Everybody's National Parks

Description: Bryan talks with park ranger Greg Marsh at Olympic National Park about Hurricane Ridge, why it is special and what to do when you visit. He also talks about the fun town of Port Angeles, his punk rock band and his annual spring family pilgrimage to see the whale migration.   Discussion includes the following: · What is Hurricane Ridge and what makes it special (2:06)  · Bicycling Hurricane Ridge Road (3:06) · Why is it called Hurricane Ridge (4:08) · How the forest changes with elevation (5:11) · Wildflowers (7:44) · Wildlife (10:19) · Parks and nature for mental health (14:10) · Programs at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center (16:19) · Activities with Kids (18:36) · Backpacking adventure (20:55) · Snow activities (23:15) · Port Angelis (28:25) · Greg’s punk band, MCFD (31:29) · Greg shares his most special experience in Olympic National Park (33:07) · Whale Migration (35:27) Resources Olympic National Park Visitor Info – Hurricane Ridge Hurricane Ridge Area Brochure Day Hiking at Olympic Hurri

Description: Bryan talks with Rachel Berger, an interpretive park ranger at Olympic National Park about the Hoh Rainforest, why its special and what to do when you visit.  Discussion includes the following: · What is the Hoh Rainforest and why are there rainforests in the Pacific Northwest? (2:15) · How did Hoh avoid being logged? (3:02) · How much rain does the Hoh Rainforest get? (3:50) · Description of Hoh Rainforest (4:31) · What’s a moss mat (6:08) · Description of ground cover (6:50) · Rainforests in the United States (8:16) · Hiking trails in Hoh Rainforest (9:40) · Camping (13:49) · Visiting with children (14:50) o Junior Ranger Programs o Ocean Stewards Program · The health of the rainforest (17:25) · Firewood (18:04) · Types of trees (20:00) · Fauna (20:26) · Dog policies (23:48) · Hoh Rainforest closure for road repairs beginning September 5, 2018, but Quinault Rainforest open (24:52) · Rachel’s favorite things about Hoh Rainforest (26:44) Resources Olympic National Park National Park Servic

Description: Bryan talks with Penny Wagner, Public Information Officer for Olympic National Park about how to navigate Olympic National Park and tips for a week-long family vacation. Discussion includes the following: How to spend 1 day at Olympic (2:44) Driving in the park and highway 101 rehabilitation (7:07) How to organize a week-long family trip (10:09) Understanding the cultural history of the park (18:48) Camping and lodging in Olympic (22:07) Multi-use trails (bikes, horses, wheel chairs) (28:00) Black Bears (32:00) Penny’s favorite Olympic moment (35:33) Resources: Makah Cultural & Research Center http://makahmuseum.com Lodging inside the park https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/lodging.htm Recreation.govhttps://www.recreation.gov/ Olympic Discovery Trail https://olympicdiscoverytrail.org/ Actions Subscribe to our podcast from our website https://www.everybodysnationalparks.com/ Tell your friends about Everybody’s National Parks Support us on Patreon  Follow us on Twitter, Instagra

Description: Bryan talks with his brother Dan about their trip to Olympic National Park in the fall of 2017. They discuss their highlights and challenges of visiting the park in the shoulder-season.   Discussion includes the following: Dan’s ’84 Chevy (2:34) Lake Quinault Lodge (3:52) Enchanted Valley Hike to O’Reilly Creek-13miles (4:53) Ruby Beach (12:55) Hoh Rainforest (13:40) Firewood challenge (18:22) Bear canister challenge (19:53) Ozette (21:00) Sol Duc Hot Springs (27:30) Roosevelt Elk (31:19) Visiting with kids (35:00) Resources: Olympic National Park Lake Quinault Lodge Enchanted Valley Hike Ruby Beach Hoh Rainforest Ozette Sol Doc Hot Springs Sol Duc Hot Springs Camping Sol Doc Hot Springs Lodging Roosevelt Elk at Olympic National Park Washington Trails Association   Actions Subscribe to our podcast from our website https://www.everybodysnationalparks.com/ Tell your friends about Everybody’s National Parks Support us on Patreon, click on "Support Our Show" on our homepage. Follow us o

Description: Bryan and Danielle speak with Liz Etnier, who became passionate about hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains at age 58. With 800 miles of trails, she set out a goal to hike every trail in the park before her 60thbirthday. Her book, the Day Hiker’s Guide to all the Trails in the Smoky Mountains,has resulted from her hours of planning, and from the subsequent urging by her hiking friends to write it all down.  Discussion includes the following: How did Liz set this goal? (2:47) Description of Trails (5:09) Favorite hike (8:54) Hikes with children (13:38) White Oak Sink (14:27) Loving the parks to death (16:34) Meeting our Junior Rangers (21:02) Tips for front country hiking with families (22:43) What is special about the Smokies for Liz (25:42) Family friendly hikes (27:53) Finley Cane Trail Schoolhouse Gap Middle Prong Camp bottoms Laurel Falls Porters Creek Wildflower hikes (30:45) Favorite story of mountain magic (32:10) Resources: Day Hiker’s Guide to all the Trails in the Smoky Moun

Description: Bryan discusses the diverse and rich history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with park archeologist, Heath Bailey and interpretive park ranger Florie Takaki. Come for the great vistas and great hikes, stay for the cultural history. Discussion includes the following: · What is an archeologist and what does Heath do for the park? (1:09) · Scope of archeology in the park and accessibility to visitors (4:54) · Where to find known CCC lookout sites (6:57) · Original Trails Preceding Park (8:25) · Native American Sites (9:52) · What to do if you come across artifacts (11:41) · Archeological remnants of settlers and their lifestyle (14:26) · Logging (18:47) · Affluent visitors: Elkmont (21:50) · Old growth forests (25:46) · Heath’s favorite areas of the park (27:34) · Interview with Florie Takaki on cultural history (30:23) · Who originally lived in what is now Great Smoky Mountains National Park (31:00) · Settlers and movement of people 1700’s (33:08) · Displacement of Cherokee and other people

Description: Bryan first discusses the biodiversity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Paul Super, the Research Coordinator of the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center (1:03). Then Bryan speaks with Kris Johnson of the National Park Service about the health of the forest (28:04). Discussion includes the following: · About the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center (1:22) · Species Mapper (2:30) · Ecosystem and different habitats (4:39) · Impact of humans on the park (7:16) · Wildlife (11:44) · Birds (18:03) · Wildflowers (19:58) · Discovering new species (22:22) · Paul’s favorite spots in the park (24:41) · Threats to the forest (28:47) · Cross-section of eastern United States forests in one park (32:16) · How to manage forest health in remote areas (33:46) · Progress and success in identifying infected trees and combatting disease and pests (36:36) · What visitors may do to not add to problem and be part of the solution (39:31) · Grassy balds and heath balds (43:34) · Wildfires and

Description: This is episode 6.4, the fourth episode in our series on Great Smoky Mountains National Park. First, Bryan speaks with Dana Soehn, the parks spokesperson. Dana talks about recreation and how to tackle this vast and myriad park. Next, Danielle speaks with Brent McDaniel of the park’s nonprofit partner, Friends of The Smokies about insider tips for visitors. Discussion includes the following: · National Park Service plans to close Claude Moore Colonial Farm. Voice your opinion to save the farm. Visit 1771.org/savethefarm (0:28) · Support the show on Patreon (1:18) · Overview of the park’s services and activities (2:34) · Recommendations for 1 week long trip (5:30) · Kid-friendly hikes (9:07) · Front country and backcountry camping (13:39) · Lodging outside the Park and LeConte Lodge (20:40) · Trout fishing (24:45) · Cades Cove 11 mile loop bike ride (27:33) · Guided horseback ride (28:27) · Suggestions for mitigating crowds (29:22) · Dana’s favorite Smokies Experience (32:31) · Brent McDaniel’s Re

Description: This is episode 6.3, the third episode in our series on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bryan talks to Andrew and Bryan Lin of Adventure Archives, a family-friendly film series on YouTube with beautiful cinematography, original music and thoughtful narration about four friends going on backpacking adventures exploring nature in the US and around the world.   Discussion includes the following: What is Adventure Archives (1:51) Identifying flora skills (6:35) Backpacking in national parks versus national forests, state or county parks (10:32) Orienteering (12:48) Orienteering REI class (13:30) Adventure Archives film in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (14:14) Tips for slimming down backpacks (19:56) Necessities to pack (24:08) Bushcraft skills (25:04) Upcoming trips for Adventure Archives (28:07) National Parks wish list (29:38)   Resources: Subscribe to Adventure Archives YouTube Channel Adventure Archives: Great Smoky Mountains Documentary Follow Adventure Archives on Facebook REI

Description: This is episode number 6.2, the second episode in our series on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bryan, Danielle and their two daughters spent spring break of 2018 exploring the North Carolina side of the park along with a brief visit to Asheville, NC and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Announcements:   Please help us grow our audience. Tell your friends. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Tag us, #everybodysnationalparks from the parks you are visiting. Support us on Patreon by clicking on "Support Our Show" from our homepage. Discussion includes the following: · Support our show on Patreon. Click on “Support Our Show” on everybodysnationalparks.com (0:30) · Describe trip in one word (1:24) · Asheville, NC and Blue Ridge Parkway (4:12) · Smokemont Riding Stables (12:34) · Goldmine Loop Trail (18:22) · Deep Creek Water Falls Loop (25:25) · Oconaluftee River Trail and Oconaluftee Museum Farm (33:23) · Mingus Mill (35:14) · Newfoundgap Road – Rt 441 (36:47) · Final thoughts

Description: This is episode number 6.1, the first episode in our series on Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bryan and Danielle reminisce about their first camping trip there in the spring of 2017. Support our show on Patreon. For show notes or to become a Patron, go to everybodysnationalparks.com. Discussion includes the following: · Brief description of our trip (3:40) · Cades Cove: Campground, Loop, Visitors Center (4:28) · White Oak Sink Trail to see wildflowers (12:53) · Laurel Falls Trail (19:16) · Cosby Campground (24:15) · First daughter share story of her bike riding accident (25:25) · Cataloochee (30:15) · 2nd daughter shares biking incident and hiking the Boogerman trail in Cataloochee (31:43) · Appalachian Trail at Davenport Gap (35:34) · Porters Creek Trail Near Greenbrier Cove (36:44) · Rainbow Falls (38:30) · Junior Ranger Day at Sugarlands Visitor Center (40:26) · Gatlinburg (43:35) Resources: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cades Cove - NPS Cades Cove Park Limits Access in

Description: Bryan speaks with Park Ranger Alanna Smith about the history of the park and tips for visitors. This interview was recorded in 2017 prior to Hurricane’s Irma and Maria. Although the island of St. John has changed and is still recovering, this information is still useful now and in the future. Discussion includes the following: · A brief history of the park - history of the island, cultural influences and significance for establishment and protection of the park. (1:46) · Park's relationship with the local community (5:20) · Ranger led programs (8:14) · Recommendations for visiting at different times of year (12:58) · The visitor center and museum (15:54) · Favorite snorkeling sites (17:52) · Reef-safe sunscreen (23:14) · Issues from budget constraints (25:11) · Tips for first time visitors (27:21) Resources: Waterlemon Cay/Leinster Bay Henley Cay Whistling Cay The impacts of sunscreens on our coral reefs Is Your Sunscreen Reef Safe?  

Description: In today’s episode 5.4 Danielle speaks with Jeff Miller, fisheries biologist for the National Park Service about the coral reef and snorkeling around Virgin Island’s National Park following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Even though the island has changed due to the storms, the water is still blue and there are beautiful things to see. Discussion: · Jeff’s experience waiting out the hurricanes at home on St. John (2:08) · Jeff describes what he does as a fisheries biologist for the National Park Service (6:13) · What happened to the coral as a result of the hurricanes (8:07) · Change in seascape from storms and time to recover (13:58) · Where to snorkel and dive (19:26) · Tips and precautions (21:16) · Snorkeling with small children (24:04) · Changes in water visibility (25:24) · What to see and marine identification guides (26:50) · What is coral (29:06) · Different types of coral in the park (30:04) · What to see (30:38) · Be aware of your surroundings and nothing will hurt you (34:25) · How d

Description: Bryan talks with archeologist Ken Wild about the rich human history of St. John, where the oldest known site goes back to 800 BC. Ken is the Cultural Resource Manger and Archaeologist for the Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. Discussion includes the following: Ken’s experience during and post-Hurricanes (1:25) Ken’s silver lining perspective (4:03) Archeological Museum at Cinnamon Bay and Artifacts (5:46) Cultural History in Brief (11:10) Petroglyphs (21:57) Danish history on the island (31:10) Opportunity for bigger and better heritage center (33:46) Discovery of 17th Century occupation (36:20) The park preserves archeological sites and opportunities for discoveries (37:55) Advice for visitors who may find artifacts (39:33) Ken’s favorite spots (40:52) Resources: Archeology in Virgin Islands National Park Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Archeology and Heritage Program Archeology and Cinnamon Bay Archeology in the Virgin Islands National Par

Description: Bryan talks with Acting Superintendent Darrell Echols of Virgin Island National Park about the hurricane damage to the park, recovery efforts, and expected progress in the coming months. The island and people of St. John are resilient. The sentiment of the local community, even if they lost their homes, is positive, “I’m alive. Life is great. I’m very happy.” Discussion includes the following: Status of park as of January 2018 (0:55) Where was park staff during the storms (3:16) Where is park staff now (4:15) How Superintendent Echols ended up in Virgin Islands National Park (6:05) Status of Cinnamon Bay campground (8:50) Accommodations (11:10) Partnering with the community (12:40) Volunteer time to help with recovery (16:25) Greatest loss for the park (19:15) Expected progress in 2018 (20:45) What strikes you about Virgin Islands National Park (23:55) Where to get the latest status updates (28:10) Resources: Kenny Chesney’s Love for Love City benefiting Hurricane Irma Disaster Relief for US

Description: Bryan and Danielle talk about their family trip to Virgin Islands National Park in St. John prior to the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The National Park announced on December 20, 2017 that all beaches, trails and roads are reopened. Check the website for the latest hurricane recovery status. You may support recovery efforts by donating to Friends of Virgin Island National Park or St. John Rescue. Discussion includes the following: Danielle’s introduction about the 2017 hurricanes and status of the park (0:11) Trip Report (2:05) Daytripper to St. John from St. Thomas (3:20) Description of the park in St. John (4:18) Cinnamon Bay Campground and Resort (8:32) Trunk Bay (16:05) Honeymoon Beach and Lind Point Trail (21:15) Favorite Beaches (22:48) Snorkeling and Sea turtles at Maho Bay (23:10) Favorite part of the trip for Bryan and Danielle’s 2 daughters (24:44) Waterlemon Cay Leinster Bay Trail (27:42) Annaberg Plantation Ruins (31:50) Bird walk at Francis Bay Trail (34:40) Park short-s

Description: Visitors to Yellowstone are witnesses to one of the most dramatic natural laboratories on the planet, which provides answers to the origin of life on earth, to the diversification of life, to solutions to modern day problems faced by society. Bryan talks with scientist Bruce Fouke about his study of Mammoth Hot Springs and how his research is applied to challenges faced by society, now and in the future and how to use your visit to Yellowstone to better understand the Cosmos that surrounds us. He also alleviates our concerns about an impending eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano. Bruce Fouke is a professor of geology, biology and microbiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is the author of The Art of Yellowstone Science – Mammoth Hot Springs as a Window on the Universe along with photographer Tom Murphy. Discussion includes the following: · Mammoth Hot Springs is a natural laboratory. How can we glimpse the entire universe around us using the window of Mammoth Hot Spri

Description: Bryan talks with historian Mark David Spence about Native Americans in Yellowstone. People have been coming here for thousands of years. It connects you to hundreds of generations of people. That’s what Yellowstone can do. When you talk to native peoples, you realize it is a landscape full of stories, full of features that people wouldn’t recognize otherwise. Keep in mind the worldview you bring coming into the park and then acknowledge there are stories here you have never considered. Discussion includes the following: · Brief history of Native Americans in Yellowstone and Government relation ns (3:15) · Creation of park and treatment of native peoples (8:22) · Relationship now between the park and native peoples (17:58) · How should visitors be cognizant of the legacy (20:05) · Where should visitors see Native American history in Yellowstone (31:40)   Resources: Native Americans in Yellowstone http://www.yellowstonestereoviews.com/backcountry/indians.html Go Native America Yellowstone Tours ht

Description: Bryan talks with Jim Halfpenny about wolves and bears in Yellowstone. Jim is an author, scientist, educator, and tracker. Jim has written over 25 books and videos including, "Yellowstone Wolves in the Wild" and “Yellowstone Bears in the Wild.” Jim is co-owner of A Naturalist`s World, dedicated to providing educational programs and materials about natural history and ecology. Discussion includes the following: · Description of A Naturalist’s World. (1:21) · How are the new wolf packs changing the ecosystem (2:07) · When and why were wolves introduced? (4:34) · Wolves' effects on economy, including elk hunting business. (6:16) · Best places for visitors to see wolves. (8:17) · Scientific discoveries about wolf behavior. (10:33) · Interactions with other wildlife such as ravens. (15:22) · Survival story of Wolf 253. (17:42) · Types of bears in Yellowstone. (20:50) · Where to see bears. (21:45) · Bear diet. (23:02) · Bear wolf relationship. (24:52) · Bear reactions to ecological changes such as th

Description Bryan talks with MacNeil Lyons about planning a trip to Yellowstone with kids. MacNeil is a published writer, photographer, naturalist and owner of tour company Yellowstone Insight. MacNeil previously worked for the National Park Service as an Interpretive Park Ranger beginning in 1996. Discussion includes the following: · Yellowstone for Families program (1:34) · Yellowstone Insight tours for families (7:14) · Tips for avoiding crowds (10:55) · What kids like most on Yellowstone Insight tours – stories and digiscoping (16:05) · Witness to a Wolf Hunt story (18:31) · Where does MacNeil take his own child? (31:00) · Recommendations for family itinerary (35:15) · Backpacking recommendations (38:50) · Favorite season to photograph Yellowstone (41:14) · Favorite locations to photograph Yellowstone (43:40) Resources: Yellowstone Insight http://yellowstoneinsight.com Yellowstone Forever Institute Lodging and Learning Tours (including Yellowstone for Families) https://shop.yellowstone.org/courses/lod