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Big Blend Radio: Parks & Travel
Ivan Levin - 13th Annual Kids to Parks Day 2023
This episode of Big Blend Radio features Ivan Levin, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Communications for the National Park Trust, who discusses the organization's 13th Annual Kids To Parks Day, held across the country on May 20, 2023.
WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/s8HhNOax8k8
Always hosted on the third Saturday of May, Kids to Parks Day encourages kids and families to get outside and create their own adventure at thousands of local park events and programs. National Park Trust works with cities and towns, teachers, families, park and public lands officials, and numerous sponsors and partners to make these events possible. Get involved here: https://parktrust.org/kids-to-parks-day/
Airing every third Friday, this episode is part of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Series in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: https://www.carrerafineartgallery.com/
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Experience the Parks and Historic Sites of Natchitoches, Louisiana
28:59With National Park Week (April 20-28), Earth Day (April 22), Arbor Day (April 27), Junior Ranger Day (April 27), and Kids to Parks Day (May 18) coming up, this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday "Go to Natchitoches" show is all the various parks, historic sites and trails, and events you can experience in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Featured guest is K. Nicole Connell, Communication Manager of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, who talks about events and destinations such Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Melrose Plantation, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, El Camino Real de las Tejas National Historic Trail, the historic Jefferson Highway, Briarwood Nature Reserve, and Kisatchie National Forest. Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest settlement in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches and its current events at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: http://tinyurl.com/yc8csn8bBernie van der Linde - Must-Do Travel Experiences in South Africa
43:44South Africa offers a unique blend of nature, culture, ocean, and unique thrill-seeking experiences. On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel journalist Bernie van der Linde shares why South Africa is known as "a world in one country," and discusses its diverse landscapes and experiences. Read her article that highlights some of her recommended must-dos when you visit the country: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/must-do-experiences-in-south-africa/ Bernie founded the travel blog https://travelbuddieslifestyle.com/ with her best friend and business partner, Petra, where they share their travel experiences of unique and luxurious destinations. Bernie’s love for exploring has taken her to many exotic locations around the world. Her passion for writing and travel has made her a trusted source of information and inspiration for the discerning traveller looking to explore the world in style. Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Shows with IFWTWA Here: https://shows.acast.com/big-blend-radio-ifwtwaEmbrace Beautiful Whidbey and Camano Islands in Washington State
49:21It's all about what to experiences on Whidbey and Camano Islands on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA. Featured guest is Inge Morascini who talks about the area's nature and outdoor adventures, farms and regional flavors, history and cultural arts, seasonal events, and unique lodging destinations. Located in the middle of Puget Sound, Whidbey and Camano Islands are an easy drive from Seattle. A great antidote for big city pressures, these rural islands feature wide-open beaches, scenic vistas, outdoor adventures, great art, fine dining, and more. See: https://whidbeycamanoislands.com/ For more about the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) visit https://www.ifwtwa.org/Poet Carissa "Lucky" Garcia Goes to Chaco Canyon
01:22:30This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show with the National Parks Arts Foundation features Carissa "Lucky" Garcia, the Spring 2024 NPAF artist-in-residence in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Carissa “Lucky” Garcia is an Indigenous/Chicana writer, performing artist, community organizer, anti-oppression educator and Indigenous Justice advocate. She is a founding member of the La Resistencia publishing press and poetry collective amplifying LGBTQ+ voices of color. Carissa’s storytelling communicates ideas that focus on her experience as an Iraq War veteran, Native American culture, love, politics, and her appreciation for comic books and science fiction. Her work has been featured at the University of Missouri Latinx Graduate Program, Rhode Island School of Design, UMKC Women of Color Leadership Conference, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Flatland KC, Prescott College, Redline Contemporary Arts Center, Dairy Arts Center, Denver Art Museum, and on the streets all across America. Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ Learn more about Chaco Culture National Historical Park at https://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htmParks & Outdoor Experiences in California's Sequoia Country
32:52In 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.htmSharon K. Kurtz - Nature Adventures in Port Aransas, Texas
33:11Celebrate 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/Susan Lanier-Graham - RV Travel in Western National Park Country
48:37From the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone to Devils Tower National Monument and Mount Rushmore, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features travel writer Susan Lanier-Graham, who shares some of her RV adventures through America's Western National Park Country, along with some great advice for those just getting started in RV travel.Susan Lanier-Graham is the publisher and founder of https://www.wanderwithwonder.com, an award-winning digital food, wine, and travel publication. She is also managing editor of North Peoria Lifestyle, and has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles for a variety of print and online publications. Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/Experience The Victorian B&B in Chama, Northern New Mexico
38:23This episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Thursday "New Mexico Bed & Breakfast Association" Show features John & Veronica Bush, owners and innkeepers of The Victorian Bed & Breakfast in Chama, which is north of Santa Fe and just south of the Colorado border. Hear about the historic inn (est. 1880), and what to experience in the greater Chama region including the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the nature and outdoor recreational opportunities, and even some local folklore and unexplained mysteries! Book your stay at https://www.thevictorianchama.com/ Stay New Mexico True and Visit: https://www.nmbba.org/