The Pine Barrens Podcast

With our guest Natalie Stone, we explore the deep roots of Sicilians and Italian Americans in the area , what it means to be a piney, and the cultural traditions that bind us all together..  The Pine Barrens complex web of culture, food, politics and history make the place of emblematic of America's cultural saga as the past mingles with the voices of today. 

Ever wandered through the Pine Barrens and marveled at its serene beauty? Russell Juelg of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation joins us to navigate the past, present, and future of this ecological treasure. The debate over motorized routes within the forest sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the balancing act of accessibility and environmental stewardship. We dissect the history etched into the paths crisscrossing the Pine Barrens and the Pinelands Preservation Alliance's advocacy for responsible use. The conversation shifts gears towards the encroaching threat of illegal off-roading, revealing the intricate dance between preservation and the increasing visitation.Our episode culminates with a hard look at the issue of law enforcement in state parks, zeroing in on the complications of curtailing off-road vehicle misuse. We unpack the constraints that shackle park police, the contrasting approaches of conservation officers, and the educational gaps that leave our natural sanctuaries vulnerable. Russell and I dissect the interplay between rules and their enforcement, proposing a path forward that could strengthen protections for Wharton State Forest

An interview with Pine Barrens Advocate, Illustrator and Author Allen Crawford about his new book,  A Wild Promise,  in which he creates a tapestry of our nation's habitats—oceans, mountains, deserts, wetlands, prairies, and forests—and the varied species that call these places home.  We discuss his book, movement conservation, and some of his experiences in the Pines. 

In this episode,  Joanna and I discuss the importance of conserving large habitat spaces for wildlife and the future of wildlife conservation in the NJ Pinelands. Hosted by Jason HowellPresented by Pinelands Preservation Alliance Music by Merce Ridgway and the Pine Hawkers 

In this episode we interview the band Jackson Pines about their new album, Pine Barrens Volume one. We get into the history of folk music in the Pine Barrens and how place affects music and vice versa. Jackson Pines new Album - Pine Barrens Volume Onehttps://jacksonpines.bandcamp.com/album/pine-barrens-volume-oneOriginal recordings of Merce Ridgway Jr. Pinehawkers by Mary Hufford and others involved in the Pine Barrens Folklife project https://www.loc.gov/item/afc1991023_afs23874/Hosted by Jason Howell

Guest: Sean Kane-Holland, Access Nature Disability AdvocateHost: Jason HowellSean is the Access Nature and Disability Advocate for Pinelands Preservation Alliance. In this episode, Sean explains what he is doing to expand access to natural areas for people of all ability levels and how you can get involved .Sean attended Rutgers University and graduated with a B.A. in American History & Political Science. Since 2014 he has worked in the New Jersey Park Service at Batsto Historic Village in Wharton State Forest as a member of the history department. Sean is focused on preserving, restoring, and interpreting natural and historic resources for current and future generations and ensuring everyone in our diverse collective community has a chance to enjoy the magnificence of New Jersey's great outdoors. Link to new Access Nature Map for South Jersey and the Pinelands: accessnaturenj.orgLearn more and join the ongoing conservation at:pinelandsalliance.org/the-pinelands-is-for-everyone/access-nature-forum/Contact (609) 859-8860 ext. 117 or Email sean@pinelandsalliance.org

A tour of cedar run wildlife refuge with Mike O'Malley, Tracey Bloodworth, and Lisa Franco. We discuss native wildlife, wildlife rehabilitation after injury, environmental education, and the many programs and offerings that are available at Cedar Run.

Senior Land Steward Russell Juelg explores the Quaker Bridge Rd area of the Mullica River Fire and discusses some of the local goals of the new Fix Our Parks campaign - a grassroots effort to advocate for more funding, maintenance, and better policies for New Jersey State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas. https://www.fixourparksnj.org/join-the-campaign

Emile DeVito P.h.D Director of Conservation Science for the NJ Conservation Foundation leads us into a swamp on the outskirts of the Pinelands on a hunt for a population of endangered Swamp Pink (Hellonias bullata). We also discuss Crane Fly Orchid, spring migratory birds, and the nuances of public lands management and advocacy.

Associate Professor Emma Witt from  Stockton University describes her work in monitoring the water quality at Hammonton Lake. 

Cassie Iacovelli is the Director of Main Street Hammonton, a revitalization and marketing organization for the Town of Hammonton. In 1992, Hammonton made a decision to revitalize its Main Street and bring back small businesses and a sense of community to the Town. After 28 years, the program has been remarkably successful and Hammonton has become a model for towns across the area.  We explore the advantages Hammonton has had in its effort and the hard work it took to get there. We also discussed the changing demographics of the town and the role the Pinelands have played in the life of the Town. Hosted by Jason HowellMusic - Chad Crouch - Algorithms

This episode of the Pinelands Podcast features a discussion with Ivette Guillermo-McGahee. Ivette is the founder and CEO of Allies In Caring, Inc., a Hammonton-based nonprofit organization providing mental health counseling and educational services to Latino, deaf and other underserved populations. As a Mexican-born child of deaf parents, Guillermo-McGahee has a deep understanding of the abilities and strengths in people rather than their deficits or illnesses.  Ivette is also on the Board of Trustees at the Pinelands Preservation Alliance. Hosted by Jason HowellMusic - Chad Crouch - Algorithms

In this episode, we explore some of the cultural history, geography, and geology of the Pine Barrens with Stockton Adjunct Professor Mark Demitroff. Hosted by Jason HowellMusic - Chad Crouch - Algorithms

Our guest is Charles Johnson III, the Education Director at Pinelands Adventures. We discuss youth environmental education, diversity and inclusion in environmental advocacy, and the progress that Charles wants to make in the spreading of knowledge about nature. Hosted by Jason HowellMusic - Chad Crouch - Algorithms