spend years trying to raise money through donations and grants. And even if the money is raised and the approvals are given, then you gotta build the bloody thing. It’s honestly amazing that we even have trails. The amount of work it takes for everyone – from the organizing group to the hands-on builder – is spectacular. It’s mind boggling.  So much so, that I wanted to learn how trails are built here in Pennsylvania. How does one shape an unbroken forest into a beautiful trail? How long does it take? How much does it cost?  Luckily, I got to see first-hand how natural surface trails are made as a member of the PA Trails Advisory Committee. I met this episode’s guest riding a machine, cutting a brand new trail in Rothrock State Forest. It was an experience that reshaped my thinking on trails and made me appreciate how much work goes into the trails we hike. On this episode, I speak with Zachary Adams. Zach is the founder of Appalachian Dirt.  Be sure to support our 2026 sponsors: Keystone Trails Association Purple Lizard Maps Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Sisters' Sunflowers Discover Clarion County Go Laurel Highlands  Support the show Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.  Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen Music: Jon Sauer Graphics: Matt Davis

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Hemlocks to Hellbenders is an award-winnning podcast hosted by Christian Alexandersen highlighting Pennsylvania’s parks, forests and great outdoors. Our episodes feature engaging conversations with park managers, forest rangers, scientists, educators, outdoor recreationalists, volunteers, officials and more that help you plan your next adventure in the Commonwealth's incredible parks and forests. 

Information

  • Skapad av
    Christian Alexandersen
  • Aktiva år
    2023 - 2026
  • Avsnitt
    91
  • Åldersgräns
    Barnvänligt
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hemlocks to Hellbenders
  • Programmets webbplats
    Hemlocks to Hellbenders

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