Pennsylvania Legacies

Latest Episodes:

The Solution Dec 17, 2021

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Interest in the outdoors skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, opening the doors for big investments in recreation, conservation, and climate. Most recently, billions in new funding for outdoor recreation and alternative transportation are now available with last month’s passage of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. We discuss with Charles Cooper, Managing Director with Signal Advocacy and a Co-Chair of Signal Outdoors.

Rock Talk Dec 03, 2021

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From the formation of fossil fuel deposits to the tectonic ballet that gave us the Appalachian Mountains, geologic events occurring hundreds of millions of years ago made the Keystone State what it is today. These events also created the distinctive regional topographies by which DCNR's Conservation Landscapes program is organized. We explore the links between outdoor recreation, climate change, and Pennsylvania's geological history with DCNR's Kristen Hand.

Power Shift Nov 12, 2021

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With the energy market changing, power-generation companies must reassess their business models. Rather than cut their losses and move on, Talen Energy of Allentown, PA, is looking at ways to keep facilities open by exploring other options for their plants, like battery storage and digital currency mining. We discuss with Julie LaBella, Talen’s Senior Director for Regulatory and External Affairs.

Litter in the Lakes Oct 29, 2021

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The problem of plastic polluting the ocean has been a popular topic for a while. But until about 10 years ago, no one was studying the prevalence of plastics in fresh water. Dr. Sherri Mason, Director of Sustainability at Penn State Erie, was one of the first to look into plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. We speak with her about her research on microplastics, and what it means for ecosystem and human health.

Mastering Watersheds Oct 15, 2021

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The mission of Penn State Extension is to bring the scientific and practical expertise of PSU researchers and faculty throughout the Commonwealth. But even with offices in every county, extension staff can’t be everywhere at once. That’s where master volunteers come in. PSU Extension's Master Gardener program is familiar to many, but did you know you can also train to become a Master Watershed Steward? We talk with program coordinator Erin Frederick.

Policy Check-In Oct 01, 2021

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PEC's Senior VP for Legal & Government Affairs, John Walliser, joins us for an update on the climate and energy, outdoor recreation, and conservation legislation to watch in the coming months.

The Aftermath Sep 17, 2021

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Philadelphia's trails took a beating from Hurricane Ida, and some will take months to recover. Two weeks after the floodwaters receded, we look at conditions along the Schuylkill River Trail with representatives from the City and the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area.

A Ride for Everyone Sep 03, 2021

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We celebrate Pennsylvania Trails Month with a preview of this year's PEC Public Lands Ride and the 11th annual PEC Environment Ride.

Trees for All Aug 20, 2021

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An aerial map of tree canopy in any large U.S. city will also give you a relatively accurate picture of income and racial demographics. With little exception, the more tree cover a neighborhood has, the more likely it is to be wealthy and predominantly white. Tree Equity Score, a new tool by American Forests, helps quantify this disparity. Ian Leahy, VP of Urban Forestry at American Forests, walks us through the process of developing Tree Equity Score, and how it can be used to promote healthier, greener cities.

Protecting Our Plants Aug 06, 2021

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There are 349 rare, threatened, or endangered native plant species in Pennsylvania. The habitats they call home are as diverse as the plants themselves. As the climate changes, new challenges will arise for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the group in charge of managing these habitats and protecting Pennsylvania’s rare plants. On this episode, DCNR botanist Andrew Rohrbaugh discusses what the future may hold for Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable flora.

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