Think Outside with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

Marci Mowery
  • 5.0 (6)
  • NATURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Think Outside is your guide to outdoor opportunities, nature exploration, and wellness. Discover expert tips, inspiring stories, and new ways to connect with the great outdoors for a healthier, happier life. More information: https://thinkoutsidepodcast.com/

  1. FEB 23

    Experience Jacobsburg: History, Nature, and Community with Rob Neitz

    “Other people are there, and they're utilizing the parks and hiking as their form of recovery, whether it's from substance abuse, whether it's from a medical issue, whether it's mental health... It's become a part of who they are.” Our host, Marci Mowery, sits down with Rob Neitz, Park Manager at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. It’s the only state park within the two-county Lehigh Valley region and a quiet sanctuary amid one of the East Coast's fastest-growing corridors. Unlike a typical state park, Jacobsburg's mission centers on environmental education, which means partnering with school groups, civic organizations, and teachers, while remaining open to the public for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. At 1,168 acres, it may be modest in size, but its location near the Kittatinny Ridge makes it an important stopover for migratory birds and a green refuge for hundreds of thousands of nearby residents. The center's cultural history is equally rich. The Henry family, who manufactured the famed Pennsylvania Long Rifle from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War era, shaped the land that would become Jacobsburg. Remarkably, a Henry family member, James Henry, also drafted some of Pennsylvania's earliest riparian buffer legislation, proposing a bill to revegetate the state's waterways. Rob says that visitor stories are what most drive him. A cancer survivor finding peace by the creek. A stroke patient rebuilding strength on the trails, two to three miles each day. "Those stories," says Rob, "are really at the heart of what we do." Beyond its own boundaries, Jacobsburg anchors the Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape, established in 2004, a multi-partner initiative connecting Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton through trails and preserved green space. It’s proof that conservation and economic vitality are not opposing forces, but seeds of the same flourishing community! Key Topics: What Makes an Education Center Different from a State Park (03:04)Visitor Stories & the Heart of the Mission (04:42)The Henry Family & Cultural History (08:24)Volunteering & Community Programming (13:14)Accessibility & the Visitor Center (17:14)The Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape (24:35)Conservation as Economic Development (28:44)Loaner Equipment & Getting Started (34:29) Resources: Jacobsburg Environmental Education CenterLehigh Valley Greenways Conservation LandscapeJames HenryDCNR Calendar of Events 🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well! The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy. Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved! 👉 Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter 🎥 Watch outdoor tips and stories on our YouTube channel 📸 Follow the podcast on Instagram 🎶 Podcast music provided by Evan Mongeau 📱 Follow PPFF on: FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeMeetUp

    38 min

  2. FEB 9

    Next Gen Voices: Shaping the Future of Pennsylvania’s Outdoors with Ali Bowling

    "Plant a seed in someone, a young person you know, that this is an opportunity, conservation careers exist, that there's opportunities for you to get involved." Our host, Marci Mowery, sits down with Ali Bowling, who joined Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) three and a half years ago. Before that, she worked in wildlife rehabilitation in Oklahoma, corporate sustainability, and environmental advocacy through Audubon Pennsylvania. Now serving as executive advisor for climate and sustainability, she coordinates the NextGen Advisory Council, a diverse group of approximately 20-25 young people shaping Pennsylvania's conservation future. The council ensures that younger perspectives inform DCNR's work across outdoor recreation, climate action, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives. “Conservation can be an answer to a lot of community issues,” says Ali, “but we have to understand what the issues are.” Unlike traditional advisory boards, this council recognizes that meaningful engagement starts in steps as small as intentionally stepping outside for longer periods throughout the day. Tiny decisions like these, says Ali, can snowball into deeper connections with nature, fostering understanding of how the natural world sustains human health and wellbeing. The council's approach reflects a broader shift in conservation thinking: that sustainability means pausing before making choices, asking "Is this necessary?" and recognizing that protecting Pennsylvania's wild spaces requires hearing from those who will inherit them. Through this work, DCNR acknowledges that conservation is about cultivating relationships between people and place, more than simply managing land! Key Topics: Ali's Background and Path to DCNR (01:30)What the NextGen Advisory Council Is (03:01)Origins of the NextGen Council (07:34)Conceiving Projects (12:29)Barriers to Conservation (15:36)About DCNR’s Think Outside Program (22:37)Plant a Seed! (29:09) Resources: DCNR NextGen Advisory Council website: Apply to Serve on the NextGen Advisory Council | Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaDCNR Climate Change and Adaptation PlanDCNR Think Outside ProgramPa Outdoor CorpsDCNR InternshipsPPFF Friends Groups 🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well! The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy. Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved! 👉 Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter 🎥 Watch outdoor tips and stories on our YouTube channel 📸 Follow the podcast on Instagram 🎶 Podcast music provided by Evan Mongeau 📱 Follow PPFF on: FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeMeetUp

    34 min

  3. JAN 26

    A Life in the Park: Leonard Harrison State Park Stories with Greg Sassaman and Tim Morey

    “The more you get to use state parks and see what they have to offer, the more you’re going to want to make sure they continue in perpetuity.” When Greg Sassaman arrived at Leonard Harrison State Park in 1978, he found a rundown facility with a chain-link fence and a trail barely worthy of the name. What followed was a decades-long labor of love that transformed Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon into the destination it is today! The Turkey Path rehabilitation stands as Greg's crowning achievement. Without modern battery-powered tools or motorized wheelbarrows, his crew relied on manpower and, remarkably, horsepower. Working with naturalist Greg Hornsby, they convinced Harrisburg to hire a draft horse to haul timbers, concrete, and stone down the treacherous canyon trail using a wooden stone boat! The innovation worked. Youth Conservation Corps and Pennsylvania Conservation Corps teams built platforms and steps that have endured over 40 years, reducing injuries while protecting the natural landscape from erosion caused by shortcuts. Greg championed interpretation, helping visitors understand what they were seeing, and fought to preserve the area's wild character. He believes that Pennsylvania offers far more than its cities. The remote sections, the wild places, deserve protection and advocacy. Once state parks, always state parks. Key Topics: Condition of Park in 1978 (01:18)Turkey Path Trail Development (02:57)Changes in Park Interpretation (07:26)Bald Eagles Return to the Area (13:37)Train Fires in the Canyon (14:58)Camping Evolution at Colton Point (19:18)Bear and Porcupine Encounters (22:08)Advocacy for PA's Wild Spaces (24:20) Resources: Leonard Harrison State ParkColton Point State ParkPine Creek Rail TrailTurkey Path 🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well! The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy. Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved! 👉 Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter 🎥 Watch outdoor tips and stories on our YouTube channel 📸 Follow the podcast on Instagram 🎶 Podcast music provided by Evan Mongeau 📱 Follow PPFF on: FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeMeetUp

    26 min

  4. JAN 12

    The Outdoors, Designed for Everyone with Pam Metzger

    “It's kind of amazing to think that almost any challenge that you have, there's some brilliant, intelligent person out there doing the research to come up with a solution to it.” Our host, Marci Mowery, sits down with Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Membership Coordinator Pam Metzger. When Pam’s husband Bill was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, staying active became his lifeline. After cycling thousands of miles on traditional bikes, he transitioned to a three-wheel hand cycle. That adaptive equipment opened new possibilities but also revealed gaps in accessibility. The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is working to close those gaps through innovations like accessible kayak launches, colorblind-correcting viewers, and more. Beyond mere accommodations, they're examples of universal design that benefit everyone, from parents pushing strollers to hikers using trekking poles for knee support. Pam recalls the moment Bill used an accessible kayak launch at Laurel Hill State Park. Just like that, he’d rediscovered an activity he thought was lost forever! "He still talks about it," she shares, describing how the launch works seamlessly for wheelchair users and non-wheelchair-using visitors alike. True inclusion requires partnerships. The Foundation collaborates with AARP, friends groups, occupational therapists, and local organizations to identify needs and test solutions. Their latest initiative equips libraries across Pennsylvania with borrowable recreation equipment. Effectively, they’re removing financial barriers alongside physical ones! Key Topics: Bill's Adaptive Recreation Journey (02:12)Accessible Kayak Launch Experience (06:45)Colorblind Viewers Bring Colors to Life (09:57)Library Equipment Lending Program (11:14)Universal Design Benefits Everyone (18:07) Resources: PPFF Outdoors for EveryoneFriends of Laurel Hill State ParkFriends of Nockamixon State Park 🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well! The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy. Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved! 👉 Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter 🎥 Watch outdoor tips and stories on our YouTube channel 📸 Follow the podcast on Instagram 🎶 Podcast music provided by Evan Mongeau 📱 Follow PPFF on: FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeMeetUp

    24 min

  5. 12/15/2025

    Keeping Older Adults Active, Engaged, and Connected Outside with Nicole Faraguna

    “Being outdoors is a part of our story, part of our essence. And so we don't want to abandon or forget about those who are growing older, and they just need a little help and support in connecting them to these benefits.” Our host, Marci Mowery, welcomes Nicole Faraguna, Director of the Office of Planning and Policy at the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, to discuss both the personal and societal impacts of outdoor engagement for seniors. Nicole draws from her own experience visiting her father-in-law in a nursing home, observing how time spent outdoors visibly improved his mood and well-being. These stories set the stage for a broader conversation on how Pennsylvania, one of the oldest states in the nation by population, is tackling the opportunity to help its seniors age with dignity, independence, connection, and joy. The conversation explores the “Aging Our Way in PA” plan and the development of the "Outdoors as We Age: Pennsylvania’s Nature Guide" toolkit. The toolkit was designed to help seniors, especially those in long-term care or with limited mobility, reconnect with nature through accessible programs, adaptive equipment, and community partnerships. Nicole and Marci discuss the various barriers seniors face—ranging from transportation and mobility challenges to social isolation—and highlight how libraries, volunteers, and local organizations can play a key role in overcoming these obstacles. This episode is a call to action for communities, organizations, and individuals to collaborate in supporting healthy aging through nature. Even small efforts, like helping a neighbor enjoy a nearby park, can make a significant difference in someone’s quality of life. Key Topics: Nicole Faraguna’s Personal Inspiration and Advocacy (02:53)Challenges for Older Adults Accessing Nature and Role of Community (05:32)Overview and Purpose of the “Aging Our Way in PA” Plan and Toolkit (06:35)Benefits of Outdoor Spaces and Healthy Aging (11:57)Defining Accessibility vs. Adaptability (14:49)Overcoming Barriers: Transportation, Volunteers, Bringing Nature Indoors (17:53)Successful Programs and Examples (Gardening, Excursions, Library Initiatives) (22:15)Color-Correcting Viewfinders and Inclusive Tools (26:21)Safety and Environmental Equity for Older Adults (32:12)Planning Community Events: Tips and Recommendations (33:45) Resources: Connecting to the Outdoors as We Age (pdf)Aging Our Way, PAStatewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (pdf)AARP Livable CommunitiesDCNR Interactive ADA MapPPFF ADA MapNicole Farguna: Nfarguna@pa.gov 🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well! The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy. Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved! 👉 Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter 🎥 Watch outdoor tips and stories on our YouTube channel 📸 Follow the podcast on Instagram 🎶 Podcast music provided by Evan Mongeau 📱 Follow PPFF on: FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeMeetUp

    36 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    It's a Family Thing - Exploring Together with guests Polly Goettler and Cindy Whelan

    “For me, coming to the Pennsylvania State Parks has been a way to really disconnect from the stress of the world and the stress of our individual lives and just enjoy nature. And it has such a healing effect.” Our host, Marci Mowery, chats with Cindy and Polly, whose Pennsylvania State Parks journey began in 2018 at Gifford Pinchot, where a passport sparked a family tradition that would grow from four campers to over twenty participants. As self-described "box checkers," the sisters established personal rules, such as photographing every sign and genuinely experiencing each location through hiking, kayaking, or picnicking rather than merely collecting stamps. Beyond their adventures, the parks provided unexpected therapeutic benefits. What started as weight management through hiking evolved into profound spiritual and emotional healing, particularly during the pandemic's isolation, when parks like Lyman Run offered stress relief. Both sisters rave about how hiking creates connection, with partners, children, and siblings, in ways their fast-paced, social-media-driven lives rarely allow. Parks without cell service, like Black Moshannon and Cowans Gap, forced meaningful disconnection that initially felt difficult but ultimately proved liberating. If you’re a newcomer, start with your nearest park and taste what it offers. The passion will follow naturally, and rules are optional. Just getting outside matters most! Key Topics:Growing Family Tradition to 20+ Members (02:50)Mental Health Benefits Over Physical (06:29)Advice for Starting Your Journey (08:48)Pennsylvania Park Diversity Discovery (12:20)   Resources: Poe Paddy State ParkPoe Valley State ParkPreston's PearlCamping 🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well! The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy. Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved! 👉 Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter 🎥 Watch outdoor tips and stories on our YouTube channel 📸 Follow the podcast on Instagram 🎶 Podcast music provided by Evan Mongeau 📱 Follow PPFF on: FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeMeetUp

    15 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    An Off-Season Adventure: Exploring PA State Parks and Forests with Jessica Myers ( See Them All Passport Challenge )

    “Supporting local businesses not only enhances your experience, but also supports that community, and oftentimes those community businesses are very supportive of the park and forest.” Our host, Marci Mowery, chats with Jessica Myers, whose quest to visit all 124 Pennsylvania state parks and 20 forest districts began unexpectedly in 2017. After moving from DC and adopting a dog, she discovered the Parks Passport at Cowans Gap, which launched a six-year adventure that would become transformative for both her and her canine companion! Jessica strategically planned visits during off-season months, avoiding crowds that triggered her dog's anxiety following an attack by off-leash dogs. Her timing couldn’t have been better. Park staff had more availability for personalized recommendations, trails were peaceful, and winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing were freely accessible. Pennsylvania has a trove of hidden treasures beyond well-known destinations like Ricketts Glen. Tobyhanna's Lake Lupe hike became a favorite for Jess, while Laurel Hill and Elk State Parks claimed top spots for her pup’s exceptional swimming opportunities. Beyond hiking, Jess fell in love with what the community around her offered. General stores, ice cream shops, and local artisans, like a stained glass maker in the Laurel Highlands, made every visit so much richer. After completing the challenge in April 2025, Jess is raving most of all about Pennsylvania offering completely free access to world-class outdoor experiences that transformed both her mental health and her rescue dog's confidence!   Key Topics: Starting the Journey with a Rescue Dog (01:57)Benefits of Off-Season Park Visits (02:56)Connecting with Park Staff for Recommendations (03:55)Discovering Hidden Gems Like Tobyhanna (05:59)Supporting Local Communities Around Parks (13:01)Winter Activities and Seasonal Timing (14:35)   Resources: Pets In ParksTobyhanna State ParkPA Parks & Forests PassportDCNR Calendar of Events 🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well! The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy. Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved! 👉 Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter 🎥 Watch outdoor tips and stories on our YouTube channel 📸 Follow the podcast on Instagram 🎶 Podcast music provided by Evan Mongeau 📱 Follow PPFF on: FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeMeetUp

    18 min

  8. 11/03/2025

    The Space In Between: A Journey with Charles Hutler

    “Every park I go to is an adventure.” Charlie Hutler's journey began with a single visit to Promised Land State Park. Right there, at Pickerel Point’s campground, he caught the park bug! By 2021, via the See ‘Em All challenge, Charlie had visited all 124 state parks and 20 forest districts. He shares his treks on his YouTube channel, "PA Parks Man". Our host, Marci Mowery, sits down with Charlie to learn about the method to his madness. Rather than treating visits as isolated destinations, he planned them as loops, weaving parks into broader adventures that included historical sites like the Flight 93 Memorial and quirky attractions like Gravity Hills. Charlie speaks for many out-of-state visitors who are always amazed that visiting Pennsylvania's parks is free, with no entrance or day-use fees. It’s a democratic approach that enables families to redirect resources toward supporting local businesses, museums, and attractions along their routes. There’s also a huge element of advocacy in Charlie’s journey. His handwritten letters to legislators is a good old-fashioned yet effective step towards protecting these resources. As someone who witnessed both pouring rain and perfect weather at Cowans Gap, Charlie understands that every park visit is an adventure, no matter the conditions one might encounter! From casual visitor to content creator and advocate, Charlie shows how Pennsylvania's parks cultivate stewardship. His work with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation, including appearing at legislative tours, should inspire enthusiasts to amplify their voices to ensure these spaces receive the necessary investment for future generations.   Key Topics: Discovering the See 'Em All Challenge (01:02)Pickerel Point's Beautiful Design (02:05)Creating the PA Parks Man YouTube Channel (03:49)Advocacy Through Letter Writing (06:06)Planning Visits as Adventure Loops (06:52)   Resources: ·     The Pa Parks Man (YouTube channel) ·     PA Route 6 (history) ·     Promised Land State Park 🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well! The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy. Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved! 👉 Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter 🎥 Watch outdoor tips and stories on our YouTube channel 📸 Follow the podcast on Instagram 🎶 Podcast music provided by Evan Mongeau 📱 Follow PPFF on: FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeMeetUp

    10 min
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6 Ratings

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Think Outside is your guide to outdoor opportunities, nature exploration, and wellness. Discover expert tips, inspiring stories, and new ways to connect with the great outdoors for a healthier, happier life. More information: https://thinkoutsidepodcast.com/

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