Get to know the people in the Shaver's Creek community through insightful and funny conversations! Shaver's Creek was founded in 1976 as a resource for the central Pennsylvania community and as a field lab for Penn State students to get hands-on experience teaching about the natural world. We create…
Matt and Associate Professor Pete Allison get philosophical in the latest Cast from the Creek. Listen along as they discuss travel, expeditions, and transitioning from Scotland to Pennsylvania.
Cast from the Creek is back. Season 2's episodes will revolve around the theme of transitions (much like the Creek itself is about to go through), and what better way to kick off than featuring someone who's been deeply involved with Shaver's Creek since almost the very beginning: Dr. George Vahoviak! George and Matt share a wonderful conversation about the history of Shaver's Creek and Conservation Leadership School, encouraging people to have positive outdoor experiences while learning about how they can design a sustainable future for the planet we all share. George is retiring this September, and will be greatly missed. You can't miss this wonderful conversation about the early days of the Creek, the exciting present day, and what's next to come for George.
Matt and Jen talk about taking birds, turtles, snakes, toads, and frogs on the road. Shaver's Creek visits many schools, nature centers, festivals, and community events every year.
Kate Berardi, director of school programs and summer camps at Shaver's Creek, speaks with Matt about how those children have a positive outdoor experience when they come to Shaver's Creek. Even if you're not a kid, a parent, or an educator, their conversation is very insightful!
Doug Wentzel, naturalist and program director at Shaver's Creek, speaks with Matt about the culture of shaver's creek, its past and future, and the joy of being observant and curious every day.
Podcast Episode 6! Matt talks with Ellen "Xylem" Will, Program Director of Penn State Outdoor School, about the ins and outs of environmental education, nature deficit disorder, nature names, and of course, the brilliant program that is Outdoor School. Enjoy!
Jen and Drew talk about the importance of leadership in the outdoors and the AURORA Outdoor Orientation Programs for first-year and transfer students to Penn State.
This week's guest is Jon Kauffman, Assistant Raptor Center Director. In Jon's conversation with Matt, he talks about getting started as a volunteer, what he loves about the raptor center, the Tussey Mountain hawk watch, and citizen science programs like Project Feederwatch. It's a great listen!
It's March, and that means Maple Harvest Festival is just around the corner! This week on our podcast, Matt talks to Laurie McLaughlin, who coordinates the much-loved educational (and delicious) event. If you've never been to the 'fest before, or you're already a fan, check out this episode!
Matt talks with Kristen "Fern" Balschunat about her experiences as an environmental educator (and the fabulous Penn State Outdoor School program) and upcoming public programs, like "Stories by the Campfire." (It's this Saturday!) She even shares a story from her story bag. Check it out!
Matt speaks with Jason Beale, Program Director of Live Animal Care at Shaver's Creek. They share a thoughtful discussion about taking care of animals, observing their behavior, and what brought Jason to Shaver's Creek.