In this episode of The Parks, host Missy Rentz talks with Justin Yoder, founder of LGBTQ Outdoors, about his journey from starting a simple Instagram page to building a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to creating safe, inclusive community spaces in nature.
Black Hill Discovery Center introduces kids of all ages to nature through through school, camps, and programs.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park not your typical "fenced-off" wilderness; it’s a living, breathing landscape where history, industry, and nature are constantly shaking hands.
Go behind the badge with the creators of Crime Off the Grid as we explore the reality of law enforcement in America’s most remote and wild places.
The President's House delves into the history of George Washington and the 9 humans he enslaved in Philadelphia as President of the United States. Listen to the episode and learn more.
The President's House delves into the history of George Washington and the 9 humans he enslaved in Philadelphia as President of the United States. Listen to the episode and learn more.
Welcome to our story, a new series from The Parks Podcast. 've shared that I came to the Parks for nature, but I'm really drawn to the history and the stories that make up our parks. It may be one person whose actions led to the creation or expansion of the park, or maybe a unique or endangered animal that calls the park home. Maybe it's a pivotal event that marks our history in unique and meaningful ways. These people, places, and events make up our collective story.
National Park of American Samoa is a paradise that celebrates the coral, rainforests, fruit bats, and American Samoa culture.
Jenny McCarty, artist and owner of Sage Leaf Studio, created a sticker to help keep nature on the 2026 NPS Park Pass.
Voyageurs National Park is 40% water with vast conservation of water, animals, and land.
This episode of The Parks Podcast explores the deep connection between our national landscapes and the stories that define us. Host Missy Rentz sits down with Beth English, Executive Director of the Organization of American Historians (OAH), to discuss why preserving "unvarnished" history is essential for our future.
Redwoods National State Park is home to the largest trees in the world as well as amazing rivers, oceans, and animals.
Kick off the New Year with First Day Hikes - a day to celebrate in our State Parks all around the United States.
Indiana State Parks is kicking off winter with hikes, bird watching, light tours, and more.
New York State Parks & Historic Sites is celebrating winter with hikes, snow and ice activities, craft & creating activities and more.
Virginia is for Lovers...and park lovers! This winter, the Virginia State Parks have activities for all ages and abilities.
Hueston Woods State Park is hosting the holidays with movies, breakfast with Santa, hikes, and more. Learn more in this episode.
Malabar Farm State Park is an historic farm, and former home to Louis Bromfield. Visit the park during the holiday season to visit the historic home all decked out in its holiday best.
Arizona State Parks & Trails has some incredible activities this winter. Learn about them and make plans to visit the parks.
GirlTREK is an organization committed to using nature, movement, and community to save lives around the world.
Are you celebrating Thanksgiving in Massachusetts? Join Massachusets DCR for "Gratitude After Gravy" on Friday, November 28.
Alan Spears, from National Parks Conservation Association, joins us to talk about the status of our National Parks and public lands after the 43 day shutdown. We also talk about what's next for our beloved places.
Matt Moreau from The Landmark Project joins us to talk about Shopping Values and how his company is committed to giving back to parks, public lands, and our environment. In this episode we talk to Matt Moreau from The Landmark Project. Matt has made giving back a part of their core mission from day one.
Sierra Club's Military Outdoors program provides our veterans the chance to get outdoors and opportunities for community, camaraderie, and healing.
Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic site was home to Mi'kmaq, French, Acadian, and British over its long and rich history. Skmagn, meaning "waiting place" served as a protective fort for Prince Edward Island.
Tara Ross from Crime off the Grid Podcast joins me to talk about the status of our National Parks and Public Lands on day 27 of the Government Shutdown.
We talk to Sandi Olek from Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the importance of outdoor recreation in the state. They are hosting the Maryland Outdoor Summit to bring together the industry to discuss Outdoor for All, Recreation with a Purpose, and the Business of Outdoor Recreation. In this episode we learn about how this meeting will impact outdoor recreation through out Maryland and all of the opportunities to get outside in Maryland.
Prince Edward Island National Park stretches along the northern shore of Prince Edward Island Province. It's sandy beaches are home plant and animal conservation efforts as well as summer recreation and fun!
The Government shutdown leads to a lot of questions about how to recreate responsibly in our parks in public lands. John Goodwin joins me to help us all understand the latest news.
Fort McAllister State Historic Park marks an important point in the Civil War with General Sherman's "March to the Sea". In this episode we learn about the history of the battle and the environmental wonders of the park.
Organizations like The Conservation Alliance have been created by outdoor brands and businesses to help join forces in advocating for our public lands. In this episode we learn more about the hot topics in advocacy and how to get involved.
Let's dive into the fight for our public lands as we explore the Roadless Rule and why it matters.
At a time where U.S. Public Lands are under attack, we learn more about the Roadless Rule and how we can advocate to protect our Public Lands.
The journey of Lewis and Clark stopped in, what is now, Oregon for the winter. The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park holds the environmental and historical conservation so that we can all continue to learn and understand their journey.
Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument shares the story of one of the few winter battles held during the Civil War and how Kentucky's commitment to. neutrality eventually shifted to have them fighting for the Union.
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is one of the country's youngest National Parks. Natural environment, industrial innovation, and the rights of workers all take center stage in this park. And one weekend a year, so does jumping off the bridge.
National Hammock Day is June 22nd. We met up with Anna Rawlins from ENO to talk about the history of hammocking, how to do it safely, and why so many people are incorporating hammocks into their lives.
General Coffee State Park in Georgia celebrates the rich agricultural history of our country. The park showcases its late 1800s farm and diverse recreational activities.
Step into the rhythmic hum of America’s first planned industrial city—Lowell, Massachusetts. In this episode of The Parks Podcast, host Missy Rentz speaks with Park Ranger Aubrey Brown to uncover the surprising ways Lowell shaped American industry, empowered generations of women, and became a hub for activism and innovation. From textile mills to canal boat tours, boarding houses to bobbins, this episode brings the Industrial Revolution to life with stories that are deeply human and still relevant today.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to two of the largest trees in the world. The parks host large conservation efforts and incredible recreation activities.
Tim Kaine shares stories from his book "Walk Ride Paddle: A Life Outdoors". The book is filled with stories of his Virginia Nature Triathlon and behind the scenes look at his role as US Senator during a tumultuous time in US History.
Pearl Harbor National Monument honors the lives lost, and those affected, during the attack on December 7, 1941. Planning a trip to Hawaii and Pearl Harbor starts in advance. This episode will help prepare you for your visit.
John Goodwin, Retired NPS Ranger and author of "Echoes of the Badge" joins us to talk about his adventures as a park ranger. He also shares some tips for your park visit.
Jessica Bowser, from Virginia Outdoor Adventures, joins me to talk about planning outdoor adventures and learning new hobbies.
Sandra Ramos joins me to talk about how to advocate for parks and visit parks during these turbulent times.
Maybury State Park, located right outside of Detroit, was a community created for patients with Tuberculosis. It is now a spectacular park for recreation and play for the community.
Pocahontas State Park is the largest state park in Virginia and has great outdoor recreation, camping, and conservation programs.
Biscayne National Park, off the coast of Miami, is 95% water with a rich history in farming, fishing, and conservation.
Pompeys Pillar is located just outside of Billings, Montana. This stop will show your a geological wonder, the signature of William Clark, and stunning vista of the eastern Montana plains.
Recreation.gov is your go to website for planning trips to our nation's public lands. You can book campsites, reserve passes, and learn more about what's going on in the parks.
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site was home to President Hoover in his youth. He reconstructed the space as a way to show American's that anyone can be successful. His home, prairie, blacksmith shop, and more will allow you to walk through history.
Saguaro National Park boasts a diverse ecosystem where you can experience saguaros in one area and pine trees in another. The rich cultural history is worth celebrating in this episode of The Parks Podcast.
Statue of Liberty National Monument is home to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Learn about the history - starting with the gift from France through the immigration process for so many coming to the United States.
Stephanie Harrison, creator of The New Happy, is launching her book "New Happy". She joins us to talk about the role nature and parks play in finding happiness.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park brings to life the story of Harriet and the hundreds of slaves she helped to find freedom.
Sky Meadows State Park is outside of the Nation's Capital and provides a great escape from the city with Dark Skies, sensory trails, rich history, and an entrance to the Appalachian Trail.
Bryce Canyon is the 17th National Park and home to hoodoos, a stone formation that creates a beautiful experience in this western park.
First Day Hikes is an initiative of America's State Parks, created to celebrate going outside, getting exercise, and experiencing nature.
Lake Elmo, located in Billings, Montana, is home to great recreation, bird watching, and gathering with family and friends.
Belle Grove Plantation, part of Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, is decking the halls and getting ready to kick off their holiday programs.
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park was the front line of major battles in the Civil War. Learn the story of the region from Backcountry to Breadbasket to Battlefield and Beyond.
Death Valley National Park is home to the lowest elevation in the United States at Badwater Basin and is the hottest place on earth.
Craters of the Moon National Monument was created from lava flow over the past 15,000 years. Learn how you can experience the unique activities in the park throughout the year.
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park is located between Washington, DC and Richmond, VA. Learn about four major battles of the civil war and explore the battlefields and historic homes.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is known as the "Green Desert." Learn about the animals, best time of year to plan a visit, and how to navigate a desert hike.
Shannon Jones, CEO & Founder of KeeKee's Big Adventure, will guide us on planning a trip with your family to the parks.
Shenandoah National Park is one of the first National Parks on the east coast of the United States. Home to Skyline Drive, and 75 miles from Washington, DC, Shenandoah is a popular spot for weekend warriors and vacations alike.
We explore Big Bend National Park, learning it's history and how you can plan your journey to the park.
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is our first stop for The Parks Podcast. Explore the history and impact of nine children to help spark desegregation, and social change movements.
Welcome to The Parks Podcast. Before we kick off the series, learn more about what to expect from episodes and why I was inspired to host these conversations.
