Turning Passion into Action for Healthy Lands Week with Amy Hill

“Learning about stewardship and choosing to turn your passion into action is something you can do anywhere and everywhere.”

Our host Marci Mowery welcomes Amy Hill to explore how Pennsylvanians can “Turn Your Passion Into Action” during Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week, with this year’s spotlight on Bedford County. They share how the initiative connects volunteers, families, students, and outdoor enthusiasts with hands-on stewardship of the state’s cultural and natural resources—across state parks, forests, historic sites, and community spaces.

In Buchanan State Forest, volunteers help preserve the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, including an African American CCC camp from the Great Depression. Marci and Amy discuss uncovering remnants of historic camp structures, restoring bridges and stonework, and supporting climate resiliency. These efforts safeguard today’s forest experience while honoring the work that built much of the outdoor infrastructure people enjoy now.

Marci and Amy also highlight projects at Shawnee State Park and other Bedford County locations, where invasive plant removal, trail improvements, scrap metal cleanups, and family-friendly “micro-litter” projects at pavilions all add up to healthier ecosystems. Woody invasive plants will be upcycled into fish habitat structures for park lakes, improving aquatic environments rather than heading to a landfill.

Running from September 26 (National Public Lands Day) through October 4—during Bedford County’s fall foliage festival—Healthy Lands Week invites participants to sign up at pahealthylandsweek.org, volunteer one day, then hike, bike, paddle, or explore covered bridges and local farm-to-table food the next. And while the spotlight is on Bedford County this year, Marci and Amy emphasize that stewardship can start in any Pennsylvania community, all year long.

Key Topics:

What Is Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week? (Bedford County Spotlight) (00:00:38)
“Turn Your Passion into Action” – Personal Meaning and Stewardship Mindset (00:02:21)
How Visitor Use Impacts Trails and Natural Areas (00:03:28)
CCC Camp History, Hands-On Preservation (00:04:42)
Climate Resiliency Projects: Testing Southern Tree Species and Preparing Forests for Hotter Summers (00:06:36)
Stewardship Projects: Vegetation Management, Bridge/Trail/Infrastructure Restoration (00:07:53)
Shawnee State Park: Invasive Removal and Upcycling Woody Invasives Into Fish Habitat Devices (00:10:04)
Wet-Trail Fixes, Scrap Metal Removal, And “Micro Litter” Pavilion Cleanup (00:12:22)
Family-Friendly, Student, And Corporate Volunteer Opportunities in Bedford County (00:15:49)
Event Details: Dates, How to Participate, And Bedford County as A Fall Recreation Destination (00:16:41)

Resources:

Pa Healthy Lands Week: https://pahealthylandsweek.org/
Healthy Lands Week Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealthyLandsWeek/
Healthy Lands Week Instagram: @HealthyLandsWeek

🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well!

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy.

Turning Passion into Action for Healthy Lands Week with Amy Hill

Share Episode

Turning Passion into Action for Healthy Lands Week with Amy Hill