Arizona State Parks and Trails Podcast

New to camping? Want to make your weekend outdoors a success? This information-packed episode cuts the learning curve for any camper looking for new techniques to improve your overnight experience in the outdoors. Hear from experts on the equipment you'll need, the food you can prepare and make at camp, selecting your campsite and being safe out there, and why time in nature is so beneficial for us in the first place! Visit AZStateParks.com/Camping-Logistics for even more tricks, tools, and tips to make camping easy and fun.About our guest: Dr. Brent Bauer Dr. Brent Bauer is a general internal medicine physician at Mayo Clinic and director of the Mayo Clinic Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program. Dr. Bauer's personal goal is to ensure that research conducted under the auspices of the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program is always held to the same high standards as all other research at Mayo Clinic. You can find Dr. Bauer's clinical profile and research faculty profile at MayoClinic.org.About our guest: Christine ConnorsHaving sold more than 100,000 copies of their outdoor cooking books, Christine and her husband and co-author Tim Conners are experienced campers, backpackers, and outdoor chefs and the authors of The Scout's Outdoor Cookbook, Lipsmackin' Backpackin', and Lipsmackin' VegetarianBackpackin'. The Conners have twice served as judges for Scouting magazine's prestigious national camp food cooking contest. Learn more at LipSmackinCampin.com.About our guest: Ryanne CraryRyanne is a northern Arizona native whose adventuring in the high desert sparked her passion for the outdoors and all things wildlife. Her family's involvement with the Bureau of Land Management also inspired her to receive her degree in Parks and Recreation from ASU and a minor in Parks and Protected areas, when she spent time as an animal handler at the Phoenix Zoo and attempted to escape the heat. Ryanne joined the Hike Shack in 2020 where she met her now husband Caleb, and future fur-son, Lance. She now works for The Town of Prescott Valley Parks and Recreation as a Recreation Supervisor and handles marketing and outreach for The Hike Shack. When she's not at work, you can find Ryanne exploring her home in Prescott, hiking, rock climbing, and picking up rocks and lizards with her husband, dogs Lance and Bingo, and her lizard Lizzie.About our guest: Louis JuersLouis Juers of The Arizona Family Campout Program helps families discover the joy of camping. He introduces them to the experiences you can share in Arizona's outdoors. Ranger Louis is continuously applauded by families who participate with reviews like Jennifer S., who said, "The warmth we felt from [ranger] Louis and his outstanding team of volunteers was immediate and sincere. Their energy and effort were unparalleled during the whole weekend, giving us families a chance to bond while building upon our camping know-how. Louis's background in education shone brightly all weekend."Find your next Arizona adventure and sign up for our newsletter at AZStateParks.com/Amazing, and follow @AZStateParks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter for even more inspiration.

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Humans seem to be hardwired for nature, but did you know there is an actual term for this feeling? It's the concept of biophilia, and research is helping medicine incorporate time in the outdoors and a connection to nature with our health! Dr. Brent Bauer, a general internal medicine physician at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota joins us on the show to explain how our physical and mental state can be positively impacted by simply going outside. He addresses questions like the types of outdoor recreation activities that are beneficial, how much time outdoors is needed, and, from a medical standpoint, how this connection to nature is important in different stages of life.It's time to put the backbone behind what you always knew was connected: getting outdoors and your health!Links referenced in this episode:Prescription for nature online resources: Park RX America and ParkRXPrescribing nature for mental, physical health on the Mayo Clinic News NetworkAbout our guestDr. Brent Bauer is a general internal medicine physician at Mayo Clinic and director of the Mayo Clinic Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program. Dr. Bauer's personal goal is to ensure that research conducted under the auspices of the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program is always held to the same high standards as all other research at Mayo Clinic. By ensuring this level of quality, the results that are achieved will positively contribute to knowledge that can inform clinical practice. The research of Dr. Bauer and the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program has had many tangible impacts on patient care. For example, massage therapy is now routinely offered to postoperative patients, meditation training is being provided to more than 20,000 patients each year, and acupuncture is helping patients with migraine headaches. These are just a few examples of how Dr. Bauer and his colleagues have been able to translate research into direct changes in patient care. Research informing practice remains a key focus for the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program.You can find Dr. Bauer's clinical profile and research faculty profile at MayoClinic.org.Find your next Arizona adventure and sign up for our newsletter at AZStateParks.com/Amazing, and follow @AZStateParks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter for even more inspiration.

For Chelsea Ballard, the world underneath the ground we stand on has always had a draw. She earned a Karst Hydrogeology degree and went on to work in several different caves before moving to Arizona to lead our Cave Unit team at Kartchner Caverns State Park.In this episode, Chelsea shares what excites her about working in the unique ecosystem of caves and karsts, and gives us insight into the wonders Kartchner Caverns holds. Listen as Chelsea explains the work her team does, the distinctive features of Kartchner Caverns that set it apart from other show caves, and the importance of conserving this treasured natural resource.Tour Kartchner Caverns yourself by booking a tour reservation at https://azstateparks.com/kartchner/cave-tours/tours. You can learn more about the Arizona grottos of the National Speleological Society that Chelsea references at https://caves.org/state/arizona/.More about our guest, Chelsea Ballard:Chelsea is the Cave Resource Manager / Research and Project Specialist at Kartchner Caverns State Park. She is from Horse Cave, Kentucky and grew up only a few miles from Mammoth Cave National Park and Hidden River Cave. She has been fascinated with caves and sinkholes since she was a young girl after being exposed to the resource from a very early age growing up on a farm. This led her to Western Kentucky University (WKU) to study Karst Hydrogeology. During her time at WKU, she has completed two undergraduate karst thesis research projects with grant funding, taught a Cave Conservation and Karst Management class in Texas, completed a Physical Science Technician internship with the National Park Service, inter-agency trainings with the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and an internship with the U.S. Geological Survey. She has also worked as a cave guide with Diamond Caverns, Hidden River Cave and Mammoth Cave National Park. She has completed various karst related trainings, karst research projects and classes through her career. She is deeply involved with the American Cave Conservation Association, the National Speleological Society, WKU Karst Field Studies, Karst Waters Institute, and the United States Biosphere Network. She is currently writing a children's book centered around the subject of karst. When Chelsea is not at work helping to protect one of the coolest caves in the world you may find her in other caves helping with geology/hydrology research, mapping and surveying projects. She also enjoys volunteering for cave organizations, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, traveling and visiting her friends and family in Kentucky.Find your next Arizona adventure and sign up for our newsletter at AZStateParks.com/Amazing, and follow @AZStateParks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter for even more inspiration.

If there's anyone who knows Arizona's birds, it's our guest Richard "Rick" C. Taylor, who literally wrote the book Birds of Arizona! On this episode we fly into the amazing world of the elegant trogon, ruffs, Scott's oriole, sparrows, hummingbirds and so much more.Whether you're a beginning birder or a seasoned ornithologist, you'll be delighted by Rick's knowledge and passion for birding and his perspective on how we nature lovers can relate to our feathered friends.Resources we discussed on this episode that can help you as you get into birding include Rick's book Birds of Arizona and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's eBird app. About our guestA lifelong resident of Southeastern Arizona, Taylor has been involved in birding since he was a teen making observations and recording them. It was his hobby, and all his biology is self-taught. He conducted an eight-year-long study of the Elegant Trogon that led to the publication of Trogons of the Arizona Borderlands in 1994 and continues to compile census results. During his research, Taylor reported the first Eared Quetzal seen in the U.S. In 1980 he founded Borderland Tours, a birding travel company dedicated to responsible ecotourism. In 1995 the American Birding Association published his A Birder's Guide to Southeastern Arizona, revised in 2005.  In 2010, R.W. Morse Company published Birds of Southeastern Arizona, now in its 7th printing and in 2023 Birds of Arizona, which has become the most comprehensive field guide of the state's birds, profiling over 500 species and over 900 color photographs showing key field marks of each species. Arizona has more hummingbirds than any other state and Taylor creates for the first time a hummingbird chart showing the elevation ranges for all seventeen species. Taylor also authors the location bird checklists for both the Huachuca and the Chiricahua Mountains.Find your next Arizona adventure and sign up for our newsletter at AZStateParks.com/Amazing, and follow @AZStateParks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter for even more inspiration.

The Sonoran Insiders program promotes and amplifies good stewardship and responsible outdoor recreation in the Sonoran Desert and landscapes across Arizona. The group hosts fun and informative Insider Experiences for program ambassadors. Apply to become an ambassador HERE or learn more about becoming a partner for the Sonoran Insiders HERE.Want to try an Insider Experience for yourself? Register HERE for their event on August 5 to learn about responsible recreation and tourism on tribal lands with the San Carlos Apache Tribe.About our guests:Brooke Wheelock is the Partnership Coordinator with the US Forest Service on Tonto National Forest. She engages various partners including businesses, non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies, and local communities to accomplish vital on-the-ground work throughout the roughly 2 million-acre landscape on the Tonto NF. Work through partnerships and collaborations includes watershed improvements, restoration, recreation management, wilderness and trail maintenance, hazardous fuels reduction, invasives management, and more. Prior to the Forest Service, Brooke worked with the National Park Service at various parks, and with the US Army Corps of Engineers as a Park Ranger. Outside work, she enjoys hiking, connecting with friends at local breweries, streaming video games, and exploring or traveling with her 2 dogs. Find information on the two prehistoric sites on the Tonto National Forest that Brooke mentioned: the Sears-Kay Ruin near Carefree, and the Shoofly Village site (wheelchair-accessible).Isaiah Ortiz is a park ranger at Catalina State Park and a Sonoran Insiders Ambassador. Born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, Isaiah has always had a special connection with the desert. For nearly 10 years photography has been his passion and he specializes in capturing the beauty of the night sky. With the Sonoran Insiders and at Catalina State Park, Isaiah shares messages of respect for the land, conservation, and responsible exploration. Find Isaiah's book, Starry Sky Adventures Arizona, HERE.Jeny Davis is the Southern Rockies Program Associate at the National Forest Foundation (NFF), supporting program and project operations in the Southwest and Rocky Mountain Regions through coordinating, strategic planning, organizational development, and collaborative conservation efforts. Prior to the NFF, she worked at Desert Botanical Garden with the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA) and EcoFlora programs, immersed in collaborative conservation, community science and communications. She enjoys coordinating projects, connecting people, and working with others to support and accomplish goals and facilitate inclusive collaboration outcomes. Outside work, she enjoys numerous outdoor activities like hiking and riding her bike, reading, researching, making cyanotypes, enjoying music, eating tacos, or generally nerding out about plants and ecology wherever she may be.Find your next Arizona adventure and sign up for our newsletter at AZStateParks.com/Amazing, and follow @AZStateParks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter for even more inspiration.

Lew Theokas, the grandfather of Granite Mountain Hotshots crewmember Garret Zuppiger, joins Arizona State Parks team member Ken "Gecko" Sliwa for a conversation to remember the hotshots who lost their lives fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30, 2013. Lew is a former wildland firefighter and currently serves as the Public Relations Officer for the town of Peeple's Valley.Find your next Arizona adventure and sign up for our newsletter at AZStateParks.com/Amazing, and follow @AZStateParks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter for even more inspiration.

Ben Palm, former fire chief for the town of Yarnell, joins Arizona State Parks team member Ken "Gecko" Sliwa for a conversation to remember the hotshots who lost their lives fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30, 2013. Ben served as the Yarnell Fire Chief after the fire up through 2019, and currently works as the department's Assistant Chief and a Liaison Officer on Incident Management Teams for wildland fires.Learn more about the Firewise program and creating defensible space around property to protect it from wildfire at dffm.az.gov/fire/prevention/firewise.Find your next Arizona adventure and sign up for our newsletter at AZStateParks.com/Amazing, and follow @AZStateParks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter for even more inspiration.

Karen Norris, the mother of Granite Mountain Hotshots crewmember Scott Norris, joins Arizona State Parks team member Ken "Gecko" Sliwa for a conversation to remember the hotshots who lost their lives fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30, 2013. Karen is a founding member and sits on the board of the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew Learning and Tribute Center in Prescott. You can find information and plan your visit to the center at gmihc19.org.Find your next Arizona adventure and sign up for our newsletter at AZStateParks.com/Amazing, and follow @AZStateParks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter for even more inspiration.

This episode is dedicated in tribute to the Granite Mountain Hotshots who lost their lives in the Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30, 2013: Andrew Ashcraft, Robert Caldwell,  Travis Carter, Dustin DeFord, Christopher MacKenzie, Eric Marsh, Grant McKee,  Sean Misner, Scott Norris, Wade Parker, John Percin Jr., Anthony Rose, Jesse Steed, Joe Thurston, Travis Turbyfill, William Warneke, Clayton Whitted, Kevin Woyjeck, and Garret Zuppiger. Our thoughts are with their families on this ten-year anniversary, as well as the lone surviving member of the hotshots crew, Brendan McDonough.Our deepest gratitude to Lew Theokas, grandfather of hotshot Garret Zuppiger; Ben Palm; Karen Norris, mother of hotshot Scott Norris; and Jared Welsh for sharing with us for this episode.Links mentioned in this episode include:About the Granite Mountain HotshotsJuly 30 Commemoration Event in PrescottJuly 30 Remembrance Event in YarnellGranite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew Learning and Tribute CenterGranite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State ParkFind your next Arizona adventure and sign up for our newsletter at AZStateParks.com/Amazing, and follow @AZStateParks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter for even more inspiration.

Sometimes all it takes is a little knowledge to change fear into fascination. That's why Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary joined us on this episode: to reintroduce to the world of snakes. Katelyn Garcia, the sanctuary's Education & Outreach Director as well as Cale Morris, Venom Manager for the sanctuary, help us understand the importance of these reptiles and might help you regard snakes in a different light. Check out the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary to schedule a tour, learn about their camp, or virtually adopt an animal at PhoenixHerp.com and on social media under @PhoenixHerp. You can also check out the online snake identification resource linked on their website, which Katelyn and Cale mention in this episode, ReptilesOfAZ.org.Bonus! Read more about Clem the alligator relocated from the Grand Canyon to Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary as told by the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument.

What is historic preservation and how can any resident or visitor be a part of it? Arizona's State Historic Preservation Officer, Kathryn Leonard, joins us on the show to share. We discuss the many sides of historic preservation, from the ideological perspective of anchoring us to our past and providing tangible ways for future generations to understand it, all the way to the practical side, including laws, tax breaks, economic benefits, and more.As far as who can be a part of preservation efforts? If you find value in a sense of place (and who doesn't?), congratulations! Kathryn makes the case that this is all you need to be a preservationist.Check out the links mentioned during this episode:State Historic Preservation Office website, AZStateParks.com/shpoHistoric Preservation Tax Incentive ProgramState Historic Preservation Office's social mediaAnnual Historic Preservation Conference: AZPreservation.org/conferenceBimonthly preservation book clubArizona Preservation Foundation webinarsOsterman Gas Station on this year's listing of 11 Most Endangered Historic PlacesThe preservation success story of Camp Naco

Understand Arizona's climate and its potential dangers with this episode's guest, Dr. Erinanne Saffell. Dr. Saffell is Arizona's State Climatologist and she breaks down our state's diverse climate and the role elevation change plays in our weather, as well as factors like the urban heat island effect and practical measures homeowners in Arizona's low-elevation metro areas can take to temper it on their own property.Dr. Saffell also gives insight into what kind of summer Arizonans can expect and how to prepare and be safe in the heat, monsoons, and fire season. If you enjoy hearing about the fascinating work Dr. Saffell does for the Arizona State Climate Office, check out these ways to get involved:Follow the Arizona State Climate Office on TwitterSign up for monthly webinars (3rd Thursday every month from 10-10:30 a.m.) and new reports from the AZ State Climate Office and State ClimatologistContact AZClimate@asu.edu to volunteer by measuring evaporation at the Weather Station in TempeBe a citizen scientist by reporting precipitation with CoCoRaHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow network). Get a backyard rain gauge and easy training at cocorahs.orgBrush up on wildfire awareness at azstateparks.com/fire-safetyAbout Dr. Erinanne SaffellDr. Erinanne Saffell received her BS, MA, and PhD degrees in Geography and Climatology from Arizona State University. Her main research interests are extreme weather events, including flood and drought, as well as impacts of the Urban Heat Island. Dr. Saffell is a Senior Global Futures Scientist with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory and an Associate Teaching Professor at ASU.The Arizona State Climatologist serves the people and state of Arizona through an executive appointment funded by Arizona State University, the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, and the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory.Dr. Saffell is Director of the Arizona State Climate Office, which is the recognized State Climate office for the State of Arizona (ARSCO). A focus of the State Climate Office is to evaluate and synthesize climate data and scientific research to provide context and relevancy about the climate of Arizona.

Listen in as Lexi with Roam Lab simplifies cooking at the campsite! With a little bit of planning and at-home prep work, you can have delicious meals that fuel your next adventure.Lexi and her husband Chris travel full-time and have mastered the art of campsite cooking. Learn how to cook over a campfire and the tricks of heat distribution. Try out some new recipes or even some of Lexi's favorite gear. Lexi shares great ideas for meals when you want to keep cooking short and sweet as well as options for more gourmet eating (like her recipe for mouthwatering lamb kabobs).Get Lexi's Campfire Cooking guide on Instagram as well as her Recipes highlights, get even more practical advice on Roam Lab's website, and follow along with their travels at roamlab.com.

This episode is in celebration of Earth Day! Earth Day is an annual, global event on April 22 that has been going strong for 53 years after it was first created in 1970 to draw attention to environmental protection. To discuss Earth Day and better understand how we can all do our part to protect Arizona's natural resources and beautiful outdoor spaces, we've invited four state park rangers from across Arizona to join us on the show: Ranger Ethan from Oracle State Park, Rangers Kyle and Jess from Kartchner Caverns State Park, and Ranger Sara from Lost Dutchman State Park.We mention some resources on the show, so be sure to check out our fire safety and restrictions online resource, as mentioned by Ranger Sara; the International Dark Sky Association website and our episode with IDA ambassador Mike Weasner, as referenced by Ranger Ethan; and cave tour reservations as recommended by Rangers Jess and Kyle.After listening, we hope you're excited to take action with these simple steps towards becoming a more engaged environmentalist…and even join us for a fun Earth Day celebration at one of Arizona's state parks, listed below (click on each link for event dates, times, and other details).Dead Horse Ranch State Park: Make Native Seed Balls and the Verde Valley Birding and Nature FestivalKartchner Caverns State Park: Recyclables crafts, educational talks in the amphitheater, scavenger hunt, Star Party, and moreLost Dutchman State Park: Guided hikes, nature talks, geocaching, and litter cleanup kitsLyman Lake State Park: Arts, crafts, and kids' activitiesOracle State Park: Geology hike, snake talk, astronomy talk, music on the trail, food trucks, and Star Party

Meet adventurer, thru-hiker, mountain biker, backpacker, ultra-runner, hiker, and camper Henley Phillips. Based in Tucson, Arizona, Henley has taken on outdoor adventures across the world. He loves coming up with creative ways to explore new areas and connect destinations on the map with the trail less traveled. Henley will inspire you to try something new, explore more, and savor each moment you can in nature.We begin the show talking about Henley's 64-hour adventure across southern Arizona, running up the five highest summits around Tucson and linking the trailheads by bike. You can read more about his experience at bikepacking.com. We also hear about Henley's extreme adventure journey in Australia, which you can watch a video on HERE. This April, Henley is attempting a multi-sport (hiking and biking) yo-yo (northbound and back again) adventure on the Arizona National Scenic Trail, which is 800 miles long one-way, spanning the length of Arizona from Mexico to Utah. Follow along with his adventures on Instagram at henley.phillips. If you want a taste of the Arizona Trail, try its access point right from Oracle State Park.

Adriane Grimaldi, Education Director of Butterfly Wonderland, takes us into the amazing world of butterflies in this episode. There are 28,000 butterfly species around the world and Arizona is home to a whopping 334 species--second in diversity of butterfly species only to the state of Texas! Adriane shares where and when you can observe them here in the Grand Canyon State.Adriane also shares the intricacies of butterfly life, their journey to Butterfly Wonderland from farms throughout the world, and how this team of butterfly experts is doing their butterfly conservation work.Learn about these beautiful pollinators and how you can help them, including how to build a simple yet very effective backyard butterfly garden! To help get your garden underway, be sure to check out Butterfly Wonderland's March and October plant sale that Adriane mentions. Butterfly Wonderland's Spring Plant Sale is Saturday, March 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to noon in their outside courtyard. Butterfly, hummingbird, and bee-friendly plants will be for sale from $14.95 to $29.95 and proceeds benefit the Butterfly Wonderland Foundation.Plan your visit to Butterfly Wonderland to experience the magic of this butterfly conservatory for yourself! Check out information on the state parks you can view butterflies in and the Monarch Waystations (certified areas that have the resources butterflies need to thrive, including nectar and host plants) in Arizona State Parks that you can visit at azstateparks.com/arizona-butterflies.

Nick Teschler and Conrad Demecs with FishIn48 know Arizona's bass and their favorite habitats. They join us on the show to tell anglers their secrets, including where to find bass, the lures they're most successful with, and when to get on the water.Nick and Conrad also regularly contribute to Arizona State Parks and Trails' online Fishing Report and host a blog with more great resources to catch bass in Arizona. Find them on social media at @FishIn48 and check out their upcoming tournament on March 18 at Alamo Lake State Park! You can also find information about their guided bass fishing trips, and book a trip with Conrad and Nick HERE.

Neil and Elisabeth travel up the Mogollan Rim and near Payson, Arizona to record on location at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Park Manager, Andrew Young, and Assistant Park Manager, Katie Ferguson, join the show to share about the plants, wildlife, and geology that make Tonto Natural Bridge one-of-a-kind. They also share the lesser-known history of this area of Pine Creek Canyon, from Ancestral Puebloan to European influence.These two pros also share how they have created their careers in land management. If you've always dreamed of becoming a park ranger, their journeys are sure to inspire! Ever humble in their hard work, Andrew and Katie thank their fantastic team of park rangers, their dedicated volunteers, and the amazing Friends of Tonto Natural Bridge group that raises funds for the park.If after listening to this episode, you are "pining" to experience Pine Creek Canyon and Tonto Natural Bridge for yourself, consider joining an event, like Brunch at the Bridge or Taste of the Bridge, or a tour at this state park!

It's an ever increasingly-popular lifestyle: sell the house, pack the stuff in storage, and hit the open road full-time to see our country's beautiful places. That's what Patti and Jeff Kinzbach opted for upon retirement, and they haven't looked back since... only forward to the next adventure!As their RV travels began, so did a new project to share their experiences, tips for life on the road, places they visited, and the interesting characters they met along the way: Rocking the RV Life podcast.In this episode, Patti and Jeff break down what their show is all about, highlight a few episodes to start with if you're a new RVer, and share the places they've already visited and some they're planning to see this spring. Be sure to check out Rocking the RV Life podcast, read their blog, find RV products that they use and recommend, and keep up with all of their adventures at their website, rockingthervlife.com, and on their social media channels:InstagramFacebookYouTube

Welcome in the New Year with Neil and Elisabeth as they kick off Season 4, discuss plans for 2023, and take a look back over the episodes of Season 3. What do you want to hear from the podcast in this new season? We want to hear from YOU! Send your topic ideas and even speaker recommendations to pio@azstateparks.gov.Don't forget to rate and review the show on whatever platform you use to listen to this podcast, and please share the show with your friends!

Sitting under the stillness of a pitch-black sky, illuminated only by celestial bodies, fills you with a sense of peace and wonder... it's something everyone should get to experience.Conserving our dark skies is important on many levels, from human health, to the preservation of wildlife habitat and migration, to energy conservation, and more! Amateur astronomer, International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) member, and former chair of the Oracle Dark Skies Committee, Michael Weasner, joins the show to tell us all about Arizona's dark skies. Read about Oracle State Park's IDA designation and watch a special by Arizona Public Media on Mike and his astronomy work HERE. Find Mike's autobiography and stay up to date with Mike's work, including his astrophotography, at weasner.com. There's no better way to experience Arizona's dark skies firsthand than to enjoy a Star Party! Check out an Arizona State Parks upcoming astronomy events at azstateparks.com/stars.

From planning retirement to launching a national movement... Phil and Shar Roos are most definitely NOT bored. They created an RV-centric volunteer organization called A Year to Volunteer with a goal to give at least 365 days of volunteering in all 50 states. They rally together volunteers from all over the country to help improve parks and other community programs.They're revolutionizing the way that we think about volunteering, and the positivity this couple has is absolutely infectious. You're going to love hearing about their journey and their inspiring mission.Visit their website at ayeartovolunteer.com to follow along with their projects and to sign up for their newsletter! See Shar, Phil, and the volunteers' work in action at their YouTube channel.

Want to have more Arizona adventures but not sure how to fit it all in? Josh Coddington with the Arizona Office of Tourism and Lauren and Owen from The AZ Hikeaholics join us on the show to share their best tips.These guests are pros at making the most of every minute exploring the Grand Canyon State. They share how to use a free tool, the digital AZ Parks Passport, created by the Arizona Office of Tourism, to plan adventures and discover even more attractions while they're on the road. The AZ Parks Passport also enters users into a contest to win some amazing prizes, including a $500 gift card to Arizona State Parks, good for camping and cabin reservations, shop merchandise and tours. Of course, no outdoor recreation convo with these outdoor lovers would be complete without discussing sustainable tourism. We talk about what we love so much about this beautiful state and the seven principles of responsible recreation we can all practice to better Appreciate AZ.Get more great information on exploring Arizona from the Arizona Office of Tourism's official travel guide, visitarizona.com, and find their social media on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok.See what Lauren and Owen are up to next as official #AppreciateAZ Ambassadors and follow along with their weekend warrior adventures on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.Since the time of our recording... The Arizona Office of Tourism has launched its AppreciateAZ Ambassadors Program and an AppreciateAZ certificate, which is easy for anyone to earn through a 10-minute online course (check it out here!)Lauren and Owen successfully completed their Rim-to-Rim hike in Grand Canyon National Park. Check out their adventure and a great guide they've shared for others planning this hike on Instagram.

We're back from summer break and jumping into fall with an exciting new way to explore Arizona's state parks! Shelby Alessi with the Arizona Lottery joins us on the podcast to talk about the Arizona Adventure promotion. Arizona Adventure celebrates our great state by combining a unique $5 scratcher lottery ticket set against a backdrop of three iconic landscapes, a geo-located adventure experience at 12 Arizona state parks, and the chance to win a share of $1 million in cash and Arizona travel prizes! Learn more about the promotion and check in when visiting the parks at www.AZAdventure.com.When you play the Arizona Adventure promotion, you also give back to environmental conservation efforts! Arizona Lottery ticket sales support Arizona Game and Fish Department's Heritage Fund program, used to protect endangered species, acquire habitat for the benefit of sensitive species, provide access to outdoor recreational opportunities, and educate children and adults about wildlife.Learn more about the Arizona Lottery at www.arizonalottery.com or on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Learn about the mission and programs of Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF) and its influence in wildlife and habitat conservation here in the Grand Canyon State. AWF is dedicated to educating, inspiring, and assisting individuals and organizations to value, conserve, enhance, manage, and protect wildlife and wildlife habitat. Advocacy and Conservation Director Michael Cravens from the 100-year-old organization joins us to talk about connection to nature. We discuss birding, angling, and many forms of outdoor recreation, and as well as the importance of passing on an interest for outdoor traditions to future generations.Stay up to date with the Michael and the Arizona Wildlife Federation by checking out their outdoor programs,  tuning into his podcast, or following him on social media.

The outdoors are for everyone, and on this episode, we talk with Kaitlyn Verfuerth and Laurie Singer about outdoor recreation accessibility. Kaitlyn and Laurie are are leading advocates for people of all abilities, and through their work with Ability 360, are making a noticeable impact within the community. Check out their program 360Outdoors program in action!We wanted to share Ability 360's work after speaking with their group on Arizona State Parks & Trails' Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). This plan is created every five years, after collecting data from the SCORP survey to recommend funding priorities and actions to improve and maintain Arizona's outdoor recreation opportunities. Basically, where should land managers spend money to make outdoor recreation better for everyone? SCORP involvement for our agency also means working with diverse partners like Ability 360 and other special interest groups throughout the state!Check out the SCORP survey results, the plan, and share your feedback at azstateparks.com/scorp!

Bringing little ones into the great outdoors is a whole different level of recreating.  Watching them discover and learn about the world around them is unforgettable, but kids also bring a unique set of needs that require some planning for a successful outdoor excursion. Join us as we interview Jana Tingom from Phoenix with Kids, Luna with The Moonlit Nook, and our own Neil Large on the ways their families recreate in nature. They'll share some of their favorite tips to help you plan for a hiking or camping trip, ways they help their kids enjoy nature, and some of their favorite family memories.Resources and activities referenced in this episode include:Phoenix with Kids' "Best Hikes for Kids" by location seriesThe Moonlit Nook's Arizona Family giveaway (includes Arizona State Parks passes!)Guided nature hikes, bird walks, and other special programs in the parksArizona Family Campout program that shows new family campers the ropesArizona State Parks' Junior Ranger program and other outdoor activities for kids

How can you care for the trails when you pull on your boots and go for a hike? Arizona hiking aficionado Mare Czinar joins us on this episode of the episode to discuss! Mare has been hiking all over the state for more than 30 years and has reviewed 1000+ trails. She shares her favorite places to hike, and the ways you can mindful of the trails, nature, and other hikers.Check out the projects where Mare contributes, and read her interview in Phoenix Home & Garden magazine where she discusses her guide "The Hike Book" (volumes 1 and 2). • Director of Production & Outdoor Writer at Cities West Media: PHOENIX  and Phoenix Home & Garden magazines• Contributing writer to "Hike of the Week" in USA Today/Arizona Republic, and dog hikes in Pets & People magazine• Author of ArizonaHiking.blogspot.com and PHOENIX magazine, "The Hike Book" volumes 1 and 2• Founder of Arizona Hiking, a 30,000-member Facebook group  • Member of Arizona State Committee on Trails (ASCOT)

Did you know that 75-80% of wildland fires are caused by people? That's why we're talking ahead of wildfire season with Public Affairs Officer for Arizona's Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM), Tiffany Davila. She has so much great information about how we can do our part to prevent wildland fires.Tiffany shares the causes and impact wildland fires can have on Arizona, the work that DFFM does to manage wildland fires, and what residents can do to prevent and prepare for wildland fires.See the following fire safety and prevention resources discussed with Tiffany during this episode:Information on creating a defensible space at your homeTips to prevent wildland fires (camping, target shooting, fireworks, and vehicle safety)Arizona's 125 Firewise USA-recognized communitiesFire restrictions and Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management iOS or Android mobile app

Meet Andre Briscoe, host of the Big Man Tiny Kingdom podcast. Andre's show brings you along his outdoor activities as a big guy with a minimalist perspective in everyday living and as a weekend warrior in camping and exploring the outdoors. He's been camping all over the state, from the White Mountains at Lyman Lake State Park in St. Johns, Arizona to down south in Tucson at Catalina State Park. During his weekend adventures, Andre stays in all types of tiny spaces--cabins, RVs, tents, and his outfitted truck.Join us as we talk with Andre about his camping, hiking, and biking experiences and camping plans in Arizona's state parks.

Is it possible to support conservation efforts and be a tourist at the same time? Dr. Aireona Raschke of the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA) shares how you can do both! We talked with Aireona about what ecotourism can look like when recreating in beautiful places, from both perspectives of sustainability for the habitat and for community support. Sometimes this looks like helping map invasive plants while you're hiking to assist land managers, choosing wisely with your own landscaping decisions, and volunteering with local groups to do conservation work; other times it looks like donating to an organization or spreading awareness about the work they're doing. Find out more about CAZCA and follow along with the work they're doing to protect and care for natural, open spaces that serve the communities and protect the habitat of the Sonoran Desert in Central Arizona.Check out the principles of responsible recreation.Visit Aireona's blog, Nightborn Travel, where she showcases her own responsible tourism adventures.

Off-highway vehicle use has exponentially grown as a result of the pandemic. Because of this growth, some land managers have turned to Matt Caldwell, and his organization Tread Lightly for answers. We had a chance to sit down with Matt along side Matt Eberhart, Arizona's State OHV Coordinator to discuss growing pains associated with the explosive recent popularity of motorized trails, and mitigation options to help define a path forward. These guys were a lot of fun to have in the studio, and we're sure you haven't heard the last of the Matts!  Tread Lightly!Take a look at the Tread Lightly website for more information about what this active non-profit is doing to make outdoor recreation better for everyone. Where to Ride in ArizonaFind a trail and hit the road! Use this resource to find a spot to ride in Arizona. Choose from destinations across the state! 

We're kicking off season three with an exciting twist…Arizona's BEST outdoor podcast just got a new voice with the addition of our cohost Elisabeth Haugan! Listen in and get to know Elisabeth, what she's bringing to the table, and about her connection to the outdoors.  In addition to her podcasting duties, Elisabeth creates website content and manages the Arizona State Parks social media pages. Take a look at this awesome resource she created for vegan campers, then find us on social media by following the links below.Facebook |  Instagram  |  Twitter As always…Thank you for your continued support! If you enjoy the show, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Have you ever met a legend? Randee and Neil recently had the pleasure of talking to western Arizona's boating safety guru (and manager of Cattail Cove State Park) Ron Gayman! During the conversation, Ron actually made boating safety sound cool…Really! Learn what this veteran boater and former professional jet skier has to say about staying safe on the water, then check out the following resources we referenced in the show! Boating SafetyVisit our website for more information about boating safety.

Check out this awesome conversation we had with Mark Cardenas of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO)! Mark goes into detail about the connection of Arizona's lands to Hispanic heritage, discusses HECHO and how you can get involved, and talks about how he fell in love with the outdoors at an early age. Mark and his team are doing awesome things for the Hispanic community and the sustainability of Arizona's beautiful places! Listen to this riveting episode, then find HECHO online!   HECHO WebsiteLearn more about what the HECHO team has in store for the rest of 2021 and beyond. Lots of great information! Follow HECHO on social media and stay in the loop! HECHO FacebookHECHO InstagramHECHO Twitter

Star is a ranger at Lost Dutchman State Park who is passionate about her job as well as sharing her relatively newfound love of the outdoors with park visitors! We discuss teachable moments, her inspiring journey, and learning about the outdoors through a variety of park events. Her energy is infectious and animated and we think you'll really enjoy her outlook on parks and how to get the most out of your outdoor experiences. Arizona State Park EventsLearn about all of the awesome educational and interpretive programs you heard about in the episode...Plus so much more! Ask A Ranger Click to learn more about this awesome digital program that started at Lost Dutchman but is spreading throughout the park system.New To The Outdoors?This resource will help you navigate gear selection and includes several camping tips to set you up for a successful camping experience. 

We're following up our last podcast with even more information about the Granite Mountain Hotshots! On this episode, we'll discuss the Memorial Park, its construction, and deep sentiment with Mark Loseth and Jack McMullin of the American Conservation Experience (ACE). ACE is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities that harness the idealism and energy of a volunteer labor force to restore public lands. Learn about current opportunities with ACE and how you can get involved with this awesome organization! ACE WebsiteLearn even more about ACE, their projects, and how you can get involved with this conservation and sustainability focused organization!Responsible RecreationLearn what it takes to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and how you can help sustain Arizona's beautiful places for generations to come!Facebook  |  Instagram  

In commemoration of the recent Granite Mountain Hotshots anniversary, Neil and Randee sat down with Yarnell resident and now park ranger Jared Welsh, who recalled memories of the town during the Yarnell Hill Fire of June 2013. Jared is now a park ranger at Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park, and shares those memories and the memory of the 19 lost hotshots on the trail built in their honor. Learn more about the hotshotsGet to know Brendan McDonough

This week Neil and Randee take a step back and discuss the very different ways they got into outdoor recreation and appreciation. Neil reminisces about his growth as an outdoorsman and talks about sharing his passion for the outdoors with his kids, plus gives great tips for parents that want to spend time with their kids outside. Randee looks back on how much she has learned about the outdoors and reinforces that anyone can learn to get outside and enjoy Arizona's beautiful places if that's what they want to do.  Camping ChecklistTake the fast track to learning about outdoor products and how to select and use them with this awesome new camper guide. Recreate ResponsiblyLearn how you can help keep Arizona beautiful with these important outdoor principles.Arizona Outdoor FUN!Check out these cool ways you can get outside and experience Arizona! 

Neil and Randee recently had a chance to sit down with Arizona State Parks and Trails Director Bob Broscheid to discuss an array of outdoor related topics. Director Broscheid has spent a lifetime exploring the outdoors and his outlook on sharing outdoor experiences is an inspiration to everyone that loves spending time outside. Recreate ResponsiblyLearn about some of the principles discussed in this episode.

Arizona’s Office of Tourism is making waves in the sustainability realm thanks to an exciting new partnership with Leave No Trace! How do Leave No Trace principles foster sustainable tourism practices in Arizona? Find out by joining Neil and Randee as they discuss Arizona’s NEW Appreciate AZ campaign with Debbie Johnson, Executive Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, and Andrew Leary, the National Outreach Manager for Leave No Trace.  Appreciate AZFind out how the Appreciate AZ program works and learn how you can make a difference! Leave No Trace Click to learn more about the LNT movement and why it matters. 

Have you ever wondered about a day in the life of a park ranger? Today we sat down with Jared, one of the superstar rangers at Red Rock State Park. This episode is jam-packed, thanks to Jared’s laid-back style and commitment to sustainability! Listen in as Jared talks about a day in the life of a ranger, properly hydrating before your trip, leave no trace principles, and how to recreate responsibly in the parks.Red Rock State Park Facebook PageLearn about this gorgeous park through videos and posts. This active Facebook community is full of beautiful images and great park related information! Red Rock State Park WebsiteCheck out the park online before your trip! Click to find trail maps, wildlife information, and other great info about this Sedona area park. Recreate ResponsiblyFind out even more about the principles we talked about in the episode and learn how to recreate responsibly.Explore AZ State ParksShare your outdoor adventures or learn tips and hacks from outdoor veterans. Everyone is welcome in this fun, engaging outdoor community. 

Listen as Neil and Randee discuss fun ways to use the parks with Nina D! Nina, a former local on-air personality and social media influencer, is new to the parks! She shares some awesome insights in this episode about how new outdoor lovers can enjoy Arizona’s beautiful places. It really is easier than you think to get outside and have fun in the parks! Nina D. on InstagramFollow along as Nina lives life to the fullest! Recreate ResponsiblyLearn how to leave a light footprint while recreating outside. Camping ChecklistLearn about outdoor products and download a very helpful checklist. Reserve a Campsite or CabinBook your spot and start making lifelong outdoor memories! Explore AZ State Parks FB GroupDiscuss outdoor recreation with this group of knowledgable outdoor lovers! 

Learn about how a vision became a way of life designed to make Arizona a better place for everyone! Natural Restorations is cleaning up Arizona one project at a time and we recently had the pleasure of discussing their vision and successes on the podcast with Nicole Corey, Executive Director and Co-founder. Be prepared for a touching story on this episode in addition to learning about all the great things Natural Restorations is doing and how you can help them! Natural Restorations WebsiteReplanting Projects AZ State Parks Recreate ResponsiblyVeterans ProjectsDonate to Natural RestorationsNatural Restorations Social MediaFacebook | Instagram | Twitter

Are you a sustainable tourist? What does that even mean? Neil and Randee dive deep this week with Christine Vogt, a Professor at ASU’s School of Community Resources and Development, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Listen and find out how we can all do our part to ensure we’re traveling safely with the well-being of Earth and other humans in the forefront of our thoughts. Learn about what we’re doing at the park level to help out on multi-agency sustainable projects and why being a sustainable tourist matters to everyone. Plus, find out how you can get involved in the sustainable tourism industry right now! Links mentioned in the show...Sedona's Sustainable Tourism Plan Find the plan, the community engagement, and ongoing results the plan is generating.Recreate ResponsiblyLearn how to travel responsibly when visiting outdoor spaces with these seven principles.ASU's Master of Sustainable Tourism DegreeJoin students from around the world in a dynamic online program that aims to tackle resource issues and climate change with better, smarter tourism and recreation.

Bark up a good time with Pima Animal Care Center (PACC)’s Public Information Officer, Nikki Reck! Neil and Randee talked with Nikki about their pandemic outreach programs, like free pet food, temporary fosters, and free veterinary care, plus the awesome “Hiking with the PACC” program in partnership with Arizona State Parks, which lets fosters take adoptable dogs out on the trails of nearby state parks to socialize and maybe even meet their forever home! PACC is doing amazing work in Pima County, and you can support them by donating to Friends of PACC, their official nonprofit partner or adopting a new best fried!

Take a ride through Arizona’s backcountry with statewide OHV Coordinator Matt Eberhart! This is a really fun, upbeat episode that’s packed with information about OHV programs, places to ride, and of course safety! The OHV community is a tight-knit group that likes sharing their love of the outdoors with new off-road users…And really, it’s easier than you think to join them on the trail! Listen and learn about this exciting division of Arizona State Parks and Trails and how they're helping improve this action packed past time through grant funding and other awesome programs!

Neil and Randee had a chance to sit down with Nanebah Lyndon and LeRoy Shingoitewa to discuss the Tribal Monitor Program and what they’re doing to conserve and protect areas of cultural significance to Arizona’s tribes. Members of this innovative program consider themselves the “eyes and ears” of their communities when surveying and protecting the vast amount of history and culture found in Arizona’s gorgeous outdoor landscape. Please give this powerful episode a listen to understand the plight of tribes as they fight a seemingly uphill battle to safeguard their rich tribal history and diverse culture. Click HERE for more information about the Tribal Monitor Program, or contact Avi Buckles, managing director, by email at abuckles@westlandresources.com.

Arizona's diverse habitats are home to a wide variety of birds for your viewing pleasure! Come along with us as we learn the finer points of birding in this amazing state while talking to a seasoned birding professional. Vera is one of our amazing volunteers at Lost Dutchman State Park and has been leading the super popular bird walks for a number of years. Listen and learn about birding in Arizona right from someone who has put a lifetime of love and effort into this exciting past time. Learn more about Arizona's birds before hitting the trail and download helpful information you can use to help identifying them in the field!