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The Parks Podcast
The Parks Podcast
Author: The Parks Podcast
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© 2026 The Parks Podcast
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The Parks Podcast will take listeners on a journey to regional, state and national parks around the United States. We will learn why the parks were created and explore planning your own visit to parks.
61 Episodes
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Guest: Kate Severson, Program Manager for Interpretation, Outreach, and Partnership Grab your life jacket and your sense of adventure! In this episode, we head to Northern Minnesota to explore Voyageurs National Park, a landscape defined by its interconnected waterways, ancient geology, and the spirit of the French-Canadian fur traders who gave the park its name. Host Missy Rentz sits down with Kate Severson to discuss the park’s unique 50-year history and why this "difficult to get to" desti...
This episode of The Parks Podcast explores the deep connection between our national landscapes and the stories that define us. Host Missy Rentz sits down with Beth English, Executive Director of the Organization of American Historians (OAH), to discuss why preserving "unvarnished" history is essential for our future. Support the show
Step into a cathedral of giants. In this episode of The Parks Podcast, host Missy Rentz journeys to the misty shores of Northern California to explore Redwoods National and State Parks. Join us as we sit down with Patrick Taylor, the park’s Interpretation and Education Program Manager, to uncover why this park is so much more than just a collection of big trees. We dive into the "arranged marriage" between the state and federal government that keeps the park running, the counter-intuitive sci...
Kick off the New Year with First Day Hikes - a day to celebrate in our State Parks all around the United States. In this epsiode we'll learn about the origin of First Day Hike, and all the opportunities to play in parks around the country this January 1. Support the show
Indiana State Parks is kicking off winter with hikes, bird watching, light tours, and more. Support the show
New York State Parks & Historic Sites is celebrating winter with hikes, snow and ice activities, craft & creating activities and more. Support the show
Virginia is for Lovers...and park lovers! This winter, the Virginia State Parks have activities for all ages and abilities. Support the show
Hueston Woods State Park is hosting the holidays with movies, breakfast with Santa, hikes, and more. Learn more in this episode. Support the show
Malabar Farm State Park is an historic farm, and former home to Louis Bromfield. Visit the park during the holiday season to visit the historic home all decked out in its holiday best. Support the show
Winter is a great time to explore our parks and public lands. Arizona State Parks & Trails offers a variety of activities, including hikes, boat parades, luminary tours, and more. Listen to this episode to learn about all the great things happening in Arizona this holiday season and for First Day Hikes! Support the show
Finding a community to join and explore our parks is a great entry into outdoor Adventures. Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison started GirlTREK with the mission of increasing the life expectancy of black women by 10 years in 10 years. With more than 1 million members, GirlTREK is changing lives and building community. Support the show
Are you celebrating Thanksgiving in Massachusetts? Spend Friday, November 28 outside with "Gratitude After Gravy". Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is hosting guided outdoor recreation throughout the state. Celebrate with family and friends and head to the parks! Support the show
Alan Spears, from National Park Conservation Association, joins us to talk about the status of our National Parks and public lands after the 43 day shutdown. We also talk about what's next for our beloved places. Support the show
"Hustle" and "Bustle" have become part of our every day vocabulary. And as we make lists, and check them twice, how can we make sure that our spending power is working for the causes we love. It's time to check our Shopping Values, and the values of the brands and places where we are shopping. Are they supporting our public lands? Are they helping us recreate responsibly? In this episode we talk to Matt Moreau from The Landmark Project. Matt has made giving back a part of their co...
Sierra Club's Military Outdoors program provides our veterans the chance to get outdoors and opportunities for community, camaraderie, and healing. Support the show
Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic site was home to Mi'kmaq, French, Acadian, and British over its long and rich history. Skmagn, meaning "waiting place," served as a protective fort for Prince Edward Island. Support the show
Tara Ross from Crime off the Grid Podcast joins me to talk about the status of our National Parks and Public Lands on day 27 of the Government Shutdown. Support the show
We talk to Sandi Olek from Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the importance of outdoor recreation in the state. They are hosting the Maryland Outdoor Summit to bring together the industry to discuss Outdoor for All, Recreation with a Purpose, and the Business of Outdoor Recreation. In this episode we learn about how this meeting will impact outdoor recreation through out Maryland and all of the opportunities to get outside in Maryland. Support the show
Discover the stunning Canadian coast of Prince Edward Island National Park! Join Missy and Manon Gallant to explore the cultural heritage, critical dune preservation efforts, and everything you need to know to plan a trip to this seaside Parks Canada location. Support the show
When the US Government shut down on October 1, 2025, questions and concerns about the status of our parks immediately became breaking news and trending topics. John Goodwin, a retired NPS Ranger and Author of "Echoes of the Badge: Stories from a National Park Service Career" joins me to share how to recreate responsibly during these challenging times. Support the show























