This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast features Jessica Carter, Director of Parks and Public Engagement at Save the Redwoods League, who discusses the 3rd Annual California State Parks Week happening June 12-16, 2024.  Through over 200 special in-person community events and virtual programming, this week-long event celebrates California’s 280 state parks and the people who visit and help protect these iconic places. California State Parks Week is presented by California State Parks, Save the Redwoods League, Parks California, and California State Parks Foundation.  Visit: * https://castateparksweek.org/   * https://www.parks.ca.gov/  * https://www.savetheredwoods.org/  * https://parkscalifornia.org/  * https://www.calparks.org/  Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/  This  episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Vacation Station," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Follow Big Blend Radio's Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In observance of National Rescue Dog Day, this inaugural episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Pet Connection" Podcast is all about Rescue Dogs and Cats with conversations that span from adoptions and volunteering to petsitting and behavioral care.  FEATURED GUESTS - Angela Laws - Cohost, veteran petsitter, and community manager at https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/  - Mabel Lujan - Senior Communications Director at Asheville Humane Society in North Carolina. More: https://www.ashevillehumane.org/  - Steve & Karen Wilson - Pet Parents and Animal Welfare Advocates, and owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina. More: https://www.lion-rose.com/

From the Andes to Patagonia, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou" covers her 17-day sojourn into South America with Overseas Adventure Travel. You can read her stories on her South American experiences on NABBW.org here: * Chile: https://tinyurl.com/5n8caxzj * Patagonia: https://tinyurl.com/33ffa7be When Linda visited Chile and Patagonia, conservation efforts spearheaded by Kristine Tompkins were underway. When her husband, Doug Tompkins, died in a kayaking accident in 2015, she picked up the pieces of their shared dream to purchase millions of acres in Patagonia and Chile with the plan to give the land to the government to create a national park system that would rival the one we enjoy here in the U.S. In this Ted Talk she provides all the details with images of the transformation she is leading in Patagonia and Chile. https://youtu.be/UWothcLpazU?si=pwm6HXxkzWnjcnzM In 2023 National Geographic produced the film "Wild Life" spotlighting Tompkins efforts. Trailer: https://films.nationalgeographic.com/wild-life Follow Linda Ballou's adventures at https://lostangeladventures.com/ and learn more about her books at http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ Listen to Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Show every 3rd Wednesday at High Noon PST, here on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm3Bmktgu8osUzx2VOF35dgO&feature=shared

It's all about Horse Care, Colic, and Common Sense on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associations. Along with being an author and instructor, she is the owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more about Christy, her equine services, and her books, at: https://wdnhorse.com/  The "ABC's of Horses" Podcast with Christy Wood airs every 2nd Saturday. Listen to the latest episodes here: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio celebrates Earth Month and National Poetry Month with Lauren Martin who discusses her book, "Night of the Hawk: Poems" which will be out on May 14, 2024 through She Writes Press.  A powerful and wise poetry collection on shamanism, feminism, and disability, "Night of the Hawk" tells untold stories of the marginalized. Inspired by the Lauren's own experiences as an aging woman living with chronic illness, the poems in this collection will inspire readers to seek compassion and kindness in an often inhospitable world.  LAUREN MARTIN is a psychotherapist, poet, and a devoted Ìyânífá. She lives in Oakland, California. Lauren studied poetry at Sarah Lawrence College. She spent years writing without submitting her work due to a long shamanic journey, which led her to both Ifá, and to the writing of this collection of poems. More at: https://www.laurenmartin.net/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast features Cheryl Leutjen, author of "Love Earth Now: The Power of Doing One Thing Every Day." As a geologist, environmental law attorney, spiritual practitioner and, most importantly, devoted mother, Cheryl understands that most people don’t have an endless reservoir of time, money and energy to devote to Earth-friendly practices. That’s why she wrote "Love Earth Now," a candid, often humorous exploration that reveals her own imperfect journey toward living an eco-friendly lifestyle. Each chapter includes gentle prompts to help readers uncover their own capacity for making meaningful changes, one step at a time. More: https://loveearthnow.us/ Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/

After working in the climate-tech industry for the past fifteen years, debut author Aaron Arsenault is excited to inspire readers ages 9-12 to combat climate change. On this episode of Big Blend Radio, he discusses his climate fiction novel, “The Climate Diaries, Book One: The Academy” (Borrowed Planet Press, April 2024). "The Climate Diaries: Book One," takes readers on an eco-adventure with troublemaker Jax Wilkinson, who is recruited by a top secret organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of climate-fighters. Learn more at https://www.aaronarsenault.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL JOURNEY DOULA podcast with death doula Lea Brovedani focuses on earth-friendly memorials and burials. Featured guest is Alethea Valley, General Manager of the Point Arena Forest for Better Place Forests.   Better Place Forests offers a sustainable memorial within a protected place in the forest for ashes of a loved one to be returned to the earth. Each tree can accommodate more than one loved one and also beloved pets (which is not allowed in traditional settings). The beautiful, peaceful setting is sustainable and safe for trees and the wider forest ecosystem. More: https://www.betterplaceforests.com/   Sustainable Memorials Aligns with Lea's 5 Pillars of Support as a Death Doula: * Spirit - Uphold beliefs and practices * Emotion - Honor feelings * Mind - Life review and gleaning meaning * Body - Increase comfort, health and safety * Practical - Create completions   Learn more about Lea's work at https://souljourneydoula.com/ Follow the podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/b6c9jfnu

From training and setting boundaries to observing body language and building a relationship with your horse, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood is all about HORSE BEHAVIOR.   Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associations. Along with being an author and instructor, she is the owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more about Christy, her equine services, and her books, at: https://wdnhorse.com/   The "ABC's of Horses" Podcast with Christy Wood airs every 2nd Saturday. Listen to the latest episodes here: https://abcs-horses-christy-wood.podbean.com/

In time to plan for National Park Week (April 20-28), Earth Day (April 22), Junior Park Ranger Day (April 27), and Kids to Parks Day (May 18), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on park and outdoor experiences in Tulare County. Hear about the region's giant sequoia trees, waterfalls, and wildflowers, along with picnics and cultural celebrations in beautiful community parks, preserves, gardens, and more.   Located in Central California, Tulare County is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, and charming art and agricultural communities including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake.   Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include Sintia Kawasaki-Yee - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and Suzanne Bianco - Visit Visalia. Plan your visit with these websites mentioned in the podcast: - Sequoia Tourism Council: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ - Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/ - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: * https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm * https://nps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=9f33fa32af394a129b0b548429dced01 * https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/road-construction.htm

Celebrate National Wildlife Week with this inaugural episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz, who shares her experiences at the annual Whooping Crane Festival in Port Aransas, Texas.   Nestled between Mustang Island and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Port Aransas unfolds as a Texas Gulf Coast sanctuary of small-town charm and endless activities. The 18 miles of pristine beaches, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and encounters with diverse wildlife create a haven where the Texas Coastal Bend barrier islands and estuaries play the leading roles. Dolphins gracefully navigate the waters, sea turtles find refuge, and migrating birds paint a kaleidoscope of nature’s beauty. Read Sharon's article about it all here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/discover-the-timeless-allure-of-port-aransas/   Plan your adventure in Port Aransas at https://www.portaransas.org/   Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1ALXeV1vR6H10EtkPvgDW5   Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/ or follow her on https://www.instagram.com/shar_kurtz/

Jennifer McGuinness joins Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" and "Garden Gossip" podcasts to discuss her latest book, "Bird-Friendly Gardening: Guidance and Projects for Supporting Birds in Your Landscape." Releasing in April 2024 through Cool Springs Press, and available on pre-order, it's the ultimate and authoritative guide for cultivating a home landscape that embraces wildlife, specifically catering to a diverse array of native plants that nourish, shelter, and sustain birds. Every individual has the power to significantly impact the lives of thousands of birds, whether they're passing through during migration or establishing a feathered haven for the next generation. Creating a bird-friendly haven for various species need not be an overwhelming task. The key lies in understanding the requirements of our avian companions and recognizing how native plants, coupled with intentional garden design, can fulfill those needs. In "Bird-Friendly Gardening," Jennifer McGuinness expertly presents this knowledge in an easy-to-follow, actionable format. More: https://frauzinnie.blogspot.com/   Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/

The spring desert wildflower season has begun! This episode of Big Blend Radio's 4th Saturday “Palm Springs Sunshine Stays” Show features Kimberli Munkres who represents Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. Hear all about the spring wildflower season including where and how to witness the beauty of these wonderful wildflowers, and the local boutique hotels that have gorgeous gardens to enjoy as part of your "flower powered" experience.   Listen to this past podcast covering outdoor experiences in Palm Springs that includes hiking and cycling, jeep tours and aerial tram rides: https://youtu.be/VF73FQsqev4?feature=shared   Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels is a consortium of independently-owned boutique hotels in the desert resort community of Palm Springs, in Southern California. Plan your visit and sign up for the monthly Boutiquely Palm Springs newsletter at: https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/   Follow this Big Blend Radio Podcast here: https://tinyurl.com/38883u9e   Podcast photo courtesy of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels & Visit Palm Springs.

Welcome to Part Four of our 4-Part Big Blend Radio NATURE CONNECTION Podcast series focusing on Nature Destinations Around the World and Across America.   This episode covers Nature Destinations in Coastal Mississippi and Florida: - LISA EVANS - travel writer and photographer, and author of "“100 Things to Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die.” Visit https://writerlisa.com/ - KATHLEEN WALLS - Travel writer and author of numerous Florida books. Visit http://www.katywalls.com / and https://www.americanroads.net/ * DIANE DOBRY - Travel writer, podcaster, and memoirist. More: https://discoverydaze.com, and https://hungarianaquarian.com/   LISTEN TO THE REST OF THE NATURE CONNECT PODCASTS IN THIS SERIES HERE: http://tinyurl.com/5dkvjyfx * EPISODE ONE features nature photographer and Nature Connection cohost Margot Carrera, who talks about Communing with Nature in Sacred Spaces. * EPISODE TWO covers Nature Destinations from Vermont to California & Ecuador with travel writers Jamie Edwards & Linda Ballou. * EPISODE THREE covers Nature Destinations in North & South Carolina with Steve & Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast, and travel writer Jo Clark.

Welcome to Part Three of our 4-Part Big Blend Radio NATURE CONNECTION Podcast series focusing on Nature Destinations Around the World and Across America. This episode covers Nature Destinations in North & South Carolina: - NORTH CAROLINA: Steve & Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast in Asheville, talk about what to experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Pisgah National Forest, in North Carolina. More: https://www.lion-rose.com/ - SOUTH CAROLINA: Jo Clark, travel writer and photographer, talks about Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, near Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. Follow Jo's blog at https://www.haveglasswilltravel.com/ LISTEN TO THE REST OF THE NATURE CONNECT PODCASTS IN THIS SERIES HERE: http://tinyurl.com/5dkvjyfx * EPISODE ONE features nature photographer and Nature Connection cohost Margot Carrera, who talks about Communing with Nature in Sacred Spaces. * EPISODE TWO covers Nature Destinations from Vermont to California & Ecuador with travel writers Jamie Edwards & Linda Ballou. * EPISODE FOUR covers Nature Connections in Florda & Coastal Mississippi with travel writers Lisa Evans, Kathleen Walls, and Diane Dobry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Part Two of our 4-Part Big Blend Radio NATURE CONNECTION Podcast series focusing on Nature Destinations Around the World and Across America. ON THIS EPISODE: - LINDA BALLOU, award-winning travel writer and author, talks about her experience at Sacha Lodge in Ecuador as well as the natural highlights of where she lives in Los Angeles. Learn more about Linda, who hosts Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Podcast, at https://lostangeladventures.com/ - JAMIE EDWARDS, award-winning travel writer and photographer, talks about her nature experiences in beautoful Stowe, Vermont. Cehck out her article about this sustainable destination on her blog site: https://iamlostandfound.com/best-things-to-do-in-stowe-in-summer/ LISTEN TO THE REST OF THE NATURE CONNECT PODCASTS IN THIS SERIES HERE: http://tinyurl.com/5dkvjyfx * EPISODE ONE features nature photographer and Nature Connection cohost Margot Carrera, who talks about Communing with Nature in Sacred Spaces. * EPISODE THREE covers Nature Destinations in North & South Carolina with Steve & Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast, and travel writer Jo Clark. * EPISODE FOUR covers Nature Connections in Florda & Coastal Mississippi with travel writers Lisa Evans, Kathleen Walls, and Diane Dobry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Part One of our 4-Part Big Blend Radio NATURE CONNECTION Podcast series focusing on Nature Destinations Around the World and Across America. This episode features fine art nature photographer and co-host Margot Carrera who discusses sacred spaces in nature, and how we can energetically and spiritually help give back to nature. See Margot's photography, here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/margotcarrera/?etsrc=sdt LISTEN TO THE REST OF THE NATURE CONNECT PODCASTS IN THIS SERIES HERE: http://tinyurl.com/5dkvjyfx * EPISODE TWO covers Nature Destinations from Vermont to California & Ecuador with travel writers Jamie Edwards & Linda Ballou. * EPISODE THREE covers Nature Destinations in North & South Carolina with Steve & Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast, and travel writer Jo Clark. * EPISODE FOUR covers Nature Connections in Florda & Coastal Mississippi with travel writers Lisa Evans, Kathleen Walls, and Diane Dobry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In honor of World Whale Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Show features global travelers and innkeepers Steve & Karen Wilson who talk about their whale watching experiences in North America and around the world from Washington State, Cape Cod, and Hawaii, to Tonga, Canada, South Africa, and the Galapagos Islands. Started in 1980 by Greg Kauffman, founder of the Pacific Whale Foundation in Maui, Hawaii, World Whale Day is celebrated every year on the third Sunday in February. More: https://www.pacificwhale.org/ Known as "Mr & Mrs Wild of Asheville," Steve & Karen Wilson are the owners and innkeepers of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina. They also cohost Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast every 1st Tuesday. More about The Lion & The Rose B&B: https://www.lion-rose.com/ Photos by Steve & Karen Wilson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In honor of World Pangolin Day, observed every third Saturday of February, this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast focuses on the characteristics of Pangolins, why they have become the most trafficked mammal in the world, and the wirldlife conservation organizations that are working to save and protect them. Wildlife Conservation Organizations Working to Protect and Save Pangolins include: - Pangolin Crisis Fund: https://pangolincrisisfund.org/ - IUCN SSC Pangolin: https://pangolinsg.org/ - David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation: https://davidshepherd.org/species/pangolins/ - World Wildlife Fund: https://www.worldwildlife.org/ - Save Pangolins: https://www.savepangolins.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast celebrates National Western Monarch Butterfly Day by focusing on habitat conservation for these beautiful migratory pollinators! Hear some interesting facts about the Monarch Migration, plus a Big Blend Radio "From the Vault" interview from Sara Dykman, author of “Bicycling with Butterflies: My 10,201-Mile Journey Following the Monarch Migration.” MONARCH BUTTERFLY BOOKS, PODCASTS, CONSERVATION & NON-PROFITE ORGANIZATION RESOURCES as talked about in the podcast: * Monarch Watch: https://www.monarchwatch.org/ * Monarch Joint Venture: https://monarchjointventure.org/ * NWF Spring Gardening for Wildlife: http://tinyurl.com/yfh5zv6z * US Forest Service Monarch Butterfly FAQ: http://tinyurl.com/255v85un * Lake Lure Flowering Bridge: http://tinyurl.com/4dntj5ma * Sara Dykman "Bicyling with Butterflies": http://tinyurl.com/3w4uuf26 * Kim Eierman "The Pollinator Victory Garden": http://tinyurl.com/2s42arcd * Nancy Lawson "The Humane Gardener": http://tinyurl.com/4mzsyfrv * Stephanie Rose "The Regenerative Garden": http://tinyurl.com/55kte7ca * Dr. Doug Tallemy "Nature's Best Hope - Young Readers Edition": http://tinyurl.com/yckup49c * Adrienne Edwards, PhD. and Rachel Schleiger, MS "Firescaping Your Home": http://tinyurl.com/yckwm3cj * Amy Stark "The Fairy Godmother Helps the Monarchs": http://tinyurl.com/53rvdn7d Special thanks to our Big Blend Radio "Nature Connection" cohost Margot Carrera, a fine nature photographer. View her work: http://tinyurl.com/4rruc6h5 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.