Podcasts about National Park Service

What does it mean to be a digital nomad in the year 2023? Is taking your job with you as you travel the world more than just a trend? Veteran digital nomad Josh Andrews joins the podcast from Medellin, Colombia, to help define terms and share perspectives on the lifestyle and its promise. Hit play to hear if digital nomading is right for you and what types of jobs travel best.GUEST: Josh Andrews, Digital Nomad & Director of People & Culture at Remote YearNEWS NERD: Rob TaylorHOST: Lauren ClarkePRODUCER: Adam Belmar Show links:May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institute, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success.Asianpacificheritage.govNational ArchivesThe Smithsonian Asian Pacific American CenterLibrary of Congress

Back in September of 2022, I held the first annual Strenuous Life Retreat at the renowned Zapata Ranch in Colorado's San Luis Valley. The retreat consisted of five days of adventure and education inspired by Theodore Roosevelt's well-known commitment to living “the Strenuous Life.” We hiked high into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, rode horses in Great Sand Dunes National Park, and enjoyed world-class meals. And each afternoon, we enjoyed facilitated conversations about land stewardship, conservation, and regenerative agriculture. This episode is a recording of one of those conversations. - I was honored to be joined by conservation veteran Nancy Fishbein, who serves as Director of Resilient Lands for the Colorado Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Nancy has been a long-standing leader in the Western conservation community, so we were all honored that she took time out of her full schedule to join us and share some stories and hard-earned wisdom. The Zapata Ranch is owned by the Nature Conservancy and managed by Ranchlands, so Nancy has a unique insight into the history of the ranch, as well as the importance of conservation in the San Luis Valley. - We recorded this conversation at the ranch's education center, one afternoon after a morning of horseback riding. The first half consists of me asking the questions, and the second half consists of questions from the retreat participants. We cover everything from the history of the Zapata Ranch to the establishment of Great Sand Dunes National Park, which adjoins the ranch to the north. We talk about the conservation bison herd that calls the ranch home, and some of the ongoing challenges in the San Luis Valley created by water speculation and development. We discuss how mineral rights development can coexist with conservation, the protection of biodiversity on ranches, how TNC and the National Park Service work together, and much more. As you'll hear, everyone in attendance was super engaged and curious about Nancy's work, and it showed in the range of interesting and thoughtful questions. - I hope this episode will give you a bit of insight into the types of conversations we had at the 2022 Retreat and the kind of conversations you can expect in 2023 and beyond. Colorado is blessed to have so many committed conservationists like Nancy who devote their time and energy to protecting and stewarding these spectacular landscapes, and I can't thank Nancy enough for taking the time to join us. - If you're interested in joining me for the 2023 Retreat, as of this recording, there are still a few spots left. You can click here to learn more and reserve your spot. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoy! --- Nancy Fishbein Zapata Ranch Strenuous Life Retreat Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/nancy-fishbein/ --- SUPPORT M&P: Become a Patreon supporter today! --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:30 - A quick intro to Nancy 5:30 - The story of the Education Center on Zapata Ranch 7:00 - How Zapata Ranch first got onto TNC's radar 10:00 - How TNC goes about acquiring properties like Zapata Ranch 12:15 - Why the previous owner of Zapata Ranch did not charge TNC full fair market value for the property 13:30 - The importance of relationships in TNC's work 15:30 - What happened after TNC acquired Zapata Ranch 18:15 - Explaining a conservation easement 20:00 - Why the bison herd on Zapata Ranch were such a focal point of TNC's conservation work there 22:15 - Why TNC has chosen to hold onto Zapata Ranch as an owner for so long 25:45 - How TNC works with various levels of government agencies 27:30 - Nancy's biggest concern for the San Luis Valley 29:00 - The most recent scheme to remove water from the San Luis Valley 31:45 - Audience questions begin 32:00 - Whether or not Nancy wished that TNC had done something different in their acquisition of Zapata Ranch 32:45 - Nancy's surprises and lessons learned about Zapata 34:30 - Why an easement cannot be put on San Luis Valley's aquifer 36:15 - TNC's role in the establishment of Baca Wildlife Refuge and the Great Sand Dunes National Park 40:45 - The distinction between a national park and a national monument 41:30 - How the TNC navigated purchasing land that was managed by a private company (Rocky Mountain Bison) but on leased state land 42:30 - Exploring the potential causality between water export schemes in the San Luis Valley and the establishment of the Great Sand Dunes National Park 44:00 - Whether or not there remains the appetite for bipartisan action, such as the kind that led to the creation of the Great Sand Dunes National Park, in our current political climate 45:00 - Exploring TNC's support of agriculture as a conservation service 43:30 - Whether or not TNC deals with agricultural leases 51:30 - How easements impact mineral and mining rights on a property 53:30 - How fracking might complicate conservation easements, and whether or not easements are a successful tool for reducing oil and gas development  55:45 - How TNC measures success in its conservation work and the preservation of biodiversity on a property, and how they respond to and act on those measurements 1:00:55 - What TNC is working on right now in Colorado --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

While spring is slowly giving way to summer in many parts of the country, with visitors gaining more and more access to the National Park System, a stand-off in Washington over the country's debt ceiling very likely would greatly disrupt operations in the parks. It was just a decade ago that a federal budget sequestration, that is a forced cut across all federal agencies budgets as part of the Budget Control Act, led to closed campgrounds, Sunday closures of National Park System units, and 900 permanent positions that went unfilled. For the National Park Service, the sequestration led to a 5% budget cut that also led to a reduction in invasive plant control at the parks, a reduction in maintenance of fences and building repairs, science and research activities, and natural resource monitoring. In Washington today, House Republicans want to see some pretty stiff budget cuts in return for agreeing to raise the debt ceiling. According to the New York Times, one outcome, if the funding cap's proposal put forth by the Republicans is approved, would be a 51% reduction in the Interior Department's budget. How devastating might that be to the National Park Service and the National Park System? We're going to explore that question with Mike Murray, chair of the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, and John Garder, senior director of Budget and Appropriations at the National Parks Conservation Association. 

GEORGE RASLEY, Editor, Conservative HQ, former White House Staff Member, Vice President Dan Quayle, former Assistant Director, National Park Service, former Director of Policy and Communication, Congressman Adam Putnam (FL-12) How many "getaways" have crossed the southern border? What can be done to stop the flow of migrants? Ongoing politicization of the American intelligence system KENNETH RAPOZA, Industry Analyst, The Coalition for a Prosperous America Contradictions within the U.S. government when it comes to investing in China Why are there not full bans on investing in China? Are the Chinese investing in American companies the same way as U.S. citizens? ROBERT SPENCER, Director, Jihad Watch, Weekly columnist, PJ Media and FrontPage Magazine, Author, “Mass Migration in Europe: A Model for the U.S.?,” and “Islamophobia and the Threat to Free Speech,” @jihadwatchRS A recent meeting held by Douglas Emhoff on "Islamophobia" What is the Muslim Brotherhood's ultimate goal? Types of "enforced insanity" being pushed on American citizens

Here at Restoring Darkness, we are on a mission to eliminate light pollution. Dr. Barber wants to tackle “sensory pollution.” He is doing that by running the Sensory Ecology Lab at Boise State University and studying the effects of light and sound pollution on birds, bats, and insects. Let's eliminate light pollution, then we'll start the “Restoring Silence” podcast! Dr. Barber completed his BS and MS at the University of Wyoming and his PhD at Wake Forest University before he spent 5 years with the National Park Service's Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division for his postdoctoral work. He now runs the Sensory Ecology Lab at Boise State University - a set of scholars dedicated to understanding how sensory environments and sensory pollution impact birds, bats, and insects. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Saanvi Sita Mylavarapu, a seasoned hiker, backpacker, rock climber, and youth advocate for the great outdoors. Since the age of six, Saanvi has been exploring the stunning landscapes of the United States, and has completed some of the most challenging hikes in the country, including Kala Pathar, Half Dome, and Mt. Whitney. She recently accomplished the feat of reaching the Everest Base Camp, and is now gearing up for a 120-mile trek across the Tour du Mont Blanc in Europe this summer. Saanvi has hiked over 800 miles and has visited more than 25 National Parks, making her a true champion of nature conservation. Her passion for the environment has been recognized by national media outlets, who have featured her on the front page of newspapers and in articles in major magazines. As a National Park Trust Ambassador, Saanvi has been supported by the National Park Service, renowned conservationists, mountaineers, and wildlife photographers. She is also the founder of 'Young Roots', an environmental and ecology club at Frisco ISD, and runs 'Nature Worthy', a non-profit organization that aims to raise awareness of the benefits of connecting with nature.  Join us as Saanvi shares her insights on the transformative power of nature, and her vision for a more sustainable future.   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don't miss out.  You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.    Show Notes Who is Saanvi Moving from Dallas to Texas Planing to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc trek in Europe  Turning sixteen  Reflecting on her childhood and growing up  Her first road trip at 6 years old and visiting the National Parks Her love for hiking and spending time outdoors Enjoying the peace and quiet Feeling under pressure at school  Being self motivated and driven  Being a National Park Student Trust Ambassador  Going to the Junior Ranger Programs  Climbing Mt. Whitney and why it was so strenuous  Breaking through mental barriers  Feeling mental drained and how to change her state Getting into rock climbing and what she enjoys Hiking and climbing Half Dome and why it was so tough Being inspired by her mum Hiking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal Wanting to climb the mountains in the future Dealing with cold hands and feet Using the phrase “you can do this” Future dreams and ambitions  Preparing to hike Tour du Mont Blanc Doing high altitude running The Saanvi Speaker Series  The importance of spending time in nature  Founder of 'Young Roots', an environmental and ecology club Her views on carbon footprints and climate change The power of making little changes in their life Being inspired by Emily Harrington  How to connect with Saanvi Final words of advice    Social Media   Instagram: @chalkbagsntents     

This is the story of Eugene Asa Neil Carr, skirmish on Beaver Creek, told from the rewritten excerpts of Sheridan's Troopers on the Borders by De B. Randolph Keim and the first-person perspectives of George Brown. In October 1868, Eugene Asa Neil Carr defeated a large party of Cheyennes on Beaver Creek, Kansas, routed them on Solomon River on October 25, and drove them out of Kansas. On December 2, 1868, Carr led seven companies of the 5th U.S. Cavalry, four of the 10th U.S. Cavalry, and one of the 7th U.S. Cavalry out of Fort Lyon, Colorado. National Park Service historian Jerome Greene describes what happened to Major Carr. "Carr's undertaking was fraught with bad luck and worse weather. A command under William H. Penrose had departed Fort Lyon in November 1868 to establish a base camp along the North Canadian. Penrose contended with terrible snowstorms, his horses and mules froze, and he was forced to destroy scores more animals during his mission, jeopardized by failing rations and forage.”Cattle Drives WebsiteLegends of Dodge City WebsiteOrder Books

This podcast hit paid subscribers' inboxes on May 4. It dropped for free subscribers on May 7. To receive future pods as soon as they're live, and to support independent ski journalism, please consider an upgrade to a paid subscription. You can also subscribe for free below:WhoDee Byrne, President and Chief Operating Officer of Palisades Tahoe, CaliforniaRecorded onApril 24, 2023About Palisades TahoeClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Alterra Mountain CompanyPass affiliations: Unlimited access on the Ikon Pass; unlimited access with holiday blackouts on the Ikon Base PassLocated in: Olympic Valley, CaliforniaYear founded: * Palisades/Olympic side (as Squaw Valley): 1949* Alpine Meadows: 1961Closest neighboring ski areas: Granlibakken (14 minutes from Palisades base), Homewood (18 minutes), Northstar (23 minutes), Tahoe Donner (24 minutes), Boreal (24 minutes), Soda Springs (28 minutes), Donner Ski Ranch (28 minutes), Kingvale (29 minutes), Sugar Bowl (30 minutes), Diamond Peak (39 minutes), Mt. Rose (45 minutes), Sky Tavern (50), Heavenly (1 hour) - travel times vary dramatically given weather conditions and time of dayBase elevation | summit elevation | vertical drop:* Alpine Meadows side: 6,835 feet | 8,637 feet | 1,802 feet* Olympic Valley side: 6,200 feet | 9,050 feet | 2,850 feetSkiable Acres: 6,000* Alpine Meadows side: 2,400* Olympic Valley side: 3,600Average annual snowfall: 400 inches (713 inches for the 2023-24 ski season through May 3!)Trail count: 270-plus* Alpine Meadows side: 100-plus (25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced)* Olympic Valley side: 170-plus (25% beginner, 45% intermediate, 30% advanced)Lift count: 42 (10-passenger tram, 28-passenger funitel, 8-passenger gondola, 8 six-packs, 5 high-speed quads, 1 fixed-grip quad, 10 triples, 8 doubles, 7 carpets - view Lift Blog's inventory of Palisades Tahoe's lift fleet)* Alpine Meadows: 13 (1 six-pack,  3 high-speed quads, 2 triples, 5 doubles,  2 carpets)* Palisades/Olympic: 28 (120-passenger tram, 28-passenger funitel, 7 six-packs, 2 high-speed quads, 1 quad, 8 triples, 3 doubles, 5 carpets)* Shared lifts: 1 (8-passenger Base-to-Base Gondola)Why I interviewed herImagine this: I'm a Midwest teenager who has notched exactly three days on skis, on three separate 200-vert bumps. I know vaguely that there is skiing out West, and that it is big. But I'm thinking Colorado, maybe Wyoming. California? California is Beach Boys and palm trees. Surfboards and San Diego. I have no idea that California has mountains, let alone ski resorts. Anticipating the skis, boots, and poles that I've requested as the totality of my Christmas list, I pick up the December 1994 issue of Skiing (RIP), and read the following by Kristen Ulmer:Nothing is random. You live, die, pay taxes, move to Squaw. It's the place you see in all the ski flicks, with the groovy attitudes, toasty-warm days, wild lines, and that enormous lake. It's California! Squallywood! It's the one place where every born-to-ski skier, at some point or other, wants to move to; where people will crawl a thousand miles over broken glass for the chance to ski freezer burn. The one place to make it as a “professional” skier.My friend Kent Kreitler, a phenomenal skier who doesn't live anywhere in particular, finally announced, “I think I'm move to Squaw.”“So Kent,” I said, “let me tell you what the rest of your life will be like.” And I laid it out for him. …You're curious to find out if you're as good a skier as you think. So you find a group of locals and try to keep up. On powder days the excitement builds like a pressure cooker. Move fast, because it only takes an hour for the entire mountain to get tracked up. There's oodles of cliff jumps and psycho lines. You'd better just do it, because within seconds, 10 other yahoos will have already jumped and tracked out the landing pad.If you're a truly amazing skier (anything else inspires only polite smiles and undisguised yawns), then you land clean on jumps and shred through anything with style. If not, the hyperactivity of the place will motivate you to ski the same lines anyway. Either way is fulfilling.Occasionally a random miracle occurs, and the patrol opens the famed Palisades on Squaw Peak. On those days you don't bother with a warm-up run – just hike 15 minutes from the top of Siberia Express chair and coolly launch some hospital air off Main Chute.There are other places to express your extreme nature. When everything else gets tracked, you hike up Granite Peak for its steep chutes. If the snowpack is good, you climb 10 minutes from the top of the KT-22 chair to Eagle's Nest. And jumping the Fingers off KT-22 seems particularly heroic: Not only do you need speed to clear the sloping rocks, but it's right (ahem) under the lift.At the conclusion of that ski season, teenage Stuart Winchester, a novice skier who lived in his parents' basement, announced, “I think I'm moving to Squaw.” “No D*****s,” his mom said, “you're going to college.”Which doesn't mean I ever forgot that high-energy introduction to California extreme. I re-read that article dozens of times (you can read the full bit here). Until my brain had been coded to regard the ski resort now known as Palisades Tahoe (see why?) as one of the spiritual and cultural homelands of U.S. lift-served skiing.Ulmer's realm, hyperactive as it was, looks pokey by today's standards. An accompanying essay in that same issue of Skiing, written by Eric Hanson, describes a very different resort than the one you'll encounter today:Locals seem proud that there's so little development here. The faithful will say it's because everything that matters is up on the mountain itself: bottomless steeps, vast acreage, 33 lifts and no waiting. America's answer to the wide-open ski circuses of Europe. After all these years the mountain is still uncrowded, except on weekends when people pile in from the San Francisco Bay area in droves. Squaw is unflashy, underbuilt, and seems entirely indifferent to success. The opposite of what you would expect one of America's premier resorts to be.Apparently, “flashy” included, you know, naming trails. Check out this circa 1996 trailmap, which shows lift names, but only a handful of runs:Confusion reigned, according to Hanson:Every day, we set off armed with our trail map and the printed list of the day's groomed runs in search of intermediate terrain – long steep runs groomed for cruising, unmogulled routes down from the top of the black-diamond chairs. It wasn't easy. The grooming sheet named runs which weren't marked on the trail map. The only trail named on the map is The Mountain Run, an expressway that drops 2,000 feet from Gold Coast to the village. And most of the biggest verticals were on the chairs – KT-22, Cornice II, Headwall, Silverado, Broken Arrow – marked “experts only.” We didn't relish the idea of going up an expert chair looking for a particular groomed route down, if the groomed route wasn't to be found. I began feeling nostalgic for all those totem poles of green and blue and black trail signs that clutter the landscapes of other ski resorts, but at least keep the skier oriented.I asked a patroller where I could find some of the runs on the groomed list. He wasn't sure. He told me that the grooming crew and the ski patrol didn't have the same names for many of the runs.Just amazing. While Palisades Tahoe is now a glimmering model of a modern American ski resort, that raw-and-rowdy past is still sewn into the DNA of this fascinating place.What we talked aboutTahoe's megaseason; corn harvest; skiing into July and… maybe beyond; why Alpine will be the later operator this summer; why the base-to-base gondola ceased operation on April 30; snow exhaustion; Cali spring skiing; reminiscing on Pacific Northwest ski culture; for the love of teaching and turning; skiing as adventure; from 49 Degrees North to Vail to Aspen to Tahoe; Tahoe culture shock; Palisades' vast and varied ski school; reflections on the name change a year and a half later; going deep on the base-to-base gondola; the stark differences between the cultural vibe on the Alpine Meadows and Palisades sides of the resort and whether the gondola has compromised those distinctions; why the gondola took more than a decade to build and what finally pushed it through; White Wolf, the property that hosts an unfinished chairlift between Palisades and Alpine; how the gondola took cars off the road; why the base-to-base gondola didn't overload KT-22's terrain; the Mothership; the new Red Dog sixer; why Palisades re-oriented the lift to run lower to the ground; why the lift was only loading four passengers at a time for large parts of the season; snowmaking as fire-suppression system; how Palisades and Mammoth assisted Sierra-at-Tahoe's recovery; candidates for lift upgrades at Alpine Meadows; “fixed-grip lifts are awesome”; an Alpine masterplan refresh incoming; which lift could be next in line for upgrades on the Palisades side; the “biggest experience bust on the Palisades side of the resort”; why Silverado and Granite Chief will likely never be upgraded to detachable lifts; why the Silverado terrain is so rarely open and what it takes to make it live; whether Palisades Tahoe could ever leave the unlimited-with-blackouts tier on the Ikon Base Pass; and paid parking incoming.             Why I thought that now was a good time for this interviewThis was the second time I've featured Palisades Tahoe on The Storm Skiing Podcast. The first was a conversation with then-resort president Ron Cohen in September 2020, shortly after the ski area announced that it would ditch the “Squaw Valley” name. We spent the entire 49-minute conversation discussing that name change. At the time, the podcast was mostly focused on New England and New York, and a deep exploration of a distant resort would have been a little off-brand.But The Storm has evolved, and my coverage now firmly includes the State of California. Thank goodness. What an incredible ski state. So many huge resorts, so much wide-open terrain, so much snow, so much energy. The Northeast tugs skiing from the earth through technology and willpower, pasting white streaks over brown land, actualizing the improbable in a weird algorithm that only pencils out because 56 million people camp out within driving distance. California is different. California delivers skiing because it's lined top to bottom with giant mountains that summon ungodly oceans of snow from the clouds. It just happens Brah. There aren't even that many ski areas here – just 28, or 29 if you count the uber-dysfunctional Mt. Waterman – but there seems to be one everywhere you need one – LA (Big Bear, Baldy, Mountain High), Fresno (China Peak), Modesto (Dodge Ridge), Stockton (Bear Valley), Sacramento and the Bay Area (all of Tahoe). Among these are some of the largest and most-developed ski areas in America.And none is bigger than Palisades Tahoe. Well, Heavenly was until this year, as I outlined earlier this week, but the base-to-base gondola changed all that. The ski area formerly known as Squaw Valley and the ski area still-known as Alpine Meadows are now officially one interconnected ski goliath. That's a big deal.Add a new six-pack (Red Dog), a sufficient period to reflect on the name change, a historic winter, and the ongoing impacts of the Covid-driven outdoor boom and the Ikon Pass, and it was a perfect time to check in on one of Alterra's trophy properties.Why you should ski Palisades TahoeOne of the most oft-dished compliments to emphasize the big-mountain cred of a North American ski resort is that it “feels like Europe.” But there just aren't that many ski areas around these parts worthy of that description. Big Sky, with its dramatic peaks and super-duper out-of-base bubble lifts. Snowbird-Alta, with their frenzied scale and wild terrain and big-box tram (though they get way too much snow to mistake for Europe). Whistler, with its village and polyglot vibe. And then there's Palisades Tahoe:Nowhere else in America do you stand in the base area and wonder if you should hop on the tram or the gondola or the other big-gondola-thingy-that-you're-not-quite-sure-what-it-is (the funitel) or the most iconic chairlift in the country (KT-22). Or Wa She Shu. Or Exhibition or Red Dog. And go up and up and then you never need to see the base area again. Up to Headwall or Gold Coast or so help-you-God Silverado if it's open. Or up and over to Alpine and another whole ski area that used to be a giant ski resort but is now just a small part of a giant-er ski resort.It's too much to describe or even really try to. In our conversation, Byrne called Palisades a “super-regional” resort. One that most people drive to, rather than fly to. I'm telling you this one is worth the flight. From anywhere. For anyone. Just go.Podcast NotesOn the name changeThe last time I interviewed Byrne, it was for an article I wrote on the name change in 2021:The name change, promised more than a year ago, acknowledges that many Native Americans consider the word “squaw” to be a racist and sexist slur.“Anyone who spends time at these mountains can feel the passion of our dedicated skiers and riders,” said Ron Cohen, former president and COO of Palisades Tahoe, who moved into the same position at Alterra's Mammoth Mountain in June. “It's electric, exciting, reverential, and incredibly motivating. However, no matter how deep, meaningful, and positive these feelings are and no matter how much our guests don't intend to offend anyone, it is not enough to justify continuing to operate under a name that is deeply offensive to indigenous people across North America.”The former resort name was perhaps the most prominent modern use of the word “squaw” in America, skiing's equivalent to the Cleveland Indians or Washington Redskins, two professional sports teams that are also in the process of replacing their names (Cleveland will become the Guardians, while Washington will announce its new name early next year). The update broadcasts a powerful signal to an American mainstream that still largely regards the word “squaw” as an innocuous synonym for a Native American woman.“We know the founders of our resort had no intention of causing offense in choosing this name for the resort, nor have any of our patrons who have spoken this word over the last seven decades,” said Cohen. “But as our society evolves, we must acknowledge the need for change when we are confronted with harsh realities. Having our name be associated with pain and dehumanization is contrary to our goal of making the outdoors a welcoming space for all people. I feel strongly that we have been given the rare opportunity to effect lasting, positive change; to find a new name that reflects our core values, storied past and respect for all those who have enjoyed this land.”It's a long piece, and my opinion on it stands, but I'll reiterate this bit:I realize that many of us learned something different in grade school. I am one of them. Until last year, I did not know that Native Americans considered this word to be offensive. But the resort, after extensive research and consultation with the local Washoe Tribe, made a good case that the name was an anachronism.Cohen came on my podcast to further elaborate. The arguments made sense. What I had learned in grade-school was wrong. “Squaw” was not a word that belonged on the masthead of a major ski resort.The immediate reaction that this is some PC move is flimsy and hardly worth addressing, but OK: this is not a redefining of history to cast a harmless thing as nefarious. Rather, it is an example of a long-ostracized group finding its voice and saying, “Hey, this is what this actually means – can you rethink how you're using this word?”If you want to scream into the wind about this, be my guest. The name change is final. The place will still have plenty of skiers. If you don't want to be one of them, there are plenty of other places to ski, around Tahoe and elsewhere. But what this means for the ski terrain is exactly nothing at all. The resort, flush with capital from Alterra, is only getting bigger and better. Sitting out that evolution for what is a petty protest is anyone's mistake to make.“We want to be on the right side of history on this,” said Byrne. “While this may take some getting used to, our name change was an important initiative for our company and community. At the end of the day, ‘squaw' is a hurtful word, and we are not hurtful people. We have a well-earned reputation as a progressive resort at the forefront of ski culture, and progress cannot happen without change.”Apparently there are still a handful of Angry Ski Bros who occasionally track Byrne down on social media and yell about this. Presumably in all-caps. Sometimes I think about what life would be like right now had the commercial internet failed to take off and honestly it's hard to conclude that it wouldn't be a hell of a lot better than whatever version of reality we've found ourselves in.On federal place names eliminating the use of the word “squaw”Byrne mentioned that the federal government had also moved to eliminate the word “squaw” from its place names. Per a New York Times article last March:The map dots, resembling a scattergram of America, point to snow-covered pinnacles, remote islands and places in between.Each of the 660 points, shown on maps of federal lands and waterways, includes the word “squaw” in its name, a term Native Americans regard as a racist and misogynistic slur.Now the Interior Department, led by Deb Haaland, the first Native American cabinet secretary, is taking steps to strip the word from mountains, rivers, lakes and other geographic sites and has solicited input from tribes on new names for the landmarks.A task force created by the department will submit the new names for final approval from the Board on Geographic Names, the federal body that standardizes American place names. The National Park Service was ordered to take similar steps.By September, the Biden administration had completed the project. The word persists in non-federally owned place names, however. One ski area – Big Squaw in Maine – still officially carries the name, even though the state was among the first to ban the use of the word “squaw,” back in 2000. While a potential new ownership group had vowed to change the ski area's name, they ultimately backed out of the deal. As long as the broken-down, barely functional ski area remains under the ownership of professional knucklehead and bootleg timber baron James Confalone, the ski area – and the volunteer group that keeps the one remaining chairlift spinning – is stuck with the name.On White Wolf If you've ever looked off the backside of KT-22, you've no doubt noticed the line of chairlift towers standing empty on the mountain:This is White Wolf, a long-envisioned but as-yet-incomplete private resort owned by a local gent named Troy Caldwell, who purchased the land in 1989 for $400,000. Byrne and I discuss this property briefly on the podcast. The Palisades Tahoe blog posted a terrific history of Caldwell and White Wolf last year:So, they shifted to the idea of a private ski area, named White Wolf. In 2000, Placer County issued Caldwell a permit to build his own chairlift. A local homeowners' association later sued the county for issuing him that permit, but, in 2005, the lift towers and cables went in, but construction slowed on the private chairlift as Caldwell weighed his options for a future interconnect between the resorts. To date, the chairlift has yet to operate—but that may be changing if Caldwell's long-term plan comes to fruition.In 2016, Caldwell submitted plans to Placer County for a 275-acre private-resort housing project on his land that would include the construction of dozens of fire-safe custom homes, as well employee housing units, a pool, an ice-skating rink, and two private chairlifts, including the one that's already constructed.After the Palisades Tahoe resorts came under the same ownership in 2012, the plan to physically link them has now become reality. Caldwell is the missing piece enabling the long-awaited gondola to connect the two mountains over his land. Roughly half of the Base to Base Gondola and its mid-stations are on property owned by the Caldwells.“Sure, we could have sold the land for $50 million and moved to Tahiti,” Caldwell says with a laugh. “But we made the decision that this is our life, this is what we wanted to do. We wanted to finish the dream, connect the ski areas and do what we initially set out to do.”Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the general public will ever be able to ski White Wolf.On Alpine Meadows' masterplanByrne and I discuss several proposed but unbuilt lifts at Alpine Meadows, including the Rollers lift, shown here on the 2015 masterplan:And here, just for fun, is an old proposed line for the gondola, which would not have crossed the KT-22 Express:On Sierra-at-Tahoe and the Caldor FireI discussed this one in my recent article for the Heavenly pod.Parting shotThe Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing year-round. Join us.The Storm publishes year-round, and guarantees 100 articles per year. This is article 41/100 in 2023, and number 427 since launching on Oct. 13, 2019. Want to send feedback? Reply to this email and I will answer (unless you sound insane, or, more likely, I just get busy). You can also email skiing@substack.com. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

Why doesn't anyone remember the first rangers? We trace a Buffalo Soldiers expedition across the park and ask how history becomes preserved. Yosemite's A Buffalo Soldier Speaks Podcast: https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/historyculture/buffspodcast16-30.htm Learn about African Americans in the National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/africanamericanheritage/index.htm See more show notes on our website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/headwaters-podcast.htm

If you visited Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior 50 years ago, the story you heard about what makes this place special would have left out quite a bit — specifically, the sites' connections to Ojibwe people, past and present. We heard about that history in a past episode of the award-winning podcast, “It Happens Here,” by WTIP North Shore Community Radio. In this next episode, producers Staci Drouillard and Leah Lemm explain how the Grand Portage Band of Superior Chippewa and allies in the National Park Service worked to rectify the erasure of Ojibwe people from the National Park.

In this episode of America's National Parks, join host Jason Epperson as we delve into the lesser-known figures of American history and the National Park Service sites dedicated to their lives and contributions. Explore the stories behind the Thomas Stone National Historical Site, Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Roger Williams National Memorial, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Discover how these historic sites provide unique insights into the lives of these individuals and the impact they had on the nation. From founding fathers and revolutionary heroes to pirates turned patriots, uncover the lesser-known stories that shaped America and the importance of preserving these sites for future generations. Written By Lauren Eisenberg Davis Hosted By Jason Epperson

BILL WALTON, Host, The Bill Walton Show The recent collapse of First Republic Bank Why are U.S. banks continuing to collapse? Are China and the U.S. "on the brink" of war? What would happen to U.S. investments in China if war broke out? GRANT NEWSHAM, Senior Fellow, Center for Security Policy, Senior Research Fellow, Japan Forum for Strategic Studies, Contributor, Asia Times, @NewshamGrant How China is expanding their presence to all the Pacific islands, even those with treaties with the U.S. Can the U.S. still lose to China, even with their allies in Asia? An upcoming webinar discussing Xi Jinping's "frog boiling"  GEORGE RASLEY, Editor, Conservative HQ, former White House Staff Member, Vice President Dan Quayle, former Assistant Director, National Park Service, former Director of Policy and Communication, Congressman Adam Putnam (FL-12) The recent departure of Tucker Carlson from Fox News Ongoing debate over raising the debt ceiling within Congress How "digital health passports" could be making their way to the U.S. in the near future

In 1963, on the heels of a failed desegregation campaign in Albany, Georgia, Martin Luther King., Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference decided to take a stand for Civil Rights in “the Most Segregated City in America,” Birmingham, Alabama. In Project Confrontation, the plan was to escalate, and escalate, and escalate. And escalate they did, until even President John F. Kennedy couldn't look away. Joining me now to help us learn more about the Birmingham campaign is journalist Paul Kix, author of You Have to Be Prepared to Die Before You Can Begin to Live: Ten Weeks in Birmingham That Changed America. Our theme song is Frogs Legs Rag, composed by James Scott and performed by Kevin MacLeod, licensed under Creative Commons. The mid-episode music is “An Inspired Morning” by PianoAmor via Pixabay. The episode image is “Civil rights leaders left to right Fred Shuttlesworth and Martin Luther King, Jr., at a press conference during the Birmingham Campaign,” in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 16, 1963, by photographer M.S. Trikosko, and available via the Library of Congress. Additional Sources and References: “Albany Movement,” King Encyclopedia, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute, Stanford University. “The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC),” National Archives. “The Birmingham Campaign,” PBS. “Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth (1922-2011),” National Park Service. “Opinion: Harry Belafonte and the Birmingham protests that changed America,” by Paul Kix, Los Angeles Times, April 27, 2023. "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," by Martin Luther King, Jr., April 16, 1963, Posted on the University of Pennsylvania African Studies Center website. “The Children's Crusade: When the Youth of Birmingham Marched for Justice,” by Alexis Clark, History.com, October 14, 2020. “Televised Address to the Nation on Civil Rights by President John F. Kennedy [video],” John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are discussing Chickasaw Country's Best of 2023.   Chickasaw Country is 7,648 square miles of beautiful landscape, charming towns, bustling main streets, First American and Western culture along with incredible food. Located on either side of the I-35 corridor in south-central Oklahoma, Chickasaw Country has everything you're looking for and more. From lakes and cabins to casinos and luxury spas, Chickasaw Country is an exciting getaway full of adventure in every form for every age. You can visit for the day or stay a few more – there's plenty to do! Hike through the parks, relax at the spa, browse the boutiques, learn something new and simply enjoy the different cultures surrounding you.   Auntie Mae's Antiques is a shop located in the historic downtown area of Purcell. The 9,000 square ft establishment has been remodeled to reflect the history of the 100+ year old building. The original ceiling is still in place, and under the floors, a cellar with a tunnel was found. They suspect the tunnel was made during the prohibition era and the opening can be spotted in the store. Today, the space is filled with rustic and chic decor, oil and gas collectables, and many other reclaimed and repurposed items.   The Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma, offers a world of opportunities to learn and connect with First American history. Watch the story of the Chickasaw people unfold before your eyes through powerful performances, reenactments, demonstrations, collections and exhibits at one of the largest and most comprehensive tribal cultural centers in the United States.   While visiting Turner Falls or the Arbuckle Wilderness in Davis, Oklahoma, be sure to stop by the nearby Smokin' Joe's Rib Ranch. Whether you want to dine in or get your food to go, the food never disappoints! Smokin' Joe's Rib Ranch offers catering services for guests who have large events, or maybe it is just one REALLY hungry fan who can't get enough of the delicious food. Either way, we encourage you to find out why this BBQ restaurant is so iconic and why its food continues to draw people in and keeps them coming back time and time again!   Located in downtown Ada, Serendipity on Main is a charming boutique offering a unique variety of merchandise and apparel. Serendipity specializes in those hard-to-find items like special newborn gifts, crafty home décor and must-have additions for your wardrobe. Indulge in a serendipitous shopping experience frosted with fashions that are just to die for!   Located in Thackerville, OK, WinStar World Casino and Resort boasts the world's largest collection of electronic games with over 8,500 of the best electronic games available, nearly 100 table games, a 55-table poker room and even a bingo hall if that is more to your liking. Experience live entertainment at Lucas Oil Live, a 250,000-square-foot entertainment venue hosting world-famous artists year-round. The WinStar Convention Center can accommodate your next big or small event or corporate outing. The culinary scene is top tier with over 20 restaurants and 12 bars from casual to upscale.   Located inside the Artesian Hotel, Casino & Spa in Sulphur, Bedré Cafe is an all-in-one coffee bar, candy store, sandwich shop and confectionary. The cafe offers gourmet coffees made with Bedré coffee and other specialty drinks such as Bedré Soda, fresh fruit smoothies, soft drinks and teas.   Chickasaw National Recreation Area is one of only three Oklahoma parks affiliated with the National Park Service, this national park is a beautiful oasis of water, foliage, and wildlife, creating the perfect backdrop for all your favorite outdoor activities. Located in south-central Oklahoma, the park offers year-round activities such as boating, skiing, sailing, fishing, swimming, hiking and camping. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is Travel and Leisure Magazine's choice for the best campsite in Oklahoma. It provides more than 30 miles of trails for both novice and experienced hikers to enjoy. The Travertine Nature Center serves as the park's main educational center providing groups with interactive learning opportunities, informational exhibits, and other Ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and educational tours on flora and fauna found within the park.   Recognized as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, the Chickasha Festival of Light features over 3.5 million twinkling lights in Shannon Springs Park. Drive through the displays and gaze in wonder at dazzling light scenes, animated displays and even a computer-animated light show synchronized to favorite holiday tunes. The centerpiece of the Chickasha Festival of Light is the iconic 172-ft Christmas tree that can be seen for miles around. Festival of Light Episode   WinStar Golf Club is designed for total luxury when it comes to pampering our patrons. The two championship 18-hole courses by Weibring-Wolfard Golf Design allow for golfers of all levels to enjoy themselves every day of the year. The amenities at this golf club are second to none. Golf carts are equipped with touchscreen GPS as well as scented face towels and complimentary bottled water.   Located in Kingston, OK, Lake Texoma State Park offers many things to do including water activities, camping, picnic areas, hiking and wildlife viewing. With 93,000 surface acres of water, you can have enjoy a range of water activities from boating, kayaking and canoeing to swimming, fishing and more. Camp in one the two RV areas featuring 30 and 50 amp full hookups with water service or the tent sites with showers and boat ramps.   For the music fan in all of us, The Doghouse at Ole Red is a concert venue attached to the famous Ole Red restaurant in Tishomingo, Oklahoma! Come enjoy live entertainment Friday and Saturday! Also, Thursday Night Ole Red Jams have officially kicked off, so make sure to start the weekend early with a night of music and food every Thursday from 6 PM to 9 PM!   Experience modern luxury and vintage grandeur at the Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa in Sulphur, Oklahoma. This boutique hotel boasts 81 beautifully adorned guest rooms, on-site dining, gaming and shopping opportunities. Groups can spend time at the casino or treat themselves to a relaxing day at the hotel's state-of-the-art spa facilities. This elegant 4-story hotel is built on the historic grounds of the original Artesian Hotel, constructed in 1906, and destroyed by a fire in 1962. Artesian Hotel Episode   The Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma, offers a world of opportunities to learn and connect with First American history. Watch the story of the Chickasaw people unfold before your eyes through powerful performances, reenactments, demonstrations, collections and exhibits at one of the largest and most comprehensive tribal cultural centers in the United States.   A premier tourist destination in Chickasaw Country, The Rusty Nail is a boutique winery housed in an exquisitely restored building in the heart of Sulphur, Oklahoma. This family-operated business was established in 2010 by Sulphur women and natives who love wine.   Subscribe to the Only in OK Show.   #TravelOK #onlyinokshow #Oklahoma #MadeinOklahoma #oklaproud #podcast #okherewego #traveloklahoma

During the 19th Century, growing international trade and imperialist conquest combined with new technologies to transport and care for flora led to a burgeoning fascination with plant life. American writers, from Emily Dickinson to Frederick Douglass played with plant imagery to make sense of their world and their country and to bolster their political arguments.  Joining me in this episode is Dr. Mary Kuhn, Assistant Professor of English at the University of Virginia, and author of The Garden Politic: Global Plants and Botanical Nationalism in Nineteenth-Century America. Our theme song is Frogs Legs Rag, composed by James Scott and performed by Kevin MacLeod, licensed under Creative Commons. The mid-episode music is “Down by the Salley Gardens,” performed by Celtic Aire, United States Air Force Band; the composition is traditional, and the lyrics are by Willian Butler Yeats; the recording is in the public domain via Wikimedia Commons. The episode image is from Plate VI of Familiar Lectures on Botany, by Almira Phelps, 1838 edition. Additional Sources and References: “The Wardian Case: How a Simple Box Moved the Plant Kingdom,” by Luke Keogh, Arnoldia Volume 74, Issue 4, May 17, 2017. “History of Kew,” Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. “The Great British Tea Heist,” by Sarah Rose, Smithsonian Magazine, March 9, 2010. “Almira Phelps,” History of American Women.  “‘How Many Stamens Has Your Flower?' The Botanical Education of Emily Dickinson,” by Anne Garner, New York Academy of Medicine, April 28, 2016. “Emily Dickinson's Schooling: Amherst Academy,” Emily Dickinson Museum. “Gardens at the Stowe Center,” Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. “Hawthorne in the Garden,” by W.H. Demick, The House of the Seven Gables, July 1, 2020. “Frederick Douglass On How Slave Owners Used Food As A Weapon Of Control,” by Nina Martyris, NPR, February 10, 2017. “Cedar Hill: Frederick Douglass's Rustic Sanctuary,” National Park Service. “Amoral Abolitionism: Frederick Douglass and the Environmental Case against Slavery,” by Cristin Ellis, American Literature 1 June 2014; 86 (2): 275–303.  “‘Buried in Guano': Race, Labor, and Sustainability,” by Jennifer C. James,  American Literary History 24, no. 1 (2012): 115–42. “The Intelligent Plant,” by Michael Pollan, The New Yorker, December 15, 2013. Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Milkweed Editions, 2015. The Overstory, by Richard Powers, W. W. Norton & Company, 2019. The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate--Discoveries from a Secret World, by Peter Wohlleben, Greystone Books, 2016. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Across the National Park System, there are incredible sights that explore American history. There's a robust mix of cultures reflected in the parks, and breathtaking vistas that, well, will take your breath away. But there also are seemingly countless needs, from backlogs of maintenance projects, interpretation for history, wildlife and science that needs to be crafted, and unique issues that can range from climate change impacts to helping inner city youth visit a park. Helping the National Park Service tackle these myriad issues and challenges is the National Park Foundation, which Congress created back in 1967 to be the official charitable organization for the parks. Through the years, this organization has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for the parks. Today, with National Parks Week underway, we're joined by Will Shafroth, the Foundation's CEO to discuss not only the needs of the park system, but the successes the Foundation is recognizing in tackling some of them. 

Marvin Crumbs, Marietta High School's new principal, held a meet-and-greet event to introduce himself and discuss his vision for the school. Crumbs, who previously served as principal of Columbus High School, will be the fourth principal at Marietta High in a year. He emphasized his commitment to creating a supportive atmosphere for teachers and students, and his desire to expand on the school's traditions. Parents and community members in attendance expressed their hopes for stability and increased involvement from both parents and students. Crumbs promised to work hard and prioritize the best interests of the students. Mount Paran Christian School's head of school, Tim Wiens, has resigned after months of effort and feedback channels to enhance the culture and biblical unity within the MPCS community. David Tilley, the former head of school for 18 years who retired five years ago, has been appointed as the school's interim leader. Wiens' resignation was accepted by the board, and George Ethridge, the chairman of the school's board, thanked Wiens for his service during some challenging times, including navigating the school through the global COVID-19 pandemic. Mount Paran is the largest private Christian school in Cobb County, with about 1,280 students and 275 instructional staff. Thursday saw an extremely high tree pollen count in Atlanta, the second-worst day for allergies this year, with only one other day in March having a higher count. This late into spring, it is unusual for pollen counts to be so high, and most days in March and April have seen high or extremely high pollen categories. The main trees contributing to Thursday's pollen were mulberry, pine, hickory, oak, and sedges. The National Weather Service forecasts showers Friday night and into Saturday morning, which may provide some relief, but it is not expected to be a downpour. Greater Community Church of God in Christ is hosting a Mental Health Forum on May 6, 2023, with the theme "Bridging the Gap Between the African-American Church and Mental Health." The program is sponsored by the church's Evangelism Department and will feature various speakers from the fields of social work and professional counseling. The forum will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, and a continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Bishop Matthew L. Brown, the Pastor of Greater Community Church, hopes the program will bring understanding to the divide that exists between the African American Church and mental health. The public is invited to attend. The high school baseball playoffs get going in Cobb County this weekend The Cobb County 4-H senior team won first place at the State Hippology Contest on April 15th in Athens, with Cobb County Junior Team B also winning first place. The competition involves horse judging and hippology, which is a four-part competition that tests critical thinking and public speaking. Winners become Master 4-H'ers and may represent Georgia at the Western National Round Up in Denver, Colorado. The equine industry contributes $2.5 billion to Georgia's economy, and UGA faculty and industry experts provide training for contestants. Georgia 4-H aims to develop life skills, relationships, and community awareness. Contact Brittani Lee for more information. Sen. Raphael Warnock and Rep. Barry Loudermilk have requested federal earmarks for the renovation of the Paces Mill unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The Cumberland Community Improvement District has been seeking funding for the project for almost three years, and the overhaul would cost an estimated $10.8 million. Warnock has requested $9 million, while Loudermilk has asked for $5 million. The project would increase river access, expand the picnic area, upgrade the trail system, and reposition the central meadow and parking area. The CID received approval from the National Park Service to move forward with the project in 2020. #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com          See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curious Cat's special CASCADIA series begins with the 1700 Cascadia Earthquake.It is the most epic natural disaster you've never heard of!The Cascade Mountain Range runs north into Canada and south through Washington, Oregon and into California. Sitting on the legendary Ring of Fire, this chain of 19 mountains was born in the belly of the Earth, a byproduct of the friction between the Juan de Fuca and CASCADIA plates. Three-hundred years ago the entire west coast of North America quaked. When the Juan de Fuca plate became unstuck, it slipped beneath the CASCADIA plate, and jarred an entire continent, devastating coastal communities, and forever etching itself into the oral histories of native peoples. Stories of a battle between good and evil, the thunderbird and the whale are still retold today. That was over three centuries ago, and we know the exact time it occurred.Let's go back a moment in our mental time machines. The year is 1700. You are a member of one of multiple indigenous tribes that reside in the mouthways of streams and rivers along the North American coastline. It is January and though the sun was filtered through clouds for most of the day, it's long since slipped below the horizon. The community fire is dying out. The young are rubbing their tired eyes and clinging to the laps and legs of their mamas. The community quietly tucks away, beneath warm layers to sleep. All is quiet. The scent of lingering woodsmoke, salty ocean spray and traces of the day blur into dreams. Then suddenly the land beneath shakes and rolls. While some remain asleep, the shaking infects their dreams, but others grow alert thanks to the rush of adrenaline. ______________________________________________SIGN UP FOR Karen Rontowski's Spiritual Protection Class HERE! - It is a sliding scale price and she asks that if you cannot afford even the lowest price, that you email her with the contact form and she'll give you access FREE.________________________________________________Episode Sources and Materials:https://hakaimagazine.com/features/great-quake-and-great-drowning/https://www.amazon.com/Orphan-Tsunami-1700-Japanese-Earthquake/dp/0295998083https://www.wired.com/story/the-long-lost-tale-of-an-18th-century-tsunami-as-told-by-trees/Curious Cat is lacing up their hiking boots this Spring. We will be exploring the rumor riddled Cascade Mountain Range, a land of fire and ice. From sasquatch to ufos to remote viewing to bottomless pits, to unexplained missing persons, if you have any supernatural experiences from CASCADIA, drop us an email at Curious_Cat_Podcast@icloud.com and YOUR story might be featured on a future episode! Look for CASCADIA episodes on your regular Curious Cat feed this Spring. Original art by @norasunnamedphotos find the artist on Instagram and look for their newest designs on Society6. Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on TwitterCurious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director: NorasUnnamedPhotos (on Insta)

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Wednesday, April 19  Get your tickets now for WV's newest scenic train ride…Californians are moving to WV -- why? affordability and opportunity, for starters…and the New River Gorge is voted best national park for its scenery and recreation…on today's daily304. #1 – From LOOTPRESS – All aboard! Tickets for West Virginia's newest scenic train ride are officially on sale now. The new scenic train route, named the Greenbrier Express, will start at Cass Depot and will follow the Greenbrier River all the way to the small mountain village of Durbin. The ride, which includes lunch, passes through a secluded wilderness portion of the 950,000-acre Monongahela National Forest featuring beautiful scenes of forested mountains at each turn of the river. Sightings of Deer, River Otters, and Black Bear along with a wide variety of Eagles, Hawks, Ospreys, and other species of aquatic birds are common. To reserve tickets, visit mountainrailwv.com. Read more: https://www.lootpress.com/tickets-now-on-sale-for-west-virginias-newest-train-ride/   #2 – From WBOY-TV Clarksburg –  Have you seen more license plates from states like California, or its neighbor to the north, Oregon, on West Virginia's country roads lately? It turns out, even from the other side of the country, Californians have noticed it too. An Orange County, California daily newspaper, The Orange County Register, published an op-ed Tuesday called “Don't look now, but Californians are West Virginia dreamin'.” Among reasons listed for moving were affordability and opportunity. Forbes Home lists West Virginia as the ninth cheapest state to live in 2023, and one of the most affordable places to buy a home. Other pros included that West Virginia gets all four seasons, and of course, its beautiful Appalachian landscape. Read more: https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/why-are-people-from-california-moving-to-west-virginia/?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=socialflow   #3 – From WV EXPLORER –  The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has been ranked best in the nation for its scenic views and available activities, and officials at the nation's newest national park are happy to accept the accolades. “If there are two things the New River Gorge has plenty of, it's spectacular views and recreational opportunities,” says Eve West, the Chief of Interpretation, Visitor Services, & Cultural Resources for the park. “From hunting to hiking, birdwatching to mountain biking, this park has a wealth of outdoor activities for all different skill levels, which makes it an excellent destination for families.” The national park was ranked at the top with a score of 87.76 percent, based on data from the National Park Service's park visitor survey report cards, and weighed the quality of the facilities, services, and recreational opportunities at all the national parks by guest rating. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2023/04/12/west-virginia-new-river-gorge-ranked-top-for-its-scenic-views/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Long before Harpers Ferry, Virginia became the emotional halfway point for Appalachian Trail thru hikers, it was the site of one of the most important events in 19th century American history.  In the fall of 1859, the abolitionist John Brown and 22 of his compatriots attacked the federal arsenal there, hoping to spark an insurrection against slavery in the American South on the eve of the Civil War. On today's episode, historian Jonathan Earle of Louisiana State University explores Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry and the landscape hikers now pass through today. Further Reading: AT hiker photographs: [https://athikerpictures.org/] Jonathan Earle, John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry: A Brief History with Documents (2008). Harpers Ferry Stories from the National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/hafe/learn/historyculture/stories.htm Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia: An Annotated Edition, ed. Robert Pierce Forbes (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2022), 36-38.  Pete Seeger, America's Favorite Ballads, Vol. 3, Folkways Records, 1959, vinyl. https://folkways.si.edu/pete-seeger/american-favorite-ballads-vol-3/american-folk/music/album/smithsonian. Harpers Ferry Stories from the National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/hafe/learn/historyculture/stories.htm.              

We have a baseball guest, Dr. Paul Semendinger, a barbecue guest, Christie Vanover, and a rant from Jeff.  Those three things make for a very entertaining episode. Dr. Paul Semendinger was leading a double life, one as an educator with a career that culminated in his last position as a middle school principal, from which he recently retired.  The other is as an author of several books and as the Editor-in-Chief and writer for his New York Yankees news and opinion blog, Start Spreading the News https://www.startspreadingthenews.blog/   His latest project is Roy White: From Compton to the Bronx which he co-authored with Roy White.  The stories from Roy White, former New York Yankees left fielder, are wonderful and Paul was the perfect person to help get them on paper and into a book.  Even the story of how Paul got the opportunity to assist Roy with telling these stories is an entertaining classic.  Dr. Semendinger is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA).  Go to https://drpaulsem.com/appearances/ for more information on Dr. Paul Semindinger. Christie Vanover is the head cook and award-winning competitive pitmaster for the Girls Can Grill team.  She has won multiple grand championships and has dozens of top-ten category finishes.  Since 2015 Christie is also the editor and publisher of Girls Can Grill, https://girlscangrill.com/ an online magazine dedicated to sharing grilling tips and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.  She has traveled across the globe learning grilling techniques in Asia, Europe, Central America, and throughout the United States.  Christie has worked in the public relations and the news industry for more than 20 years for the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and NBC. She was also a park ranger for the National Park Service.  In 2020, she launched three award-winning spice blends for brisket, chicken, and pork.  Go to https://girlscangrill.com/christie-vanover/ for more information on Christie. We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home by the musician, Dave Dresser, and the poet, Shel Krakofsky. We recommend you go to Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you.   Call the show:  (516) 855-8214 Email:  baseballandbbq@gmail.comTwitter:  @baseballandbbqInstagram:  baseballandbarbecueYouTube:  baseball and bbqWebsite:  https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com Facebook:  baseball and bbq      

Today's guest is an occupational therapy masters student who has already made waves by applying her OT lens in a unique way. Inspired by a life full of nature and travel with her family as well as her siblings who have disabilities, Ashlyn Southard recognized the lack of accessibility in the national parks system and wanted to do something about it. In today's episode, she's sharing how she landed a paid internship working at Grand Teton, the resources she created both for families visiting and for staff to be more informed on accessibility, and how therapists can offer support to families specific to their vacations. Ashlyn's passion for bringing more awareness and accessibility into the national parks is something that is so needed. I can't wait to see what Ashlyn contributes to the nature-based therapy space in the future and hope that her work in the national parks system lives on. We'll discuss: The nonprofit process I'm starting to help fund and support children attending nature-based therapy services How Ashlyn's siblings with intellectual developmental disabilities and her family's affinity for travel (particularly to national parks) influenced her interest in nature-based therapy How Ashlyn pitched her OT services to the National Park Service and got a job working for the Grand Teton Association How she helped prepare parents for the sensory experiences to expect when visiting the park with their kids as well as learning opportunities she created for kids Barriers that parks and outdoor spaces have when it comes to disabilities and the environment How therapists can support families with children who have special needs that are going on vacation/interacting with nature Ashlyn's passion for sibling support, and the importance of groups and community in this work Resources from this episode: Connect with Ashlyn on LinkedIn Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? Join the waitlist for the ConTiGO Approach Online Course. If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join the free TGO community, a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program. Download my free guide The Nature-Based Practice ROADMAP to help you start or grow your nature-based pediatric therapy practice. If you're serious about taking your nature-based practice to the next level, come join the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program in The Business Hive.

A 21-year-old Air National Guardsman has been accused and arrested in the leak of top-secret documents from The Pentagon. Los Angeles promised a mental health crisis response without cops - it's not happening. A look inside America's most expensive trailer park where homes sell for millions. And some hilarious-but-true wildlife tips from the National Park Service.

Welcome back to another episode of the Your Good News Podcast, where Katherine gives you the scoop on the good news coming out of Washington, and how you can get involved with this thing called democracy.As the weather starts to turn around the greater United States, Katherine encourages you to get outdoors and delves into the history of the National Park Service as well as its value in this country. She also highlights a few of her favorites in DC and how to help in your corner of the world. Links & Resources:Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/ZDvFS0f3RzWKAqn9NYZbCY2SYVE?utm_source=copy_url Let's Connect!To engage with the host, visit her Instagram via @KatherineGettyCheck out our website at yourgoodnewspodcast.comAd: To learn more about Lyndsi Sitcov and Matt Windsor, visit their website at https://www.lyndsiandmatt.com. Reference my name when reaching out!

Filmmaker Brendan Hall has a documentary called “Out There: A National Parks Story” screening at this year's Florida Film Festival and Brendan had a chance to have a quick phone chat with him about his work, his jet-setting ways, and an upcoming trip around the actual moon, ahead of the screening. His film documents a 10,000-mile road trip he took with his childhood best friend on the 100-year celebration of the creation of the National Park Service and the people they meet along the way. "Out There: A National Parks Story" will screen during the festival on Sunday, April 16, at 6:15 p.m. and again on Thursday, April 20, at 3:30 p.m. Give this bonus episode of Bungalower and The Bus a listen, y'all, and get ready to hear about wooly mammoths, temporary Burning Man architecture, and sunsets in Montana.

Betty Reid Soskin recently retired at 100 as the oldest National Park Service ranger. But this achievement is just one of many during her multifaceted career. Betty shares her Brief But Spectacular take on finding herself through song. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In this episode, Curtis Gregory, a park ranger for the National Park Service, discusses the activities and history of George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri, and reflects on the life of George Washington Carver. About the Guest: Curtis Gregory is a park ranger for the National Park Service at George Washington Carver National Monument

On today's show, Dean talks more about interacting with nature on your property. He discusses rodent control and bee removal. His guests include National Park Service biologist Cathy Schoonmaker, owner of The Valley Hive, Keith Roberts, and conservation biologist and owner of Bee Catchers, Nicole Paladino. Dean also takes calls and answers questions about homes.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPTSpeaker1: [00:00:09] Elle and Miriam are two Black homeschooling moms embarking on a self-defining journey. Listen in on conversations that will encourage you to be your authentic self while uplifting your spirit and motivating your inherent potential. They're defining what culture is for their families and want you to do the same. Bring your children along too, so they can meet the cleverly cultured kids. They're all for teaching the babies while they're young, adapting to the challenges of parenting, homeschooling, and being willing to learn the lessons that the children have to offer. It's all about uplifting one another and reclaiming your innate greatness.Speaker2: [00:01:10] Hello. Hello. Hello. Welcome back to another episode of the cleverly changing podcast. I am one of your co-hosts, Miriam. I am an urban farmer, a homeschooling mom of four. And an all-around creative genius. Okay. I don't know about genius, but that's okay. I'm going to do my best to try to stay focused. Elle usually keeps me on track. And now today, it's my job to keep myself on track. Let's see how this goes. Today I'm going to take you all on a short hop, skip and a jump through using free resources. Every homeschooler loves a good free resource. I mean, anything from YouTube to worksheets to things that are outside the house. Museums and things. Why? Because they're free. And who doesn't appreciate free?Speaker2: [00:02:31] Now, let's go ahead and think about how we can best utilize things that are free. Now, it's very, very, very important to understand that we get what you pay for.Speaker2: [00:02:52] Or don't pay for.Speaker2: [00:02:55] In some instances. So, when we're thinking about what resources that we want to use that are free. It would be in our best interest to see how that free resource would fit into our plan, whether it's a lesson plan, whether it's a broad plan for learning something, or even if it's supposed to be something. Just fun. Right? There's a way to weave it into what we're doing. And just because it's free doesn't mean it's going to be good. And just because it's free doesn't mean it's going to be helpful. So we have to think about these. Types of things when we're making use of the freebies. Now, I know that when I first started, I was like, I'm going to use everything free. I'm not paying for anything. I mean, it's possible it's doable, but you kind of miss out on certain things. So like around here in the Maryland, DC, Virginia areas, there are lots of things to do. There are lots of free things to do. But there are also discounted things to do too. Don't forget about the discounted things, folks. I know we're talking about free resources, but I just wanted to throw that in there. You know, a $15 homeschool day at the Baltimore Aquarium, that's a great deal. Let's not skip out on that. Well, I mean, you know, you don't want to skip out on some things that don't fall under the overarching theme of I'm going to homeschool for free guys, so, you know, do what you want to do. Do what works for you and your family.Speaker2: [00:04:58] Do what feels comfortable, what feels good, and what's going to further your educational goals for your family. That's the most important thing here. So let's get back to Free 99. See what I'm saying when I say I tend to go off a little bit. I'm trying, I'm trying. I'm trying to follow my notes, but that's no fun. Okay, so where are we with our free resources? I know we've talked about some of these before, but for those who are new who have not listened to Elle and I before, or who haven't gotten back to some of those previous episodes where we discussed things that you can utilize for free, I want to take you back. I'm also going to give you some newbies. I hope that newbies, maybe you've heard of them before, I don't know, but I'm going to share them to remind you or to put you on any hook. So let's talk about things that are outside the house first. Museums. Now, not every museum is free, but tons of them are. And even some of the ones that were not free are now offering free virtual visits. And that's great. That's one of the I guess I'll say cool things about the pandemic, right? A lot of things. A lot of entities, a lot of places, organizations, what have you. They've made this shift to being available virtually so you can peruse some of these museum collections online in the comfort of your home and the comfort of your car wherever, and see all of the cool things you can still get the little blurb that goes with it about whatever the piece is, who created it, how it got to be in the museum, all that kind of stuff.Speaker2: [00:07:19] So museums are, you know, easily one of the coolest. I'm a nerd—one of the coolest freebies you can find. The Smithsonian, I believe, has a free virtual learning center. I believe it's called Smithsonian Learning Center. You can check that out. And you can find a large range of topics from history to art too, you know, the Smithsonian. They got it all. You could also check with your National Park Service. So in addition to the national parks, you've got your regional parks. And within regional parks, there's often a lot more than one would think would be available. You can find wildlife preserves, nature refuges, and nature refuges. You can find themed playgrounds. You can find fishing opportunities. There's lots of things in the parks. Botanical gardens. And a lot of times, they're free or very, very minimally priced. There's a place in Maryland. It's called Brookside Gardens. My parents used to take me there all the time when I was a kid, and it was so much fun. So many flowers, so many open spaces, so many trees, so many shrubs. It's nice. And I don't think Brookside Garden charges. So you could find loads of places like these around the country, wherever you are, that have these sorts of offerings.Speaker2: [00:09:44] Now, the other suggestion that is no way. Last place, ask around. There are tons of hidden gems right under your nose. Ask around. What are you all do for fun? Where have you been that you thought was really interesting? You know, you could post these kinds of questions on your social media feed for your friends and family, and you'd be surprised at some of the responses, things you didn't even know existed. So don't be afraid to leverage your own personal network to find out what kinds of things are going on, where you can go, what you can do—the newspapers, you know, those little stands that are near the exit of your grocery store. There you go. They're free. Pick them up, and flip through those pages. You'll probably find a couple of events that are going on in your area that you can get to that are free, low cost, and full cost. But you're going to find some things that you and your family just might be interested in. Let's see. Oh, volunteer work. Not only is it a good chance for you to help out and learn things, but it's also a great free resource. It's free. Nobody charges you to volunteer. They're charging you your time. I guess. There are so many places that accept volunteers, like an urban farm. Farms need volunteers. There are tons of places you'll find animal rights groups, like pet shelters and things like that. You'll also find other environmental groups like taking care of watersheds and rivers to volunteer at.Speaker2: [00:12:06] Frankly, you can volunteer everywhere in churches and schools. There's a lot of volunteer work around soup kitchens. I'm trying to think of one that's a little maybe off the beaten path but that's plenty of things that you can volunteer to do. And not only are you helping your community, but you're gaining some experience or some knowledge in whatever the area of volunteering is. So that's fun. With COVID going on, I don't know if some of these options are still available, but I have heard of families taking their children to like a post office or a bakery. Glass blowing shops, places of business where they will, you know, let your children see how this works, how it gets done. So you can check that out. A local bakery or something. They want to know how you guys pump out 500 donuts a day and things like that. You'd be surprised at how open some places are, especially when they feel like you're really interested in what they do. So I'm going to move into the online space. Now, the Internet is a wonderful and vast place. Cue the Star Wars music. But you got to be careful out there. These Internet streets are not for the faint of heart. You put in your search query, and in a Google second, boom, you've got thousands of listings. To prove it can be a little overwhelming sometimes.Speaker3: [00:14:25] Huh? I know.Speaker2: [00:14:28] However. There are some that are really, really good and really worth your time and looking at. So Khan Academy. I used to use it a lot. Not so much anymore because, we go with the flow around here. But Khan Academy has a large variety of topics, subjects, course material for all ages, even for you, Mamas and Babas. Okay. They've got a lot of stuff. So even if you're just wanting to graze the top of a particular interest. That's the spot to be. Let's see. Who else? Oh, there's something called iCivics. So for your history needs, social study needs. Legislation needs. That's a good place to check out some free items on IE6. Now, I haven't checked this place out personally. However, I've heard good things about. It's called The Good and the Beautiful. And I do believe it is a curriculum that I would pay for. But I have heard tell that they have free worksheets and resources and that I think it's divided by topic. Even so, you can check them out if you're looking for a couple of free things to add to your repertoire. Now, some of these things, as I said before, you get what you pay for. You also want to make sure that it fits into what you're doing. You don't want to just grab something because it's free. Just for the free of it. Yeah. Have a plan. Try to integrate it into what you're already doing. Easy peasy. Lemon squeezy. It's just called easy peasy. All around home school, I believe they have a free All-in-One curriculum, as it says in the name. During homeschool vacation is a great time to try them out. Look into them. Next, the library. Oh, my God. I can't say enough about the library. The library is my jam. The library is where you want to be. Library should probably be your starting point. The library has more dangerous books around these parts. The libraries have tons of events beyond reading Circle Time. You can. See live events from authors. You can see live events on STEM subjects tailored just for kids, and they get to leave with their own little STEM item that they have created. We'll see—animal events. I remember we went one time, and we got to see a tarantula and this huge turtle and a bearded dragon.Speaker3: [00:17:59] It was kind of cool.Speaker2: [00:18:00] Will you see an African drumming shows there? I'm telling you, the library is one of your communities—brightest diamonds of so amazing. You may also be surprised that your library has access to some of these paid-for sites. Kind of our library gives you access to places like ancestry.com. I do believe you have to be on library grounds or on library Wi-Fi to access that particular one. But there are others that you can from home, like mango languages, ABC maps, and things like that.Speaker3: [00:18:46] So look into.Speaker2: [00:18:49] Your local library if you don't want to do it online. Feel free to walk into your local branch and get to ask questions. Some libraries even have seed banks. Now I have a problem with seeds. I'm a little obsessed. I've got hundreds. I've got thousands. I've got seeds for dates. But your library may also have seeds for dates, and they give them away for free. They do like it when you bring seeds back. And not that you would be returning seeds you planted, as that isn't impossible. You would save the seeds from the crops you planted to give back to the seed bank so they could be passed on to other growers. I think that's so amazing. I love saving seeds. I love seeds. Okay. I said that already, but I love seeds a lot. Now your library is one of your best places. I cannot say that enough. You can find so many, many things. Things that I'm sure I have even discovered yet. But they're there.Speaker3: [00:20:17] Oh, yeah, they are there. You too.Speaker2: [00:20:21] Blessing and a curse. You got to. You gotta kiss a few frogs before you find the prince. That's how YouTube works. Now I'm going to give you a couple of channels that I find helpful. I'm certain there are many, many, many more.Speaker3: [00:20:45] There are.Speaker2: [00:20:48] Some things aren't so child friendly, but there are some things that are older, child friendly, and there's just craziness. So once again.Speaker2: [00:21:00] So again, use at your own risk.Speaker2: [00:21:01] But where are these channels? So, kids, black history. I really enjoy Little Miss Raya. She's so much fun, and she's so full of excitement in life. It's great—Gracie's Corner. Now, Gracie's Corner is a vibe. She's got little bop, her little jams. If you're trying to teach him, skip counting, counting 200, all kinds of things.Speaker2: [00:21:31] We also have Crash Course Kids. That is a lot of science. And I think I've seen a couple of historical things in there. But crash course kids, there's also a crash course for adults or the older audience outside. Uh, Jewels TV. They're fun entertainment, black children's books read aloud.Speaker3: [00:22:06] Um. That's more.Speaker2: [00:22:10] There are not leaving out that I use personally, but there's plenty of things. So type in your topic. I wouldn't suggest you do it with the kids present. YouTube takes a little planning because you come across a lot of junk before you come across what you actually want. So to, you know, kind of quell the disappointment if you starting a video and then being like, oh, nope, and and looking for something else, go ahead and do that beforehand. Research what you want to play. So then you could be playing the right things and not having to go through all the crap over. Uh, let's see what else we got. What else we got? Oh, the Boys and Girls Club. So a lot of times their programming is free now. Everything's not going to be free, but a lot of things will be. You can do like open gym night, things like that. If you're going to play a sport, you're probably going to have to pay something. But you can even ask them, you know, of opportunities for things. And hey, you never know what the answer is going to be. So Boys and Girls Club, is an excellent choice. And there's also a prodigy. It's a little math game with little kids are these wizards and they're zooming through the forest and countering all these obstacles. And in order to win and fight these obstacles, you kind of answer these math questions. It's fun. There is also a paid version, but the only difference between the paid and free versions is the. The points, the rewards, or whatever it's called. You just get like different little, little items for the avatar. It's whatever. It's the same thing. But Prodigy is really good. It's great. It's fun. They're answering math questions. There's a couple other little extra things in there that make it feel a little more gamey, but they're getting those mathematical practices and.Speaker3: [00:24:29] Worksheet works.Speaker2: [00:24:32] I like worksheet works. You can print worksheets that have already been created. You can create your own. I particularly like them for handwriting practice. I can create, you know, worksheets that say paper. You are amazing. And he can write that, you know, things. That go with what you're doing specifically so you can create your own who doesn't like a create your own. But I guess if you're looking for something quick, fast and in a hurry, you might want to use one of the pre-done worksheets. But they have more than handwriting. They have math, they have grammar. They've got a couple of things in there. There's also. A local homeschool group. Some of them there is like a yearly fee or something like that, but a lot of them are free. And where you would pay would be if you were. Participating in certain events, classes, what have you.Speaker3: [00:25:42] But if you link up with a Homeschool group. Keep in mind, you're probably not going to like everything about it or everyone in it. But it is a resource that can definitely do you very well. I love my homeschool group. I'm not even going to lie. It's amazing. I don't think there's anything about it that I don't care for.Speaker3: [00:26:11] Yeah. I can't.Speaker2: [00:26:13] Yeah. Thank God for homeschool groups. Check it out, y'all. I'm teaching a class. It's called Anansi's Corner African. Mr. Kids. And we're going through. Yes. Shameless plug. Coming your way already in your face. And we're going through stories and we are identifying the parts of the story. We go into oral tradition. We go into all the elements of literary devices that make a good story. And then on our final class, we sit down together and create our own myth. It's so much fun. So head on over to Sankofa Homeschool Collective and register your brown baby today. Um. Class starts.Speaker3: [00:27:02] Next, Funbrain.Speaker2: [00:27:17] That's online. I'm kind of jumping around here. That one just popped into my head.Speaker2: [00:27:24] Thonburi. That's what it's called. Now you will find a plethora of things that are free if you join a homeschool group. Why? Because every homeschooler, as I've already said, loves a good freebie.[00:27:47] We love them. Why not? It's free.Speaker2: [00:27:53] So ask those in the homeschool groups what things do y'all find for free, and share those resources with us so we can share them with others. So by joining a network and joining a community, you are leveraging their knowledge as well. You'll be surprised at how many hidden gems are right under your nose. So I think I'm going to go ahead and wrap this up. And thanks so much for sitting with me, sitting through me. I love you all. I do. I hope you all are having a wonderful, wonderful day week. Whatever time of the year you find this, I hope these resources have been helpful. I would encourage you to go to the cleverly changing podcast website and check out our homeschool planner. That's excellent. I'm one of the designers. No, but seriously, I did design this with you all in mind to help you better organize your thoughts, your goals, your record keeping, and things so that you can have a successful homeschooling journey so that you would be able to make the best use of resources like the ones I just shared their partner, like the ones that I just shared with you. So please check that out. We've also got some other merch, some t-shirts, and things. Sweatshirts. They're great. I wear it. I have it. I'm going to have to take a picture for you guys one day. However, I'm going to wrap it up. I hope you all enjoyed this episode, and I can't wait to hear more from you and I can't wait to share more.[00:30:14] Did you know we sell merchandise to keep our podcast going? Order a hoodie, t-shirt, mugs, and more today!Speaker1: [00:30:32] Visit cleverly changing.com and click on the shop tab to place your order. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On today's show, Dean talks more about interacting with nature on your property. He discusses rodent control and bee removal. His guests include National Park Service biologist Cathy Schoonmaker, owner of The Valley Hive, Keith Roberts, and conservation biologist and owner of Bee Catchers, Nicole Paladino. Dean also takes calls and answers questions about homes.

On today's show, Dean talks more about interacting with nature on your property. He discusses rodent control and bee removal. His guests include National Park Service biologist Cathy Schoonmaker, owner of The Valley Hive, Keith Roberts, and conservation biologist and owner of Bee Catchers, Nicole Paladino. Dean also takes calls and answers questions about homes.

Over the years there have been more than a few units of the National Park System that have been head-scratchers. Why were they added? What redeeming value did they bring to the park system?  James Ridenour who was director of the National Park Service from 1989 through 1993, was well familiar with these units. As he once put it, “I'm in complete agreement that the National Park Service has units that are unworthy of National Park Service status. That was my motive for coining the term ‘thinning of the blood'.” Members of Congress trade votes to get their local favorite on the NPS teat, usually to attract tourists. Then they don't add money to the budget to run these units. So you have two things - you thin the quality of the system, and you thin the ability of the National Park Service to run the system. We're going to explore some of these units, at least some of the ones that were pushed out of the National Park System, with none-other than Traveler Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert Janiskee. Bob was the one who quite some years ago started the “Pruning the Parks” series on the Traveler, and we've momentarily  pried him out of his retirement to discuss some of these parks with us. 

Christy Brigham of the National Park Service was a guest on one of our first episodes (our special about wildfire in the US West and Australia) and Alison Mims is a veteran of both Story Circles and the ABT Framework Course (which Christy also took).  We talk about the upcoming wild fire season and the challenges of Incident Communications.  Can the ABT help? Christy Brighamhttps://www.csun.edu/science-mathematics/biology/christy-brigham Alison Mimshttps://wfmrda.nwcg.gov/about-us/meet-wfm-rda-staff Randy Olsonhttps://twitter.com/ABTagenda​ Randy's Blog: http://scienceneedsstory.com Learn more about the ABT Framework Course: http://www.abtframework.com/  

In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, the 2018 New York State Teacher of the Year, Christopher Albrecht, joins us to discuss his work with the National Park Service and how he connects it to the classroom.

Discover the beauty of accessibility at America's National Parks in this episode. From scenic drives and picturesque vistas to innovative adaptive activities, we dive into the wonders of national parks for people with mobility disabilities, families with young children, and anyone seeking less strenuous outdoor experiences. Join us as we explore how the National Park Service is committed to providing equal opportunity and unforgettable adventures for all. Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis Hosted by Jason Epperson Sponsored by LL Bean | www.llbean.com and by Campendium | www.campendium.com Explore a variety of national parks with accessible trails, including Yosemite, Zion, Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, Congaree, Glacier, Denali, Shenandoah, and more Learn about the National Park Service's commitment to accessibility and the America the Beautiful Access Pass Find out about adaptive activities offered in national parks, such as sand wheelchairs at Great Sand Dunes National Park, guided adaptive climbing at Devil's Tower National Monument, and accessible canoe and kayak launches at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Discover historic refurbished bus tours in Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks Hear about the accessible beach in Grand Teton National Park and its adaptive sports programs

MICHAEL RECTENWALD, Co-Founder and Chief Academic Officer, American Scholars, Author, “Thought Criminal,” “Google Archipelago: The Digital Gulag and the Simulation of Freedom” and “Beyond Woke,” former New York University Professor, Liberal Studies, @antipcnyuprof "Global elites" of the U.N. and World Economic Forum who are against national sovereignty Who is the leader in world-wide greenhouse gas emissions? Is the World Health Organization (WHO) about to become more powerful? GEORGE RASLEY, Editor, Conservative HQ, former White House Staff Member, Vice President Dan Quayle, former Assistant Director, National Park Service, former Director of Policy and Communication, Congressman Adam Putnam (FL-12) An agreement with the WHO that President Biden is prepared to enter How Judeo-Christian values are under attack in the United States What is the ideological background of transgenderism? BILL WALTON, Host, The Bill Walton Show Is the U.S. dollar in trouble of losing its status as the global reserve currency? Why doesn't China have their own reserve currency? How American and Japanese investors are slowly pulling out of business in China

When warm weather spreads across the National Park System, many parks offer nightly gatherings around the campfire. The tradition of gathering around a flickering fire goes back thousands of years. Fire, after all, was the giver of light in the darkest of night, and seen as offering safety from what might lurk about in the dark. For the park visitor, nightly campfire gatherings are not about feeling safe from the darkness, but rather an opportunity to learn about the surrounding park landscape from a well informed park ranger. Back in 1968, a National Park Service training brochure explained that the national park campfire provides an opportunity to weld the visitor's random experiences and impressions into an understanding and appreciation for the park's real values. Of course, there are a number of definitions and expectations for what constitutes a campfire story.  Today we're going to explore “Campfire Stories: Tales from America's National Parks and Trails” with editors of the book Dave and Ilyssa Kyu. 

This podcast hit paid subscribers' inboxes on April 2. It dropped for free subscribers on April 5. To receive future pods as soon as they're live, and to support independent ski journalism, please consider an upgrade to a paid subscription. You can also subscribe for free below:WhoJim Quimby, General Manager of Saddleback, MaineRecorded onMarch 6, 2023About SaddlebackClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Arctaris InvestmentsLocated in: Rangeley, MaineYear founded: 1960Pass affiliations: Indy PassReciprocal partners: NoneClosest neighboring ski areas: Sugarloaf (52 minutes), Titcomb (1 hour), Black Mountain of Maine (1 hour, 9 minutes), Spruce Mountain (1 hour, 22 minutes), Baker Mountain (1 hour, 33 minutes), Mt. Abram (1 hour, 36 minutes), Sunday River (1 hour, 41 minutes)Base elevation: 2,120 feetSummit elevation: 4,120 feetVertical drop: 2,000 feetSkiable Acres: 600+Average annual snowfall: 225 inchesTrail count: 68 (23 beginner, 20 intermediate, 18 advanced, 7 expert) + 2 terrain parksLift count: 6 (1 high-speed quad, 3 fixed-grip quads, 1 T-bar, 1 carpet)Why I interviewed himThe best article I've ever read on Saddleback came from Bill Donahue, writing for Outside, with the unfortunate dateline of March 9, 2020. That was a few days before the planet shut down to prevent the spread of Covid-19, and just after Arctaris had purchased Saddleback and promised to tug the ski area out of its five-year slumber. Donahue included a long section on Quimby:But to really register the new hope that's blossomed in Rangeley, I needed to drive up the winding hill to Saddleback's lodge and talk to Jimmy Quimby. Fifty-nine years old and weathered, his chin specked with salt-and-pepper stubble, Quimby is the scion of a Saddleback pillar. His father, Doc, poured concrete to build the towers for one of Saddleback's first lifts in 1963 and later built trails and made snow for the mountain. His mother, Judy, worked in the ski area's cafeteria for about 15 years. “We were so poor,” Quimby told me, “that we didn't have a pot to piss in, but I skied every weekend.” Indeed, as a high schooler, Quimby took part in every form of alpine ski competition available—on a single pair of skis. His 163-centimeter Dynastar Easy Riders were both his ballet boards and his giant-slalom guns. They also transported him to mischief. In his teenage years, Quimby was part of a nefarious Saddleback gang, the Rat Pack. “We terrorized the skiing public,” he said. “We built jumps. We skied fast. We made the T-bar swerve so people fell off.”Just days after his 18th birthday, Quimby left Maine to serve 20 years in the Air Force as an electrical-line repairman and managed, somehow, to spend a good chunk of time near Japan's storied Hakkoda Ski Resort, where he routinely hucked himself off 35-foot cornices while schussing in blue jeans. When he returned to Maine in 1998, he commenced working at Saddleback and honed such a love for the mountain that, when it closed in 2015, his heart broke. He simply refused to ski after that. “I decided,” he said, “that I just wouldn't ski anywhere else.” Friends in the industry offered him free tickets at nearby mountains; Quimby demurred and hunkered down at Saddleback, where he remained mountain manager. The Berrys paid him to watch over the nonfunctioning trails and lifts during the long closure. “I'm a prideful person,” he explained. “OK, I did do a little skiing with my grandchildren, but they're preschoolers. I haven't made an adult turn since Saddleback closed.”Quimby is now working for Arctaris, which owns Saddleback Inc., but that's a technicality. His mission is spiritual, and when I met him in his office, I found that I had stepped into a shrine, a jam-packed Saddleback museum. There were lapel pins, patches, bumper stickers, posters, and also a wooden ski signed in 1960 by about 35 of Saddleback's progenitors. Quimby's prize possession, though, is a brass belt buckle he bought in the Saddleback rental shop in the 1970s. “I used to wear it every day,” he told me, “but when Saddleback closed, I put it on a dresser and never wore it again.”Quimby stood up from the desk now, to reveal that he was wearing the buckle once more. In capitalized brass letters, it read “SKI.” His eyes were glassy with emotion.“We're going to do this,” he said quietly, speaking of Saddleback's resurrection. “We're going to make this happen.”They did make this happen. One feature of improbable feats is that they are often taken for granted once achieved. The number of people who confessed doubts to me privately about the viability of Saddleback is significant. It won't work because… it's too remote, there are not enough skier visits to spread around Maine, there are too many bodies buried on the property, the previous owners emptied the GDP of a small country onto the property and it still failed. All fair arguments, but for every built thing there are reasons it should have failed. The great advantage of humans over other animals is our ability to solve the unsolvable. I push a button on my phone and a person 5,000 miles away sees a note from me in an instant. That would have been dubbed magic for 100,000 years and now it is a fact of daily existence. Humans can do amazing things. And the humans who dug Saddleback out of the grave did an amazing thing, and it's a story I just can't get enough of.What we talked aboutSaddleback's strong 2022-23 ski season; the Casablanca Glades; the ski area in the sixties; “Saddleback was my babysitter”; Rangeley reminisces; when the U.S. Air Force stations a ski bum in Northern Japan; the Donald Breen era of Saddleback and a long battle with the Forest Service; Saddleback's relationship with the Forest Service today; the Berry family arrives; an investment spree; why Saddleback closed in 2015; why the Berrys replaced the Kennebago T-bar with a quad and whether they should have upgraded the Rangeley lift first; Quimby's reaction when Saddleback closed; how Quimby kept Saddleback from falling apart during his five years as caretaker of a lost ski area; why Arctaris finally revitalized the ski area after so many other potential buyers had faded; the most important man at Saddleback; the blessing and the curse of rebuilding a ski area in the pandemic year of 2020; how close Saddleback came to upgrading Rangeley to a fixed-grip, rather than a detachable, quad; how much that lift transformed the ski area; the legacy of Andy Shepard, the former general manager who oversaw the ski area's comeback; Saddleback the business in year three of its comeback; surveying Saddleback's ultra-new lift fleet; why Saddleback replaced the 900-year-old Cupsuptic T-bar with a brand-new T-bar; why the ski area chose Partek to build the new Sandy quad and how successful that lift has been; the story behind the old Saddleback trailmaps with theoretical lifts scribbled all over them (yes, this one):… whether Saddleback will expand terrain any time soon; the ski area's next likely chairlift; the potential for a hotel; the mountain's masterplan; how important the Indy Pass has been to Saddleback's comeback; and Indy blackouts and whether they will continue.Why I thought that now was a good time for this interviewWith lift towers rising up the mountainside and hammers clanging through the valleys and autumn frosts biting the New England hills, Andy Shepard hacked out an hour for me in October 2020 to discuss the previous six months at Saddleback. He itemized the tasks that Saddleback's crews had achieved in the maw of Covid. An incomprehensible list. Rebuild everything. Clean everything. Hire an army. Demolish and build a chairlift. Stand up a website and an e-commerce platform. All in the midst of the most confusing and contentious time in modern American history. The mission was awesome, and so was the story behind it:Congratulations, you did it. But the second that new detachable quad started spinning in December 2020, Saddleback became just another New England ski area, just another choice for skiers who already have dozens. So now what? What of all those old masterplans showing terrain expansions and lifts extending halfway to Canada? When can we get more places to stay on the hill? Can we get snowmaking on the trail back to the condos finally?Two and a half years later, it was time for a check-in. To see how Shepard and Quimby and the crew had quietly transformed what was long a backwater bump into one of the most modern ski areas in the country. To see how the Indy Pass – which hadn't existed when Saddleback went into its shell – had turbocharged the mountain's comeback tour. And to see, indeed, what is next for this New England gem.What I got wrongI wasn't wrong on this so much as late to publish: Quimby and I discussed season passes at the end of the podcast. At the time, details on the 2023-24 pass suite had not yet been released, and we talked a bit about where pricing would land. These details have long gone public, but I kept the section intact because Quimby details why the ski area was compelled to raise rates from previous seasons (the increase ended up being modest in the context of ongoing inflation, from $699 this season to $799 for next).Also there's a reference in our conversation to Sandy being a detachable quad, but the 227-vertical-foot quad is in fact a fixed-grip lift.Why you should ski SaddlebackMan is this place big. Two broad ridges staggered and stacked and parallel, with dozens of ways down each. Glades all over. Amazing fall line skiing. Lift lines? Not many. Maybe on Rangeley, maybe on big days. But mostly, the place is a glorious wide-open banger, stuffed into a north country snow pocket that most always stands above New England's notorious rain-snow line as storms roll through.“Yes but is it worth the drive?” asks Overthinks Everything Bro. Yes it's worth the drive. “But I have to pass 19 other big ski areas to get there.” So? If a genie erupts out of my next can of Bang Energy Drink, my first wish will be to eliminate this brand of thinking from existence. Passing other ski areas to ski Saddleback is not like passing a McDonald's at exit 100 to eat at a McDonald's at exit 329, more than 200 miles down the road. You're passing a number of distinct and unique ski areas to experience another distinct and unique ski area. A Saddleback run will imprint on your experience in a way that your 400th day at Waterville Valley will not.Not all of us, I realize, are so driven by novelty and the unknown. To many of you, turns are turns. Yee-haw. But I'm not suggesting you drive four hours out of your way to lap a town ropetow. This is a serious mountain, with terrain that has few peers in New England. It is special, and it is most definitely worth it.Podcast NotesOn the ski area's battle with the National Park ServiceQuimby and I had a long discussion on Saddleback's 15-plus-year war with the National Park Service over former owner Donald Breen's expansion plans. While Saddleback sits on private land, the Appalachian Trail runs over the mountain's summit, giving the government a say in any development that may impact the trail. As with most things New England, New England Ski History provides a comprehensive synopsis of what amounts to Saddleback's lost generation:With Saddleback finally financially stable and controlling 12,000 acres of land, Breen sought to tap into its vast potential in the mid 1980s. In 1984, Breen told Ski magazine, "Saddleback has the potential to be one of the largest resorts in this part of the country" and could become "the Vail of the East."While a massive development was possible, including above treeline skiing as well as a bowl on the back side of the mountain, initial plans were made for a phased $36 million expansion "opening up the entire bowl where the ski area sits with three more lifts and numerous trails."Working to gain approvals, Saddleback offered to donate a 200-foot easement to the National Park Service for the Appalachian Trail while retaining the ability to have skiers and equipment cross the corridor if needed. Countering the ski area's plans, the National Park Service recommended taking 3,000 acres of Saddleback's land. As a result, instead of investing in the mountain, Breen was forced to spend large sums of money to defend his property from eminent domain.Attempting to break the impasse in the early 1990s, Saddleback offered to pare back expansion plans and sell 2,000 acres to the National Park Service. The National Park Service responded with an offer for one sixth of the amount Saddleback wanted from the property.By the mid 1990s, Saddleback was offering to donate 300 acres of land to the National Park Service, while retaining the right to cross the Appalachian Trail with connector ski trails. The National Park Service once again refused, sticking with its eminent domain plan. Later Congressional testimony revealed that the Breen family was forced to negotiate with and give concessions to the Appalachian Trail Conference, only to have the agreements retracted by the National Park Service. In addition, the National Park Service would refuse to turn over documents relating to its involvement with other ski areas, or to put parameters of potential agreements in writing.After having spent a decade and a half of his life trying to work with the Forest Service, Donald Breen took a step back from negotiations in 1997, handing the reins over to his daughter Kitty. The Maine Congressional Delegation was brought in to attempt to get the National Park Service to negotiate.At Senator Olympia Snowe's urging, Saddleback offered to sell the bowl on the back side of the mountain to the Park Service in exchange for being able to develop its Horn Bowl area. The National Park Service rejected the offer, insisting the expansion was not viable, that the ski area could sustain increased skier visits on its existing footprint, and that Saddleback's undeveloped land had little financial value.Negotiations continued into 2000, at which point Saddleback had increased its donation offer to 660 acres, while the National Park Service still wanted to take 893 acres by eminent domain. Five proposals were put on the table while the National Park Service threatened to turn the matter over to the Department of Justice for condemnation. Finally, on November 2, 2000, the National Park Service and Saddleback reached a deal in which the Breens donated 570 acres along the Appalachian Trail corridor, while selling the 600 acre back bowl for $4 million. While the deal meant Breen could move forward with his development of the resort, the long battle with the government had consumed millions of dollars and nearly two decades of his life. Now in his 70s, Breen was ready to retire. In 2001, the massive resort property was put on the market for $12 million.To understand just how deeply this conflict stalled the ski area's potential evolution, consider this: when Breen and the Forest Service squared off in 1984, Sunday River, less than two hours away and closer to pretty much everyone, looked like this:And Saddleback looked like this:While both had just five lifts – Sunday River sported a triple, two doubles, and two T-bars; Saddleback had two doubles and three T-bars – Saddleback was the larger of the two, with a more interesting and complex trail network. But while Breen fought the Forest Service, his mountain stood still. Meanwhile, Les Otten went ballistic at Sunday River, stringing terrain pods for miles in each direction. By 2001, when Breen sold, Sunday River looked like this:While Saddleback had languished:Whatever market share Saddleback could have earned during New England's Great Ski Area Modernization – which more or less exactly coincided with his Forest Service fight from 1984 to 2001 – was lost to Sunday River and Sugarloaf, both of which spent that era building rather than fighting.And yes, I also thought, “well what did Sugarloaf look like in 1984 and 2001?” So here you go:On the Berry familyBreen sold Saddleback in 2001 to the Berry family, who absolutely mainlined cash into the joint. Over the next decade, the family replaced the upper (Kennebago) and lower (Buggy) T-bars with fixed-grip quads, and substantially blew out the trail and glade network. Check the place in 2014:But two big problems remained. First, that double chair marked “C” on the map above is the Rangeley lift, the alpha chair out of the base. It was a 1963 Mueller that could move all of 900 skiers per hour. And while skiers could have ridden Sandy to the Cupsuptic T-bar (if both were running), to the Pass trail to access the Kennebago quad and the upper mountain, that's not how most people think. They want to go straight to the top. So they'd wait.Which leads to the second problem. Queueing up for a double chair that was pulled off of Noah's Ark when you could be skiing onto high-speed (or at least modern) lifts just down the road at Sunday River or Sugarloaf is frustrating. Lines to board the lift could reportedly stretch to an hour on weekends. Facing such gridlock and frustration, most casual skiers who stumbled onto the place probably thought some version of, “This is cute, but next weekend, I'm going to Sunday River.”And they did. If the Berrys could have upgraded Rangeley, the whole project may have worked. But financing fell through, as Quimby details in the podcast, and the ski area closed shortly after. But to underscore just how crucial the Rangeley lift is to Saddleback's viability as a modern resort, Arctaris, the current owners, reportedly paid more to replace the chairlift ($7 million), than they did for the ski area itself ($6.5 million).On potential buyers between the Berrys and ArctarisQuimby notes that a parade of suitors tromped through Saddleback between 2015, when the ski area closed, and 2020, when it finally re-opened. The most significant of these was Australia-based Majella Group, whose courtship New England Ski History summarizes:On June 28, 2017, the Berry family announced they had reached an agreement to sell Saddleback to the Australia-based Majella Group. Grandiose plans were announced, as Majella declared it would be "turning Saddleback into the premier ski resort in North America." Initial plans called for reopening for the 2017-18 season with a new fixed-grip quad replacing the Rangeley Double and a new Cupsuptic T-Bar. However, despite announcements that "physical work" had started in September and that the company was "committed to opening in some capacity for the 2017-18 ski season," the area remained idle that winter and the sale was not completed.Nearly one year after the original sale announcement, the Majella Group CEO Sebastian Monsour was arrested in Australia for alleged investor fraud, revealing a financial house of cards. The Majella branding was removed from the Saddleback web site that fall and the ski area sat idle during the snowy winter of 2018-19.So things could have been much worse. Had Majella completed the purchase and then fallen apart, Saddleback would likely still be idle, caught in a Jay Peak-esque vortex of court-led asset salvation, but without the benefit of operating revenue.On Mount WashingtonQuimby notes that the weather at Saddleback can be “comparative to Mount Washington and that's no joke.” For those of you unfamiliar with just how ferocious Mount Washington weather can be, here's a synopsis from the Mt. Washington State Park website (emphasis mine):…in winter, sub-zero temperatures, hurricane-force winds, blowing snow and incredible ice claim the peak, creating an arctic outpost in a temperate climate zone. Known as the Home of the World's Worst Weather, Mount Washington's winter conditions rival those of Mount Everest and the Polar regions.The mountain's summit holds the world record for the “highest surface wind speed ever observed by man,” at 231 miles per hour. As I write this, the summit temperature is 4 degrees Fahrenheit, with 62-mile-per-hour winds driving the windchill to 28 degrees below zero. It's April 2. There's surely some hyperbole in Quimby's statement, but the spirit of the declaration is clear: if you go to Saddleback, go prepared.The Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing year-round. Join us.The Storm publishes year-round, and guarantees 100 articles per year. This is article 30/100 in 2023, and number 416 since launching on Oct. 13, 2019. Want to send feedback? Reply to this email and I will answer (unless you sound insane, or, more likely, I just get busy). You can also email skiing@substack.com. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

Segment 2, April 1, 2023 Our own, Bill Bartee, had a chance to hit the trail on the 1.5 mile history hike at King's Mountain National Military Park. A great comfortable trail with an entertaining and knowledgeable Ranger from the National Park Service.