
15 episodes

Virginia Outdoor Adventures Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast
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- Places & Travel
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5.0 • 30 Ratings
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Virginia Outdoor Adventures, hosted by Jessica Bowser, brings listeners insights and stories from the Old Dominion's most knowledgeable and innovative athletes, conservationists, authors, park guides, and local business owners. Guests discuss destinations, activities, gear, and the best local flavors across the Commonwealth.
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14. Linda and Mandi, She Opts Out
“I love to just be outside. It fills my bucket, keeps me creative and recenters me. Life is busy and there's always going to be challenges in our lives. So it's really nice to unplug, disconnect, take some deep breaths, listen to the breeze, and find another way to channel ourselves.” -Mandi, She Opts Out
Linda and Mandi are empowering the “Wiser Female Adventurer” by building an inclusive community of women who are connecting with the outdoors to support physical and mental health. She Opts Out is an organization providing a safe space for women to venture outside together. Group hikes, workshops, and partnerships with local nonprofits all focus on recharging in nature while giving back to the community. Let’s Go!
Mentioned Links:
She Opts Out website: www.sheoptsout.com
She Opts Out Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheoptsout
She Opts Out Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheoptsout/
She Opts Out Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56VwCfCEVmp06oQGIVBscP
Oxygen and Iron Fitness Studio: https://oxygenandiron.com/
RVA OCR: https://rvaocr.com/
Artwork and graphic design by Caitlin Olszewski: www.thedesignpunk.com
Keep Virginia Cozy: https://keepvirginiacozy.org/
7 Principles of Leave No Trace: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
James River Park System: https://www.rva.gov/parks-recreation/james-river-park-system
James River Park System Trail Overview: https://jamesriverpark.org/visit-the-park/trails-overview/
Buttermilk Trail, James River Park, Richmond: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7011875/buttermilk-trail
Texas Beach, James River Park, Richmond: https://gohikevirginia.com/texas-beach-trail/
Belle Isle, James River Park, Richmond: https://gohikevirginia.com/belle-isle-trail/
Trails near Wintergreen: https://www.traillink.com/city/wintergreen-va-trails/
Doyles River Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/doyles-river-falls.htm
Pocahontas State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/pocahontas
Powhatan State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/powhatan
Book: 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Richmond by Phil Riggan: https://www.menasharidge.com/product.php?productid=16906&cat=0&page=3
Facebook groups-
Backpacking Beginners/Mentors & Day Hike Opportunities - Ladies – Virginia: https://www.facebook.com/groups/829656920860882/?multi_permalinks=1021414358351803
Hikerbabes Community, Central Virginia Chapter: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CentralVAHikerbabes
Women Who Hike Virginia: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1736632403070040
Nellysford, Virginia: https://www.virginia.org/Cities/Nellysford
Sony Cameras: https://www.sony.com/electronics/cameras
Peak Designs: https://www.peakdesign.com/
First Landing State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/first-landing
Kiptopeke State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/kiptopeke
Follow VAOA Podcast:
Website: www.VirginiaOutdoorAdventures.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAOAPodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginia_outdoor_adventures/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VAOAPodcast
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13. Lynn Cameron, Friends of Shenandoah Mountain
“People say, ‘I had no idea how special this area was’ and they appreciate learning about it. It's easy to take for granted what's in your backyard and not realize just how special it is.” - Lynn Cameron
Shenandoah Mountain is one of the largest tracks of wild land in the eastern United States. Located west of the Shenandoah Valley on the state line in the George Washington National Forest, Shenandoah Mountain is an ideal location for outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, backcountry camping, fly fishing, horseback riding, hunting, paddling and wildlife observation. Today’s guest, Lynn Cameron, is the co-chair of Friends of Shenandoah Mountain. She describes the majestic beauty of the forest, the unique ecosystem, and the importance of protecting this land and preserving its natural heritage for generations to come. Let’s Go!
Mentioned Links:
Friends of Shenandoah Mountain (FOSM): https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/
Virginia Wilderness Committee: www.vawilderness.org
FOSM on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Shenandoah-Mountain-112744795722
Video - Shenandoah Mountain: Preserving One of Virginia's Most Beautiful Places: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_0uaAixFGM&t=10s
Video - This American Land: Preserving Shenandoah Mountain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5kxZRz5kWg&feature=youtu.be
Shenandoah Mountain Hikes: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/short-hikes.html
Shenandoah Mountain Trails: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/trails.html
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter: http://www.ssvc.org/
Shenandoah National Park: https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm
Reddish Knob Trail: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/trails.html
George Washington National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/gwj
Avenza App: https://www.avenzamaps.com/
Gaia App: https://www.gaiagps.com/
Download Virginia State Parks Maps on Avenza App: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/park-trail-maps
High Knob Fire Tower Trail: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/hike-to-high-knob-fire-tower.html
North River Gorge Trail: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/north-river-gorge-trail.html
Confederate Breastworks Interpretive Trail: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/confederate-breastworks-trail.html
Harrisonburg, Virginia: https://www.visitharrisonburgva.com/
Staunton, Virginia: https://visitstaunton.com/
Rock Climbing at Hidden Rocks: https://www.mountainproject.com/area/106183819/hidden-rocks
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club online store: http://www.patc.net/PATC/Store/Shared_Content/Shop/Store.aspx?hkey=32b75779-c131-4224-b76d-17d5f313ed5d
Trails Illustrated Map: https://www.natgeomaps.com/ti-791-staunton-shenandoah-mountain-george-washington-and-jefferson-national-forests
Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking: https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/hiking/
The Priest Trail: https://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/ThePriest/
Ramseys Draft Wilderness: https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/ramseys-draft/
Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition: https://svbcoalition.org/
Virginia Department of Wildlife: https://dwr.virginia.gov/
Virginia Master Naturalists: http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/
Endorse Shenandoah Mountain Proposal: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/endorse.html
Donate to Friends of Shenandoah Mountain: https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/donate.html
Contact Senator Kaine: https://www.kaine.senate.gov/contact/
Contact Senator Warner: https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactPage
Appalachian Trail: https://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm
Tuscarora Trail: https://www.hikethetuscarora.org/
Follow VAOA Podcast:
Website: www.VirginiaOutdoorAdventures.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAOAPodcast
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12. Kevin Divins, Virginia Master Naturalist
“Every little thing has a purpose, even a microorganism in the water. Understanding how everything is connected has given me a better appreciation of nature.” – Kevin Divins
Who inspired your love of nature? Today’s guest, Kevin Divins, inspires others as a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a statewide corps of community-based volunteers who help conserve and manage natural resources and public lands. Kevin explains how understanding the natural world enhances his outdoor experience hiking, camping and kayaking across Virginia. He also shares his favorite lesser-known locations for untouched beaches and pristine outdoor spaces. Let’s Go!
Mentioned Links:
Virginia Master Naturalists: http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/
Chesapeake Bay Foundation: https://www.cbf.org/
James River Association: https://thejamesriver.org/
Blue Sky Fund: https://blueskyfund.org/
Christmas Bird Count: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count
Virginia Native Plant Society: https://vnps.org/
Audubon-At-Home: https://www.audubonva.org/audubon-at-home
Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy: https://www.alibris.com/Bringing-Nature-Home-How-You-Can-Sustain-Wildlife-with-Native-Plants-Douglas-W-Tallamy/book/24338619
Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy: https://www.alibris.com/search/books/qwork/45235654
iNaturalist App: https://www.inaturalist.org/
Merlin Bird ID: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
Mathews County, Virginia: https://www.mathewscountyva.gov/
New Point Comfort Lighthouse: http://www.newpointcomfortlighthouse.org/
New Point Comfort Nature Preserve: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/newpoint
Bethel Beach: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/bethel
DCR Natural Area Preserves: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/
Richardson’s Café, Matthews County: https://richardsonscafeonmain.com/
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources: https://dwr.virginia.gov/
Mobjack Kayaking: http://www.mobjackkayaking.net/
Virginia State Parks: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/
Westmoreland State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/westmoreland
Caledon State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/caledon
Holliday Lake State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/holliday-lake
Virginia State Parks Trail Quest: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/trail-quest
Pocahontas State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/pocahontas
Mason Neck State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/mason-neck
Smith Mountain Lake State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lake
Virginia State Parks Reservation Line: 1-800-933-7275 or www.ReserveAmerica.com
Connect and Follow Us:
Web: www.VirginiaOutdoorAdventures.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAOAPodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginia_outdoor_adventures/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VAOAPodcast
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11. Ethan Martin, TaleTellers Fly Shop
“Most people want to leave the world better than they found it. It's about equipping people to be able to do that. As a shop, we're kind of like a gatekeeper. There's all sorts of little things that when we do them right, lead to conservation.” -Ethan Martin, TaleTellers Fly Shop
This isn’t your grandfather’s pastime. Today’s guest is using a hobby to unite outdoor enthusiasts, protect natural spaces and build community. Ethan Martin is the owner of TaleTellers Fly Shop in downtown Lynchburg. Ethan explains why the intricacies of fly fishing, which is both an art and a science, is causing the hobby to explode in popularity. Fly fishing requires an understanding of ecosystems, and when an ecosystem changes, anglers are among the first to notice and act to protect it. TaleTellers Fly Shop has become a community hub for education and fellowship that is getting more people into the outdoors and connected with nature. Let's Go!
Mentioned Links
TaleTellers Fly Shop, Lynchburg: https://taletellersva.com/
Contact Ethan Martin: https://taletellersva.com/pages/contact-us
Visit Lynchburg: https://www.lynchburgvirginia.org/
Constitution Park, Waynesboro: https://www.waynesboro.va.us/215/Constitution-Park
Shenandoah National Park Fishing: https://home.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fishing.htm
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Fishing: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/gwj/recreation/fishing
James River Fishing – Upper and Middle River: https://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/james-river-upper-middle/
James River Fishing – Tidal Area: https://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/james-river-tidal/
Smith Mountain Lake State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lake
Washington Post Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/hunting-pastime-spikes-during-pandemic-conservationists-are-glad-heres-why/2021/01/08/d0342dfa-3e5c-11eb-8bc0-ae155bee4aff_story.html
Onx Hunting App: https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt-app
Follow VAOA Podcast:
Virginia Outdoor Adventures Website: https://www.virginiaoutdooradventures.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAOAPodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginia_outdoor_adventures/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VAOAPodcast
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10. Michelle Millben, Outdoor Enthusiast
“I don't want anyone to think you have to purchase all these things to be a part of a community of people who are enjoying the outdoors. You don’t need to buy a bunch of stuff to enjoy all of the beauty Virginia has to offer. But for me, making this investment is useful because it's not just a hobby or an activity, it's now my lifestyle.” – Michelle Millben
How do YOU plan to adventure in the New Year? Today’s guest, Michelle Millben, has resolved to spend more time in the outdoors and is gearing up for her next adventure. Michelle shares her experience shopping for the basics and discusses how to choose gear that is right for you. Be sure to check out the show notes for a listing of local outfitters and consignment shops across Virginia. Let’s Go!
Links Mentioned:
Second Ascent Outdoor Gear and Clothing Consignment, Arlington: http://www.secondascentconsignment.com/photos.html
High Tor Gear Exchange, Charlottesville: https://shop.hightorgearexchange.com/
Trail Hut Gear Exchange, Richmond: https://thetrailhut.com/
Great Outdoor Provision Co., Charlottesville/Virginia Beach: https://greatoutdoorprovision.com/
Rockfish Gap Outfitters, Waynesboro: https://www.rockfishgapoutfitters.com/
Walkabout Outfitters, Richmond/Harrisonburg/Lexington/Roanoke/Blacksburg: https://www.walkaboutoutfitter.com/
WornWear: https://wornwear.patagonia.com/
REI: https://www.rei.com/
Kuhl: https://www.kuhl.com/
Patagonia: https://www.patagonia.com/home/
Oboz: https://obozfootwear.com/
Merrell: https://www.merrell.com/US/en/home
Chacos: https://www.chacos.com/US/en/home
Osprey: https://www.osprey.com/us/en/
Danskin: https://danskin.com/
Sky Meadows State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows
Mason Neck State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/mason-neck
Virginia State Parks: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/
Mount Pleasant: https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/mount-pleasant-scenic-area/
Stoney Man Summit: https://gohikevirginia.com/hike-little-stony-man-cliffs-stony-man-summit/
Michelle Millben:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explanationkids
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjmesq | https://twitter.com/explanationkids
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.millben/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemillben/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Milly1776
Connect and Follow VAOA Podcast:
Web: www.VirginiaOutdoorAdventures.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAOAPodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginia_outdoor_adventures/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VAOAPodcast
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9. Matt Felperin, Roving Naturalist
“Being outside is really important for our mental and physical health. Birding is a great way to get out and see something new. I really love getting into the stories of how I find some of these crazy rare birds or unusual birds because it's really about the adventure. And because birds fly, you never know what you're going to get.” – Matt Felperin
Today’s episode comes with a warning - you may get hooked. Birding has recently surged in popularity as people crave safe engagement with nature. Matt Felperin, Nova Park’s Roving Naturalist, describes the adventure in birding, including exploring habitats, discovering new species, chasing rarities and simply finding joy and respite in birds. Matt also discusses an increasing diversity in the hobby, conservation, community science, and how to get started identifying the birds in your backyard. And yes, we also talk about Virginia’s very rare (and super adorable) avian celebrity from Greenland that has everyone in a frenzy.
Links Mentioned:
NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NOVAParksNaturalist
Roving Naturalist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.roving.naturalist/
Matt Felperin Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Matt_felperin_photography
Matt Felperin Photography: https://mfelperinphoto.wixsite.com/home
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks): https://www.novaparks.com/
Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park: http://friendsofhuntleymeadows.org/
eBird: https://ebird.org/home
American Birding Association: https://www.aba.org/
Woodcock adult and chicks walking: https://shorturl.at/H3789
Christmas Bird Count: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count
Gravely Point Park: https://www.nps.gov/places/000/gravelly-point.htm
George Washington National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/gwj
Monongahela National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mnf/home
Reddish Knob: https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/reddish-knob
Audubon Bird Guide App: https://www.audubon.org/app
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home
Merlin Bird App: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
Nikon Pro Staff 3 Binoculars: https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/binoculars/index.page
Plant Nova Natives: https://www.plantnovanatives.org/
Audubon At Home: https://www.audubonva.org/audubon-at-home
Audubon Chapters in Virginia: https://www.audubon.org/about/audubon-near-you
Northern Virginia Bird Club: http://nvabc.org
Virginia Society of Ornithology: https://www.virginiabirds.org
IDEA Birders of MD and DC: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IDEABirdersMDDC
Upton Hill Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/upton-hill-regional-park
Lets Go Birding Together (LGBT): https://www.audubon.org/news/lets-go-birding-together
Black Birders Week: https://www.audubon.org/news/black-birders-week-promotes-diversity-and-takes-racism-outdoors
Black and Latinx Birders Scholarship Fund: www.marylandbirds.org
Potomac Overlook Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/potomac-overlook-regional-park
Algonkian Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/algonkian-regional-park
Bull Run Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/bull-run-regional-park
Pohick Bay Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/pohick-bay-regional-park
Bird Species Mentioned:
Osprey, Prothonotary Warbler, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Sora, Clapper Rail, Wilson’s Snipe, American Woodcock, Barnacle Goose, Canada Goose, Snowy Owl, Pine Siskin, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Red Crossbill, House Finch, Blackburnian Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Golden Eagle, White-throated Sparrow, Orange-crowned Warbler, Hairy Woodpecker, Golden-winged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler Northern Bobwhite, Red-headed Woodp
Customer Reviews
Keeps me in touch with home.
This podcast connects Virginians with some of the Commonwealth’s greatest natural gifts. It is a great way to learn about our resources and the naturalists who explore them!
Best Recommendations For Virginia Outdoors Community
Love this podcast and the guests are great too. Would love to hear more recommendations for gear that I should use in my outdoor adventures.
Love this!
What a great Podcast! As someone who is passionate and interested in the outdoors (and a local Virginian), I love that this is VA specific! I’ve learned a lot about how these communities care for our world, and how I can help/get involved and have my own adventures. Jessica is an amazing host!
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