This podcast explores the topics affecting the land, water, and culture of the Pinelands National Reserve. This podcast is produced by the Pinelands Preservation Alliance.
Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Episodes:
EPISODE 13 – Russell Juelg – Wharton State Forest- Navigating the New Visitor Use Map
In this episode, we interview Russel Juelg of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation to navigate the past, present, and future of this ecological treasure.
The debate over motorized routes within the forest sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the balancing act of accessibility and environmental stewardship. We dissect the history etched into the paths crisscrossing the Pine Barrens and the Pinelands Preservation Alliance’s advocacy for responsible use. The conversation shifts gears towards the encroaching threat of illegal off-roading, revealing the intricate dance between preservation and increasing visitation.
Our episode culminates with a hard look at the issue of law enforcement in state parks, zeroing in on the complications of curtailing off-road vehicle misuse. We unpack the constraints that shackle park police, the contrasting approaches of conservation officers, and the educational gaps that leave our natural sanctuaries vulnerable. Russell and I dissect the interplay between rules and their enforcement, proposing a path forward that could strengthen protections for Wharton State Forest. Hosted by Jason Howell.
(01/09/2023)
EPISODE 12 – Allen Crawford – A Wild Promise
In this episode, we interview a Pine Barrens Advocate, Illustrator and Author Allen Crawford about his new book, A Wild Promise, in which he creates a tapestry of our nation’s habitats—oceans, mountains, deserts, wetlands, prairies, and forests—and the varied species that call these places home. We discuss his book, movement conservation, and some of his experiences in the Pines. Hosted by Jason Howell.
(07/2023)
EPISODE 11 – Joanna Burger P.h.D – Northern Pine Snake Conservation
In this episode, Joanna and Jason Howell discuss the importance of conserving large habitat spaces for wildlife and the future of wildlife conservation in the NJ Pinelands. Hosted by Jason Howell.
(07/05/23)
EPISODE 10 – Jackson Pines – Album Release – Pine Barrens Volume One
In this episode, we interview the band Jackson Pines about their new album, Pine Barrens Volume One. We get into the history of folk music in the Pine Barrens and how place affects music and vice versa. Their new album can be found here. Original recordings of Merce Ridgway Jr. Pinehawkers by Mary Hufford and others involved in the Pine Barrens Folklife project can be found here. Hosted by Jason Howell.
(3/03/23)
EPISODE 9 – Nature Disability Advocacy With Sean Kane-Holland
This episode of the Pinelands Podcast features Sean Kane-Holland. Sean is the Access Nature and Disability Advocate for Pinelands Preservation Alliance. In this episode, Sean explains what he is doing to expand access to natural areas for people of all ability levels and how you can get involved. Sean attended Rutgers University and graduated with a B.A. in American History & Political Science. Since 2014 he has worked in the New Jersey Park Service at Batsto Historic Village in Wharton State Forest as a member of the history department. Sean is focused on preserving, restoring, and interpreting natural and historic resources for current and future generations and ensuring everyone in our diverse collective community has a chance to enjoy the magnificence of New Jersey’s great outdoors. Hosted by Jason Howell.
Link to the new Access Nature Map for South Jersey and the Pinelands here.
Learn more and join the ongoing conservation here.
Contact (609) 859-8860 ext. 117 or Email sean@pinelandsalliance.org
(02/21/23)
EPISODE 8 – Woodford Cedar-Run Wildlife Refuge
This episode of the Pinelands Podcast features a tour of Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge with Mike O’Malley, Tracey Bloodworth, and Lisa Franco. We discuss native wildlife, wildlife rehabilitation after injury, environmental education, and the many programs and offerings that are available at Cedar Run. Hosted by Jason Howell.
Learn about Cedar Run here.
(09/08/22)
EPISODE 7 – Mullica River Fire and Fix Our Parks – Russell Juelg
This episode of the Pinelands Podcast features a discussion with Senior Land Steward Russell Juelg. Russell explores the Quaker Bridge Rd area of the Mullica River Fire and discusses some of the local goals of the new Fix Our Parks campaign – a grassroots effort to advocate for more funding, maintenance, and better policies for New Jersey State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas. Hosted by Jason Howell
Learn about the campaign here.
(07/29/22)
EPISODE 6 – The Endangered Swamp Pink (and much more) – Emile DeVito
This episode of the Pinelands Podcast features a discussion with Emile DeVito. Emile DeVito, P.h.D is the Director of Conservation Science for the NJ Conservation Foundation and leads us into a swamp on the outskirts of the Pinelands on a hunt for a population of endangered Swamp Pink (Hellonias bullata). We also discuss the Crane Fly Orchid, spring migratory birds, and the nuances of public lands management and advocacy. Hosted by Jason Howell
(04/26/22)
EPISODE 5 – Hammonton Lake Water Quality – Emma Witt
This episode of the Pinelands Podcast features a discussion with Emma Witt. Associate Professor Emma Witt from Stockton University describes her work in monitoring the water quality at Hammonton Lake. Hosted by Jason Howell
(03/10/22)
EPISODE 4 – Main Street Revitalization in Hammonton- Cassie Iacovelli
This episode of the Pinelands Podcast features a discussion with Cassie Iacovelli. Cassie Iacovelli is the Director of Main Street Hammonton, a revitalization and marketing organization for the Town of Hammonton. In 1992, Hammonton made a decision to revitalize its Main Street and bring back small businesses and a sense of community to the Town. After 28 years, the program has been remarkably successful and Hammonton has become a model for towns across the area. We explore the advantages Hammonton has had in its effort and the hard work it took to get there. We also discussed the changing demographics of the town and the role the Pinelands have played in the life of the Town. Hosted by Jason Howell
(03/08/22)
EPISODE 3 – Connecting with Underserved Communities – Ivette Guillermo-McGahee
This episode of the Pinelands Podcast features a discussion with Ivette Guillermo-McGahee. Ivette is the founder and CEO of Allies In Caring, Inc., a Hammonton-based nonprofit organization providing mental health counseling and educational services to Latino, deaf and other underserved populations. As a Mexican-born child of deaf parents, Guillermo-McGahee has a deep understanding of the abilities and strengths in people rather than their deficits or illnesses. Ivette is also on the Board of Trustees at the Pinelands Preservation Alliance. Hosted by Jason Howell. (10/22/21)
EPISODE 2 – Ethnic Archipelago – Mark Demitroff
In this episode, we explore some of the cultural history, geography, and geology of the Pine Barrens with Stockton Adjunct Professor Mark Demitroff. Hosted by Jason Howell. Music by Chad Crouch. (9/24/21)
EPISODE 1 – Diversity, Youth and Inclusion in Environmental Education and Advocacy with Charles Johnson III
Our guest is Charles Johnson III. We discuss youth environmental education, diversity and inclusion in environmental advocacy, and the progress that Charles wants to make in the spreading of knowledge about nature. Hosted by Jason Howell. Music – Chad Crouch – Algorithms. (9/8/21)