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The arrival of fireflies has always represented summer to me. They've meant barbeques. They meant fireworks. They meant being a kid.

I’ve heard from so many people about the memories they have connected to lightening bugs. Exploring the woods with grandparents who have long passed. 4th of July parties with their friends. A first kiss. A break up. Family camping trips.

I don’t know what it is about lightning bugs – the state insect of Pennsylvania – but people have a connection to them. Cultures around the world have stories and myths surrounding these stunning creatures.

So I invite you on this episode, to think about your own connection with lightning bugs.

What comes to your mind when you picture them? Where does it bring you back to? When are you transported to?

On this episode, I speak with Dr. Sarah Lower. Dr. Lower is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Bucknell University.

Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:

Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.

Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began in 1999 as a statewide nonprofit organization to provide a voice for the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. They rally volunteers, raise funds, and advocate for these precious lands. Join the movement at PAParksandForests.org to preserve and enjoy our outdoor treasures.

Support the Show.

Visit our website to listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

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Last year, nearly four million people visited Presque Isle State Park in Erie- making it the most visited state park in Pennsylvania. And anyone whose ever visited this wonderful park understands why.

There’s no other park like Presque Isle in the Commonwealth. It is totally unique and incredibly special. But what makes Presque Isle so unique?

It all starts with the location. Presque Isle is a sandy peninsula that arches from the downtown area into Lake Erie. As Pennsylvania’s only “seashore,” Presque Isle offers visitors a beautiful coastline.

This coastline provides access to features and activities that you can’t do in most other state parks in Pennsylvania. The park is home to 11 beaches – open daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. And it’s home to two light houses.

And before you even enter the park, you’re welcomed by the Tom Ridge Environmental Education Center. This state-of-the-art facility tells the story of the park, its flora and fauna, the lake and local history.

* We wanted to let you know that this episode experienced some technical audio difficulties. While the sound quality isn't up to our usual standards, the content is just as engaging and insightful as ever. We hope you'll still tune in and enjoy the episode. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. *

On this episode, I interview Ray Bierbower. Ray is the Environmental Education Specialist at Presque Isle State Park.

Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:

Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.

Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began in 1999 as a statewide nonprofit organization to provide a voice for the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. They rally volunteers, raise funds, and advocate for these precious lands. Join the movement at PAParksandForests.org to preserve and enjoy our outdoor treasures.

Support the Show.

Visit our website to listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

Send us a Text Message.

Spanning 85,000 acres across three Central Pennsylvania counties, Michaux State Forest is a sanctuary of lush woodlands, crystal-clear streams and a rich tapestry of history and wildlife. Considered Pennsylvania’s “cradle of forestry,” Michaux State Forest is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, giving visitors a bevy of settings to explore all year long.

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a history buff, or simply someone who finds solace in the serenity of nature, Michaux has something for you. This forest isn’t just a beautiful backdrop; it’s a living, breathing piece of our natural heritage.

The forest features four natural areas that highlight Michaux’s woodlands, animal habitats, bodies of water and so much more

Michaux is home to diverse forests of oak species as well as red maple, black birch, black gum, hickory, pine and tuliptree.

It makes sense that these wonderfully varied forests are named after pioneering botanist André Michaux. The area that bears his name – and was the site of the first forestry school – are celebrated because of it’s natural diversity and beauty.

On this episode, I speak with Suzanne Hartley. Suzanne is the Environmental Education Specialist at Michaux State Forest.

Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:

Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.

Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began in 1999 as a statewide nonprofit organization to provide a voice for the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. They rally volunteers, raise funds, and advocate for these precious lands. Join the movement at PAParksandForests.org to preserve and enjoy our outdoor treasures.

Support the Show.

Visit our website to listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis