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

Ever wandered through the Pine Barrens and marveled at its serene beauty? Russell Juelg of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation joins us to navigate the past, present, and future of this ecological treasure.

The debate over motorized routes within the forest sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the balancing act of accessibility and environmental stewardship. We dissect the history etched into the paths crisscrossing the Pine Barrens and the Pinelands Preservation Alliance's advocacy for responsible use. The conversation shifts gears towards the encroaching threat of illegal off-roading, revealing the intricate dance between preservation and the increasing visitation.

Our episode culminates with a hard look at the issue of law enforcement in state parks, zeroing in on the complications of curtailing off-road vehicle misuse. We unpack the constraints that shackle park police, the contrasting approaches of conservation officers, and the educational gaps that leave our natural sanctuaries vulnerable. Russell and I dissect the interplay between rules and their enforcement, proposing a path forward that could strengthen protections for Wharton State Forest

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