Virginia Outdoor Adventures Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast

"Everybody has a favorite place in Virginia like a trail, a sunset, a beach, a lake, or a river. Everyone has a place that's special to them and everyone is invested in trying to make sure that it's there for their kids and their grandkids. And that's such a unifier. When you're on the trail with people, you're not talking about politics, you're talking about the joy that you're taking in from the surroundings and that is so powerful. That is something about Virginia and Virginians - the unifying nature of our natural beauty and how it brings people together.” – Senator Tim Kaine

Discover the “faraway nearby” of Virginia’s wild landscapes in an intimate conversation with Senator Tim Kaine, who shares his introspective journey traversing 1,200 miles of our commonwealth by foot, bike, and canoe.

His story is an invigorating blend of history, nature, and community, as well as personal challenges that have enriched his life and helped him stay grounded as a public servant.

Senator Kaine’s humorous recollections, including his trail name 'Dog Bowl' and his affectionately named canoe 'Old Raggedy,' add a lighthearted layer to his profound reflections on a life outside.

We discuss how his new book, "Walk Ride Paddle," is a love letter to Virginia and a call for all of us to connect with nature. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Breaks Interstate Park
Virginia State Parks
 
Advertisers:
Visit Campbell County
James River Association
FarOut Virginia Nature Triathlon
 



Mentioned in this Episode:

Buy the Book, find resources, and view the book tour schedule at WalkRidePaddle.com
Episode 27 Hiking, Cycling, and Paddling the Virginia Nature Triathlon with Senator Tim Kaine (March 2022)
Episode 47 Journey Along the James: Paddling, Camping, and Exploring Virginia’s Iconic River with Charles Johnson, James River Association (June 2023)
Virginia DWR boat access sites
James River Association camping and paddling resources
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“Sarah and I want folks to gain some confidence recreating in the outdoors, especially in our Virginia State Parks, and gain some knowledge on how to recreate safely. That's our big two takeaways. Making sure folks can leave our programs feeling confident enough to do it on their own or tag along with their friends and try to share those experiences and make some memories.” – Diego Riffle, Virginia State Parks

Have you ever longed to conquer the great outdoors but felt a need to brush up on outdoor skills?

Unlock the secrets of Virginia's natural playground with Diego Riffle and Sarah King, outdoor educators with Virginia State Parks.

We'll reveal how the 'Let's Go Adventures' program is making outdoor activities accessible, while also helping experienced adventurers improve their skills.

Diego and Sarah will guide you through hands-on programs like kayaking, fly fishing, orienteering, archery, hiking, and camping designed to instill confidence and ensure your time outside is as safe as it is unforgettable.

We take an inspirational look at the lasting impact of Let’s Go Adventures: a future where the skills learned lead to a lifetime of independent exploration, lasting memories with family and friends, and a deep connection with nature. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Breaks Interstate Park
Virginia State Parks
 
Advertisers:
Visit Campbell County
Wandering Waters Paddle Quest
 



Mentioned in this Episode:
Virginia State Parks Let’s Go Adventures



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“For almost 200 years we didn't have this native animal. It was because of volunteers and people like Jackie with Virginia DWR and their combined efforts with Breaks Park who worked together to restore the area that elk have returned. Visitors are amazed at how big and how majestic the animal is. It's like an entire rainbow of emotions - excitement, joy, I've even had people cry.” – Avery Rose, Breaks Interstate Park

The mountains of Virginia’s Appalachian Plateau echo with a sound not heard in over a century - the bugle of bull elk.

In this episode, Jackie Rosenberger, Elk Project Leader for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and Avery Rose, Elk Tour Manager for Breaks Interstate Park, trace the hoofprints of these majestic creatures from their local extinction to the present-day flourishing population that attracts visitors from around the country and beyond.

The story of elk restoration is a narrative of resilience and ecological triumph that's etched into the very landscape of the region.

Join us for a journey that's not only about the past and present of these magnificent animals, but also about the future they're shaping for Southwest Virginia. Let’s Go!

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Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!


Contribute to My Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge


 


VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:


Virginia Association for Parks


Breaks Interstate Park


Virginia State Parks
 


Advertisers:
Visit Pulaski County
Visit Giles
Visit Wild Buchanan
Breaks Interstate Park



Mentioned in this Episode:


Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Elk Viewing


Virginia DWR Instagram I Facebook


DWR Elk Cam


Breaks Interstate Park 276-865-4413 


Breaks Park Instagram I Facebook


Breaks Park Elk Bus Tour Reservations


Southern Gap Elk Fest Oct 24 - 26





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“As part of the change in economy, we reforested the eastern part of the United States. We have a lot of forests now that are about 100 years old. As the trees came back, the deer came back, as the deer came back, the ticks came with them. And then the pathogens, of course, come along for the ride as well. I think about it from an ecology perspective, that what we did not bring back was also those top predators. So we end up with this ecology of weedy species, like deer, that do replication really well, and raccoons and rodents and all these things that also make excellent tick food.” – Dr. Holly Gaff, Old Dominion University Tick Research Team

How afraid should you be of ticks and tick-borne diseases? 

The distribution of ticks in Virginia is expanding and tick-borne diseases are on the rise. But what is the probability of contracting a tick-borne disease? How serious are these diseases to our health and what can we do to protect ourselves outdoors? 

Dr. Holly Gaff, Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences at Old Dominion University, answers your questions about the complexities of these parasites and their implications on human health. 

Dr. Gaff tackles myths and truths about tick behavior, the expansion of ticks, and the importance of environmental balance. Discover practical advice on how to keep these bloodsuckers at bay while respecting their place in our ecosystem. Let’s Go! 

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Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!
Contribute to My Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge
 
VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Breaks Interstate Park
Virginia State Parks
 
Advertisers:
Visit Giles
 
Mentioned in this Episode:
Connect with Dr. Holly Gaff
ODU Tick Team
Facebook 
Instagram



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“There's a real excitement about Farmville, a steady progression, where we sit on this cusp of what we all think is an opportunistic moment for Farmville to shine. It's a great place to live, work, and recreate. That is our new tag for the town and I think it fits us well.” – Mayor Brian Vincent
 
Welcome to Farmville in the heart of central Virginia. Our guest, Mayor Brian Vincent, takes us on a journey through Farmville, where college town vibe meets small town charm.
 
From our dynamic conversation, one can't help but feel the town's heartbeat through its myriad of outdoor adventures and main street allure.
 
Together, we’ll roam through Farmville’s extensive outdoor rec offerings, including the “Farmville Five,” a list of must-visit state parks near town, uncovering the hidden treasures that make each park a true gem.
 
And speaking of gems, weaving through the core of Farmville is High Bridge Trail State Park, a 31-mile-long rails-to-trails park with the crown jewel being the majestic High Bridge, Virginia's longest recreational bridge. Soaring 125 feet above the Appomattox River, High Bridge Trail is a haven for hikers, cyclists, and history buffs alike.
 
Get ready to add another stamp on your passport to Virginia's Adventure Towns. Let’s Go!
 
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Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!
 
VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Breaks Interstate Park
Virginia State Parks
 
Mentioned in this Episode:
Connect with Mayor Brian Vincent
Appomattox River Company: Instagram I Facebook
High Bridge Trail State Park
Map of High Bridge Trail
Twin Lakes State Park
Bear Creek Lake State Park
Holliday Lake State Park
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park
Canoeing and Kayaking
Boating and Fishing
Hiking and Cycling
Camping
Horseback Riding
Bright Eyes Alpaca Retreat
State Forests
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“I couldn't be more proud. My staff and I have a lot of pride in taking care of these areas and this landscape, because there are so many things to love and there is so much uniqueness. But part of management is balancing the use these areas receive and trying to figure out ways to work with the public, or work with the partners, or work with a volunteer group to help support the sustainability of these areas over the long term.” -Ranger Beth Christensen, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests
 
Embark on an intimate trek through Virginia's Appalachian Mountains with Ranger Beth Christensen of the Eastern Divide Ranger District in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.
 
Beth's stories transport us from the jagged peaks of Dragon's Tooth, a jewel in Virginia’s Triple Crown, to the powerful rush of Cascade Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the entire east coast.
 
Beth’s insights into visitor information and preparing for a hike are golden nuggets for any outdoor enthusiast eager to explore responsibly.
 
Whether you're drawn to the high-flying raptors at Hanging Rock Observatory or the soothing sounds of Dismal Falls, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to Virginia's wild heart and an open invitation to tread lightly, give back, and immerse yourself in the enchantment of these revered spaces. Let’s Go!
 
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Send Me to Podfest in Orlando, Florida!
 
VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks – Parks Advocacy Day
Breaks Interstate Park
Virginia State Parks
 
Advertisers:
Virginia Association for Parks – Parks Advocacy Day
Visit Pulaski County
Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia – Register or
Contribute to My Trailblaze Challenge
Visit Giles
 
Mentioned in this Episode: (Become a Member of VAOA and receive the full list of show notes)
Connect with Beth: Eastern Divide Ranger District I 540-552-4641 I Facebook
New River Valley Master Naturalists
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Poverty Creek Trails Coalition
Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club
Piedmo
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