
Hemlocks to Hellbenders
Hemlocks to Hellbenders is an award-winnning podcast hosted by Christian Alexandersen highlighting Pennsylvania’s parks, forests and great outdoors.
Our episodes feature engaging conversations with park managers, forest rangers, scientists, educators, outdoor recreationalists, volunteers, officials and more that help you plan your next adventure in the Commonwealth's incredible parks and forests.
Hemlocks to Hellbenders
Benjamin Rush State Park - Cultivating community through gardening
The definition of a garden is a small piece of ground used to grow vegetables, fruit, herbs or flowers. But it’s much more than that. It’s a community meeting place. It’s an outdoor classroom. It’s an organic food market. It’s a sustainable hobby. And it’s a place to make lifelong friendships.
Ask anyone whose spent time in a community garden and they will tell you how important they are. For themselves. Their families. Their neighbors. And their communities.
As the only state park inside the city limits of Philadelphia, the Benjamin Rush State Park and its celebrated community garden are institutions that are loved and appreciated.
Located in the northeast section of Philadelphia, the park offers much needed open space in this busy area.
We have two guests for this episode that we’re going to be speaking to separately. First is Kaitlyn Gundersen-Thorpe, park manager for Benjamin Rush State Park. Second is Ron Huber, president of the Benjamin Rush Garden Association.
Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:
Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.
Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began in 1999 as a statewide nonprofit organization to provide a voice for the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. They rally volunteers, raise funds, and advocate for these precious lands. Join the movement at PAParksandForests.org to preserve and enjoy our outdoor treasures.
Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.
Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis